Russia: Russian authorities report armed clashes in Sushany and Liubechane, Bryansk Oblast, March 2

Event

Russian officials state that armed clashes are ongoing around the villages of Sushany and Liubechane, Bryansk OBlast, March 2. The villages are located on the border with northern Ukraine. Russian media sources allege that Ukrainian saboteurs targeted the areas with mortar fire and drone attacks before entering Sushany and Liubechane, where they took local hostages and are engaged in ongoing clashes with Russian security services.

Russian authorities have deployed a heavily increased security presence in the affected areas in response to the alleged threat; tight security measures, including movement restrictions, will likely persist over the coming days.

Context

The villages of Sushany and Liubechane are on the border with Ukraine's northern Chernihiv Region. This area has been the line of contact between Ukrainian and Russian forces in the ongoing conflict for several months and is subject to extremely tight security measures as a result.

Since the beginning of the conflict, several explosions have been reported on Russian territory in the border area, which Russian officials have attributed to Ukrainian forces. However, this would be the first armed clash on Russian territory since the beginning of the conflict. Reporting on the alleged March 2 attacks currently stems from Russian state-controlled media sources only and cannot be independently verified. If confirmed, such an incident would mark a significant escalation; true or not, Moscow could use the event to justify further escalation in Ukraine. Unconfirmed reports indicate the Security Council of Russia will hold an emergency meeting over the alleged attacks.

Advice

Avoid travel to areas near the border with Ukraine; consider leaving these areas by available ground transport if available. Strictly heed all instructions from local security personnel, especially when instructed to seek refuge. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.