In a bold cross-border raid, fighters from the russian Volunteer Corps and Sibir Battalion, both aligned with the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, conducted an airborne landing near the village of Kozinka in russia's Belgorod region. The operation involved the use of two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, signaling a high level of coordination and capability.
On March 17, 2024, the units declared Kozinka liberated from russian forces. This assault was part of a wider offensive that began on March 12, aimed at destabilizing russian positions in border areas and stretching Moscow's defensive resources.
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Although the raid demonstrated Ukraine's growing ability to project force across the border using russian-origin anti-Kremlin units, the success was short-lived.
Following intense russian aerial bombardments, Kozinka suffered heavy destruction. By mid-April, the volunteer units had withdrawn, concluding the operation.
This raid marks a rare instance of deep Ukrainian-aligned incursions into russian territory, underlining Kyiv's evolving asymmetric strategy in the war.
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