This almost 15 minute long youtube report, for which unfortunately I have inadequate audio, gives a number of fascinating facts and thoughts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67a7OqWvb4Q
1) The Russian rebel force has apparently taken 4 villages between Ukraine and Belgorod. These villages have Ukranian names and the Russians there speak Russian with a Ukraine accent. I suspect the residents are not fighting and are being left alone.
2) There is a river on the north side of a line between the Ukraine border crossing point and Belgorod. Beyond the 4 villages taken already, a branch of the river turns south which puts the 4 villages in a somewhat defenseable pocket. This will make it hard for Russian troops in Russia to attack the Russian rebels. Map shown with strategic notations. With apotentially neutral or friendly population, and a defensible location. This area was a good choice for a tactical probe.
3) A term was mentioned, something like “Belgorod Peoples Republic.” I’m not sure if I remember it exactly, but the point was suggested of an independent small Russian people’s republic, like the ones in the Donbass, but on real RUssian soil. A possible negotiating point/position if we can just get peace talks moving?
4) The point was made that Putin does not use the internet/email, so receiving information and giving orders by him is slowed down. Meanwhile the front line Russian troops, without orders, cut and run leaving their equipment behind for the Russian rebels to add to their supply. They may also be picking up volunteers in the invaded territory to use this extra equipment.
I only watched half this long video, but will return to it later after work today. Others made good points about the tremendous damage possible to do in Belgorod as a prime Russian logistics base. It has also been pointed that Russia will now have to consider basing more troops at many other border locations. How about that 800 mile Finish border and all those nukes in the Kola (Cola?) Peninsula? From this long youtube link, I get the impression the Belgorod region is as vulnerable to outside influences as was the Donbass region. Nice to see the shoe on the other foot.;-)
It is very nice of the Ukrainians to step in and to help liberate parts of Russia from the oppressive Russian regime.
Next up they need to hold a referendum on whether or not the people of the Belgorod Oblast wish to secure sovereignty or perhaps even formally annex themselves into Ukraine.