Vladimir Putin’s forces were caught red-handed during the Ukrainian invasion of Kursk while committing a looting spree in their own country.

The Russian “defenders” took advantage of the chaos caused by the spectacular border breach by Kiev forces almost two weeks ago to steal goods from a mobile phone store.

Shocking surveillance footage shows a quartet of Moscow soldiers helping themselves to a MegaFon store in the front-line town of Glushkovo.

At least three of the four are said to belong to the Chechen elite unit Akhmat, which was partly responsible for defending the border near Kursk.

They force their way in by breaking a window and then spend over five minutes breaking open display cases and filling their bags with technology.

The gang smashed glass display cases and looted the store’s goods before breaking open a storage room door with a fire extinguisher.

A man steps through the glass display case to steal the technology inside

You can see a fighter rummaging through the drawers under the cabinets

A soldier tries to break open the door to the storage room with a stool.

Finally, one of the fighters notices the surveillance camera and smashes it

Later, the group is seen trying to break into a storage room where they suspect more phones are hidden.

They repeatedly hit the lock with a fire extinguisher and then kick the door in vain.

Eventually they manage to punch a hole in the door and seem to be about to open it when one of the group notices the security camera.

The video recording ends abruptly when one of the fighters smashes the camera.

Regional government official Roman Alekhine claimed that all the intruders were members of the Akhmat unit, which is loyal to Putin ally Ramzan Kadyrov, Chechnya’s strongman ruler.

The looters “have first and last names” and should be held personally accountable, Alekhin said.

He said: “Any scum who wears the uniform of a Russian soldier, has sworn the oath and then steals or destroys the property of a Russian citizen, regardless of his nationality, must be held accountable in accordance with the laws of war.”

“Two of the villains are already being brought to justice.”

“They not only stole the uniform of our fighters – our Russian military – but also dishonored it.”

“One can only hope that there are commanders who will help restore order,” he concluded.

While outrage over the behavior of Russian troops grows, Ukrainian forces continue to exploit their position in Kursk.

The bridge over the Seym River in Zvannoe – near the Ukrainian border – was considered a key supply route for Russian forces seeking to repel the Ukrainian advance before it was destroyed yesterday in a spectacular attack by Kiev troops.

The bridge is said to be located over the Seym River in Zvannoe – near the Ukrainian border. It is believed that the bridge was used by Russian forces to supply their troops.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the goals of the military invasion of Kursk included creating a “buffer zone” to stop Russian attacks.

Almost two weeks after the invasion of Russia began, the BBC reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said one of the goals of the military invasion of Kursk was to create a “buffer zone” to stop Russian attacks.

But Zelensky claimed Britain’s support for the war had “waned” as he called for restrictions on the use of donated weapons on Russian territory to be lifted over the weekend.

A British government spokesman said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer continued to support Ukraine “unwaveringly” and that this stance had not changed since the Russian invasion.

The government had previously expressed its support for Ukraine’s “clear right to self-defence against Russia’s illegal attacks” as long as these were in line with international humanitarian law. At the same time, it stressed that the equipment supplied by the UK was intended for the defence of Ukraine.

Since August 6, Ukrainian forces have been involved in a military invasion of the Russian region of Kursk. The aim, as Zelenskyy announced on Sunday evening, is to create a buffer zone to prevent further attacks from Moscow across the border.

So far, the United Kingdom has pledged £12.5 billion in support to Ukraine since February 2022, including £7.6 billion in military assistance. This includes £3 billion in military assistance in 2024/25.

In a post to X, Mr. Zelesnky said: “We are doing everything possible to equip our warriors with the necessary weapons and reinforcements.”

“It is critical that our partners remove the barriers that prevent us from weakening the Russian position in the way that this war requires.”

“Long-range capabilities are the answer to the most critical strategic questions of this war.”

“The courage of our soldiers and the resilience of our combat brigades compensate for the lack of essential decisions by our partners.”

“We could deprive the occupiers of any opportunity to advance and cause destruction if our long-range capabilities were sufficient.”

A Ukrainian tank near the Russian border. Since August 6, Ukrainian forces have invaded the Russian Kursk region.

A government spokesman said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remained “unwavering” in his support for Ukraine and that this position had not changed since Russia invaded.

He added: “Throughout the war we have seen Britain demonstrate true leadership – with weapons, policy and support for Ukrainian society. This has saved thousands of lives and reflects the strength of Britain.”

“Unfortunately, the situation has slowed down recently. We will discuss how to fix this, because our long-range capabilities are crucial for us. The whole world sees how effective the Ukrainians are – how our entire nation is defending its independence.”

A government spokesman said the prime minister had “made it clear that British support for Ukraine was unwavering”.

They said: “That is why, in his first week in office, he pledged to give Ukraine £3 billion a year in support for as long as it is needed.”

“Within hours of this government’s election, the delivery of further lethal aid to Kyiv was also accelerated, adding to the £12 billion of British support already pledged and ensuring that vital military equipment reaches Ukrainian soldiers on the front line.”

The new package of lethal aid for Ukraine includes a quarter of a million .50-caliber ammunition, 90 Brimstone anti-tank missiles, 50 small military boats, 40 mine-clearing vehicles and 10 AS-90 artillery pieces.

The Ukrainian armed forces have also received 61 bulldozers from the UK, as well as support for previously donated AS-90s.