Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to Kursk since Russia said it had fully retaken the region. This comes after Ukrainian forces made a surprise attack last year. The visit was reported by Russian state news agency TASS on Wednesday.
Putin met with local leaders in the city of Kurchatov and visited the Kursk nuclear power plant, which is still being built, according to the Kremlin and TASS. Russian state media showed video of Putin dressed in a suit talking with what looked like local volunteers. The exact date of the visit was not given.
Last August, Ukraine launched a sudden attack into Kursk. This was the first time since World War II that foreign troops entered Russian land. Ukrainian forces quickly took control of some areas.
Since then, Russia has been fighting to push Ukrainian troops out. The Kremlin said North Korean soldiers helped in the fighting to regain the area. Ukraine has been using its resources to keep hold of the land, hoping to use it in future peace talks.
Putin said last month that Russian forces had taken back Kursk and confirmed North Korean soldiers were involved. Ukraine, however, says its troops are still fighting hard to keep their positions.
Last week, Ukraine said it continues ground operations inside Russia. President Zelensky said Ukrainian forces are actively defending the border areas in Kursk and neighboring Belgorod regions.
Kursk is near the Russia-Ukraine border and is important for both sides. Control over this region could affect peace negotiations. The ongoing clashes show how tense the situation remains.
The Kursk nuclear power plant, visited by Putin, is a sign of Russia’s plans for the region despite the fighting. The plant is still under construction, showing Russia’s intention to keep control and rebuild.
Putin’s visit signals that Russia wants to firmly control Kursk. At the same time, Ukraine’s resistance shows the conflict is ongoing. The situation remains unstable and future peace talks will likely include discussions about the region.
