March 2024 western Russia incursion

March 2024 western Russia incursion
	Part of attacks in Russia during the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Date	12 March – 7 April 2024; (3 weeks and 5 days)
Location	Belgorod and Kursk Oblasts, Russia
Result	Inconclusive RVC claims incursion until 7 April 2024;
Belligerents
Ukraine Russian Opposition	Russia
Commanders and leaders
Maximilian Andronnikov; Denis Kapustin; Vladislav Ammosov; Rustam Azhiev; "Getotac"	Konstantin Bushuev; Ismail Aguyev
Units involved
Freedom of Russia Legion Sibir Battalion; Russian Volunteer Corps Separate Special Purpose Battalion; Romanian Battlegroup Getica; Supported by:; Main Directorate of Intelligence	Russian Armed Forces Main Intelligence Directorate 2nd Spetsnaz Brigade; ; Russian Airborne Forces; National Guard Zapad-Akhmat; Federal Security Service
Strength
Per Russia:; 2,500 fighters	Unknown
Casualties and losses
1 confirmed killed; 1 T-64 tank destroyed; 1 HUR Mi-24 helicopter shot down; Russian claim:; 650+ killed; 5 tanks destroyed; 4 armored vehicles destroyed	FRL & RVC claim: 651 killed; 980 wounded; 37 captured; 121 pieces of equipment destroyed, 50 pieces disabled;
	1 civilian wounded

On 12 March 2024, during the Russo-Ukrainian War, Ukrainian-backed armed groups launched a cross-border incursion from Ukraine into Russia. They entered Belgorod and Kursk Oblasts and clashed with the Russian military. At least three groups took part: the Freedom of Russia Legion, Russian Volunteer Corps and Sibir Battalion. They claimed control of at least four settlements in Russia, and many other border settlements remained under contested control. The Russian defense ministry denied this, repeatedly claiming it had beaten back the attackers and forced them to retreat, despite continued fighting. The incursion took place during the 2024 Russian presidential election and was one of several cross-border incursions into Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.