The Freedom of Russia Legion is a military unit composed of Russian defectors, volunteers, and anti-Kremlin fighters operating under the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It was formed in March 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and consists of Russian citizens who oppose Vladimir Putin’s government and seek to overthrow it.
The legion has participated in combat operations against Russian forces, primarily in Eastern Ukraine. In addition to fighting on the frontlines, it has been involved in cross-border raids into Russia, particularly in the Belgorod region, aiming to destabilize the Russian regime and encourage domestic resistance.
The group is a frequent target of Russian state propaganda, which labels its members as traitors and terrorists. However, the legion claims to fight for a democratic and free Russia, positioning itself as an armed resistance movement against Putin’s rule.
