Putin’s First Visit to Kursk Since Ukraine Cross-Border Raid

Putin’s First Visit to Kursk Since Ukraine Raid

Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first trip to the Kursk region since Russia claimed to have expelled Ukrainian forces from the area in April.

The Kremlin announced on Wednesday that Putin visited Kursk, which lies on the border with Ukraine, the day before.

Background on the Raid

Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion into Kursk in August 2024. This was the largest cross-border raid by Ukrainian forces in the nearly 2 ½-year war. Russian troops eventually pushed them out nine months later. While Ukraine has not officially confirmed its withdrawal from the region, Russia maintains that it successfully repelled the incursion.

Putin’s Activities in Kursk

During his visit, Putin toured Kursk Nuclear Power Plant-2, which is still under construction. He also held a closed-door meeting with selected volunteers. Furthermore, Putin assured acting Governor Alexander Khinshtein that the Kremlin supports the continuation of monthly payments to displaced families who are still unable to return home.

Addressing Discontent Among Residents

This move comes after disgruntled residents staged rare organized protests expressing their dissatisfaction over a lack of adequate compensation.

Russia’s Defense Claims

Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported that its air defenses had intercepted 159 Ukrainian drones across the country overnight. They said 53 drones were shot down over the Oryol region and 51 over the Bryansk region.