Kremlin Accuses Ukrainian Saboteurs of Attack Inside Russia; Why Purported Cross-Border Attack Ups Ante in Ukraine War; Battle for Bakhmut Continues; 😂🤣 Wagner Leader Prigozhin Pretends to be in Bakhmut, is Actually in Village Seven Kilometers Away, LIVE UPDATES and MORE

AP

NY POST: Kremlin accuses Ukrainian saboteurs of attack inside Russia:

The Kremlin on Thursday accused Ukrainian saboteurs of crossing into western Russia and firing on villagers. Ukraine denied the claim and warned that Moscow could use the allegations to justify stepping up its own attacks in the ongoing war.

The exact circumstances of the reported attack in the Bryansk region were unclear, as was the strategic purpose of such an assault. The regional governor said two civilians were killed.

If confirmed, it would be another indication following drone attacks earlier this week that Kyiv may be intensifying pressure against Moscow by exposing Russian defensive weaknesses, embarrassing the Kremlin and sowing unease among Russian civilians.

Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed Ukrainian “terrorists” for the incursion, claiming that they deliberately targeted civilians, including children in “yet another terror attack, another crime.”

“They infiltrated the area near the border and opened fire on civilians,” Putin said during a video call. “They saw a civilian vehicle with civilians, with children in it, and they fired on them.”

The alleged incursion came just days after Putin ordered the Federal Security Service to tighten controls on Russia’s border with Ukraine.

While Russian war hawks have expressed dismay with what they see as Putin’s reluctance to declare martial law and launch a sweeping mobilization of soldiers, the Russian leader’s comments Thursday did not appear to signal any such moves. --->READ MORE HERE

RU-RTR Russian Television via AP

Why purported cross-border attack ups ante in Ukraine war:

Russia has declared that saboteurs from Ukraine crossed into its territory and attacked border villages, a raid that fueled fears of an escalation in the war as it has dragged into a second year.

A day after Thursday’s purported attack, details of what happened remain scarce and conflicting theories about possible perpetrators and their goals are still swirling.

Ukrainian officials have denied involvement and a presidential aide described it as a false-flag attack used by the Kremlin to justify the war in Ukraine.

An obscure group of Russian nationalists who described themselves as part of the Ukrainian military claimed responsibility for the attack, but their status and goals remain unclear.

WHAT DID RUSSIAN AND UKRAINIAN OFFICIALS SAY?

Russian authorities reported the attack on the villages of Lyubechane and Suchany in the Bryansk region early Thursday, saying that several dozen saboteurs infiltrated from Ukraine, killed two civilians and planted explosives.

Russian President Vladimir Putin canceled a scheduled trip to an event in southern Russia because of what he described as a “terrorist attack” deliberately targeting civilians.

Hours later, the Russian authorities said the intruders were pushed back into Ukraine and targeted by artillery fire. --->READ MORE HERE

Follow links below to +++++relevant+++++ and related stories:

+++++Russia-Ukraine News LATEST UPDATES: (REUTERS) (AP) (NY POST) and (WSJ)+++++

++++++General Staff: Battle for Bakhmut continues++++

+++++Prigozhin pretends to be in Bakhmut, is actually in village seven kilometers away+++++

Unable to capture Zaporizhzhia, Russians decide to make another city regional capital

Conscripts from regiment from Russia’s Irkutsk Oblast almost all killed near Avdiyivka

Russians switch from encircling Bakhmut to squeezing defenders out of the city

General Staff: Ukraine shoots down Russian aircraft, helicopter, 7 drones

Nearly 10,000 Russians have contacted surrender hotline in 6 months

Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian military admits withdrawal from Bakhmut on the table, but only if 'absolutely necessary'

US sending bridge-launchers to Ukraine for spring fight

US announces $400 mln in new arms aid to Ukraine including tactical bridges, ammunition

Under the radar, Germany trains Ukrainians on advanced air defense weapon

Russian missile attack's survivors in Zaporizhzhia: ‘Only fascists could do that’

Air Force says it shot down Russian Su-34 aircraft

Two Americans arrested on charges of selling tech to Russia

A year into Ukraine war, bodies dug up in once occupied town

Germany asks Switzerland to sell mothballed Leopard 2 tanks

If you like what you see, please "Like" and/or Follow us on FACEBOOK here, GETTR here, and TWITTER here.