"Command is using you": Pro-Ukrainian Russian volunteers court Russian forces

The fighters shared their message, according to the voluntary formation's press service.

The fighters of the Sibir Battalion revealed that they are currently carrying out combat duties in the most intense areas of the Kharkiv offensive.

"We call on Russian servicemen participating in this pointless slaughter. In recent days, you've seen firsthand how your command is treating you as expendable pawns. They continue to sacrifice your comrades along the Ukraine border for the delusional ambitions of an aging lunatic," they emphasized.

The Russian volunteers stress the value of every life and encourage Russian soldiers and officers to defect to their side.

"Surrender and join the ranks of the Sibir Battalion, the Russian Volunteer Corps, and the Freedom of Russia Legion to fight together for a free and strong future Russia, devoid of Putin and his cronies. Many of your fellow soldiers have already made the right choice and surrendered, preserving their lives and dignity. Join us and stand on the side of truth," the volunteers emphasized.

Pro-Ukrainian volunteers explain Russian soldiers advancing in Kharkiv region how to surrender properly

The Freedom of Russia Legion also appealed to the military of the Russian army, noting that the absurd “Kharkiv operation” has already claimed thousands of lives of Russian soldiers. They announced the launch of the “Way of Honor” safe surrender program.

“But you don't have to stay in a nameless forest strip forever. You can surrender and live. You can go over to our side. You have the right not to fulfill a criminal order. We are announcing the launch of the 'Way of Honor' safe surrender program for Russians. We guarantee a safe exit from the battlefield, food, medical care and the right to choose,” the statement said.

They explained that the Russian army soldiers can choose to remain in safety in captivity or to join the Russian Liberation Forces: the Freedom of Russia Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps or the Sibir Battalion.

“Many soldiers of Putin's army, realizing what the command of the Jews is leading to, have already finished their service in the criminal army with honor, surrendering or going over to our side,” the Russian volunteers emphasized.

New battles erupt in northern Kharkiv region

On Friday, May 10, 2024, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine stated that the Russian occupying army had escalated attacks in the northern Kharkiv region. Around 5 a.m., Russia attempted to breach Ukrainian defenses in the Kharkiv region, but Ukrainian Defense Forces responded with fire.

By 11:00 p.m., the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported ongoing defensive battles in the Kharkiv region. Countermeasures are being carried out near Lyptsi and Vovchansk settlements, with the Russian army employing infantry and equipment.

Throughout May 10, 1,775 civilians were evacuated from the Kharkiv region districts that are consistently under intense Russian fire.

The Atesh partisan movement later revealed that Russian military personnel were refusing to attack Kharkiv. Additionally, Russians began displaying new tactical signs on their vehicles, likely indicating a group operating in the north of the Kharkiv region.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggests that Russian offensive operations along the border in the Kharkiv region may aim to draw and entrench Ukrainian forces on this axis, facilitating Russian advances into other areas of eastern Ukraine.