Ukraine Strikes Deep as Putin Visits War-Torn Kursk

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kursk region near the Ukrainian border for the first time since Moscow declared that its forces had expelled Ukrainian troops from the area. The Ukrainians launched a surprise incursion into Kursk in August 2024, marking the first foreign occupation of Russian territory since WWII. Although Russia claimed to have reclaimed Kursk in April 2025, Ukraine insists its operations there continue, and its troops maintain positions just inside Russia. The incursion was a strategic move by Kyiv to expose Russian vulnerabilities and divert attention from intense fighting in eastern Ukraine. During his unannounced visit, Putin toured a nuclear plant under construction and met with pro-Russian volunteers to reinforce national morale.

Simultaneously, drone warfare has intensified, with Russia reporting the downing of over 260 Ukrainian drones in a day, leading to brief airport shutdowns and internet blocks in various regions. Ukraine also struck deep into Russia, allegedly hitting a key semiconductor plant in Oryol. Despite these developments, the conflict remains stagnant, with both sides resisting ceasefire negotiations and suffering ongoing casualties. Putin also endorsed continued support for displaced residents and proposed a museum commemorating local heroism.