Anti-Kremlin rebels declare to have taken prisoner numerous Russian troopers within the metropolis of Belgorod near the border with Ukraine.

The paramilitaries against Vladimir Putin's regime had challenged the governor of the town to fulfill them so they might hand over the prisoners and maintain talks.

However, the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Liberty of Russia Legion stated in a joint assertion that governor Vyacheslav Gladkov "had not found the courage" to fulfill them and they'd hand over their captives to Ukraine.

Russia has blamed Ukraine for current assaults in its border territories, athough Kyiv denies being immediately concerned.

The Russian military stated right this moment (June 4) that its artillery had hit a "terrorist" group close to the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka, including that "the enemy scattered and retreated".

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The insurgent video purported to indicate each captives, though the BBC studies that it has not been attainable to independently confirm their identities.

Gladkov stated on Telegram that he had agreed to the talks if the troopers had been proven to be nonetheless alive, however he thought that they had in all probability been killed.

Later, the RDK posted an extra video showing to indicate much more captives. It stated "neither the military nor the civilian leadership is interested" within the destiny of the captured males.

The legion branded the Russian authorities as "rotten and cowardly" and stated they'd hand over the captives to Ukraine to be exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of warfare.

Ukrainian officers say the 2 paramilitary organisations include Russian residents who want to create a "security zone" for Ukrainians.

The volunteer corps performed a cross-border raid in Russia's Bryansk area in March, whereas the FRL fights alongside Ukrainian troops towards Russian forces.

In his video, Mr Gladkov labelled the fighters "scoundrels, murderers, fascists", however promised to "guarantee safety" if the talks passed off.

The BBC reported that Mr Gladkov has not commented on the occasions for the reason that video, however posted footage of a gathering with regional and federal officers.

Belgorod has seen a spate of assaults lately that included a cross-border incursion final month which Moscow claimed ended within the deaths of 70 insurgents.