What happened in Belgorod was a great PR stunt by the Freedom of Russia Legion. It is the absolute humiliation of Russia, which cannot protect its border in the war zone.

It is another disgrace of the 3-day special operation that further damages Putin's and Russia's reputation.

Despite this very little is getting through to Russia. The propaganda machine continues to work, and the protests against the war have largely died down. The victims of the meat grinder all come from outside the centers of power.

However, this PR stunt also highlights something essential: There is a path to freedom for the many oppressed Russians.