Putin Visits Kursk Amidst Ongoing Ukraine Tensions

Vladimir Putin's visit to Kursk marks the first time he has set foot in the region since the Ukrainian incursion of August 2024. The visit, which included meetings with local officials and volunteers, and a tour of the Kursk-II nuclear power plant, underscores the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine's actions in August 2024 involved crossing the border with drones and weapons, leading to their control of approximately 1400 square kilometers of Russian territory. This event highlights the ongoing geopolitical instability in the region and the strategic importance of Kursk.