Ukraine denied involvement in an incursion into Russian territory on Monday.
“Ukraine is watching the events in the Belgorod region of Russia with interest and is studying the situation, but it has nothing to do with it,” said presidential advisor Mikhaylo Podolyak. Ukraine has previously denied responsibility for multiple reported acts of sabotage on Russian soil.
Russia previously stated that a group of saboteurs had crossed into Belgorod region from Ukraine and that Russian forces and agents were attempting to “eliminate” them. Podolyak suggested that “guerrilla groups” in Russia could be to blame.
“The sole political force in a totalitarian nation with tightened screws is always an armed guerrilla movement,” he said.
“As you know, tanks are sold at any Russian military store, and underground guerrilla groups are composed of Russian citizens.”
Russia has asserted that Ukraine’s incursion was intended to “divert attention from Bakhmut” after Moscow claimed to have occupied the city over the weekend, a claim Kyiv denied.