Alexander Bogomaz, the governor of Bryansk Oblast, announced the creation of territorial defense battalions in the region and the recruitment of over 200 individuals on June 16.
Governor Alexander Bogomaz spoke for the first time about assembling territorial defense battalions in the region. According to him, over 200 individuals have been trained in "coordinated actions during emergencies, first aid," and "other skills."
Members of the territorial defense battalions in Bryansk Oblast will be armed. Their goal is to assist border guards, the Ministry of Defense, and Rosgvardiya.
Territorial defense headquarters have been established in six municipalities in the region. They are led by the commander of the 'Bryansk' squad, who has combat experience. His name has not been disclosed.
In the spring and summer of 2023, Bryansk Oblast authorities reported at least five attempts by armed individuals to enter the region from Ukraine. The Russian Volunteer Corps, fighting for Ukraine, claimed responsibility for these sabotage attempts. Regional authorities assert that in March 2023, a 10-year-old boy named Fedya saved two schoolgirls from the attackers. Vladimir Putin awarded him the medal 'For Courage,' and Governor Alexander Bogomaz bought a house for the boy’s family.
Territorial defense battalions also operate in five other Russian regions: Belgorod, Kursk, Voronezh, Pskov, and Orel Oblast.