MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 02nd August, 2023) Russia is handing out weapons to its territorial defense forces stationed in the border region of Belgorod as Ukraine assaults these territories, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday, adding that the procedure is in line with Russian law.
Earlier in the day, a Sputnik correspondent reported that eight territorial defense battalions received small arms, combat digital radios, quadcopters, anti-drone rifles as well as new pickup trucks. Before obtaining the weaponry, the fighters underwent firearms and psychological training.
"The main thing here is that everything is done, first of all, in strict accordance with the law ... (The arming) is taking place because of the situation on the ground in this region, the border region. And this measure is necessary against the backdrop of attacks that are being carried out from the territory of Ukraine," Peskov told reporters.
The weapons are distributed in a controlled manner, the spokesman said, adding that there is no doubt the authorities have all the necessary checks in place.
Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that the lower house of the Russian parliament is currently reviewing a bill that would facilitate the procedure of arming territorial defense forces.
Self-defense battalions were formed in the Belgorod Region at the governor's initiative in 2022 and currently comprise 2,092 people. The senior personnel were selected from veterans of Russian security agencies with combat experience.
Russia's Kursk Region, also bordering Ukraine, will arm its self-defense militia units with assault weapons as well, following "several months" of deliberations, its governor said.
"Today I can say that the mechanism (for handing out weapons) has been found. I would like to emphasize that we have created all conditions for (their) storage. The first batch has already arrived at the base," Roman Starovoit wrote on Telegram, adding that the number of firearms at militia's disposal will be increased to 300 soon.
He added that armed members of self-defense militias will assist various Russian security agencies.
The Kursk Region started forming territorial defense units in December 2022, with as many as 3,000 people currently in their ranks, the governor said. The self-defense militia patrol streets, protect utility infrastructure and ensure fire safety in areas with no fire departments.
