The Russian Volunteer Corps and the Legion "Freedom of Russia," which have been engaged in combat operations on the territory of the Russian Federation for several days, are already a significant force and will continue to gain increasing political subjectivity. This opinion was expressed in a nationwide marathon by the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov.

"As far as we know, they do not intend to finish anytime soon and will do everything within their power. And as we can see, they have enough strength to, let's say, achieve limited goals. What happens next - we will see in due time," Budanov said.

He emphasized that this story is entirely about how Russians resolve their internal issues.

Regarding the statement by the representative of the "Freedom of Russia" legion that they are ready to "exchange" the village of Tyotkino in the Kursk region for the liberation of the temporarily occupied Melitopol (Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine), Budanov replied that he would be "happy" to do so, but it is premature to discuss such matters.

He also stressed that the Russian Volunteer Corps and the "Freedom of Russia" legion are gaining political subjectivity; they can no longer be considered "formations"; they are becoming a real force. According to Budanov, the number of those willing to fight for a democratic future for Russia will increase; they will unite with various opposition forces and movements both within Russia and beyond its borders.

According to the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Russian volunteers have been fighting on the side of Ukraine since the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation began, they have been in many "hot spots" in Ukraine, so they have experience. He also promised to "try to help them to the best of our abilities."

However, according to Budanov, the actions of the volunteers are unlikely to influence the results of the so-called elections in Russia, as these results are falsified and known in advance. In particular, in Belgorod, which is being shelled, the Russians "invented" a turnout for the "elections" of 75.7%.