Putin Helicopter Attack: Assassination Attempt or Misinformation?

Alleged Assassination Attempt on Putin in Kursk Oblast Sparks Controversy On May 26, 2025, reports emerged of a possible assassination attempt on Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Kursk Oblast. The incident, allegedly involving a drone attack near Putin's helicopter, has ignited a firestorm of speculation and conflicting accounts. Yuri Dashkin, commander of a Russian air defense division, stated that the incident occurred between May 20th and 22nd, during which time "the territory of Russia was attacked by drones." However, the Kremlin's messaging has been vague, fueling suspicions among some. A Telegram channel, "Kremlin Tabakerka," has suggested that the incident was a staged assassination attempt by "internal enemies" of Russia. This claim, however, lacks concrete evidence. Abbas Galyamov, a political scientist, expressed skepticism on a news program, stating, "It's really unclear what happened. Did he himself repel the attack?" His comments highlight the lack of clarity surrounding the event. While the FSB and FSO reportedly received signals about a potential assassination attempt, none received sufficient confirmation. The conflicting accounts and lack of definitive proof leave the true nature of the incident shrouded in mystery, highlighting the volatile political climate in Russia.