Russia will look for reserves or may call for help from CSTO due to Belgorod region "incident” - SBU Colonel Kostenko

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"I heard information that Russians are going to redeploy one of their brigades to the Belgorod region. I think that the enemy will look for internal reserves somewhere in the Russian Federation, because they understand that the "incident" that took place in the Belgorod region had goals and objectives, in addition to the fight of volunteers against the Putin regime, to pull some part of Russian troops to this territory," said the SBU colonel.

Roman Kostenko added that Russia understands that if some units are withdrawn from some dangerous area where Ukraine may start its active operations, it will pose a threat to the Russian troops stationed there.

"I think the enemy will look for some internal reserves to block that territory. Or they will call on the CSTO to help, because they have attacked a sovereign state and its territory. This is a question for the CSTO members, who understand the complete "mess" of entering this war. Besides, Russia itself does not know where its borders are. It will be interesting to watch this at the geopolitical level, as well as what will happen on the battlefield," Kostenko said.

• On May 22, the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps declared the liberation of Kozinka and Gora-Podol settlements in the Belgorod region of the Russian Federation, as part of their efforts to establish a demilitarized zone along the border. Their advance units also entered Grayvoron. In response, a counter-terrorist operation regime was implemented in the region, and the evacuation of nuclear ammunition is underway.

• On the evening of May 22, Russian media reported attacks on administrative buildings in Belgorod, including the FSB and Ministry of Internal Affairs buildings. Drone strikes on administrative buildings in Grayvoron and Borisovka were also reported.

• By the evening of May 23, the counter-terrorist operation regime was lifted in the Belgorod region. Subsequently, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have allegedly destroyed 70 "terrorists," forcing the remaining ones back into Ukrainian territory. On the other hand, the Russian Volunteer Corps asserted that they suffered no losses.