Putin visits Kursk amid rising cross-border tensions

President Vladimir Putin made a significant visit to Russia's Kursk region on Tuesday, marking his first trip there since Russian forces expelled Ukrainian troops from the area in April. This visit follows Ukraine’s unprecedented incursion into Kursk in August 2024, during which Ukrainian forces briefly held about 1,400 square kilometers—the first occupation of Russian territory by a foreign military since World War II.

Since late 2023, Russia has regained momentum in the ongoing conflict, with the exception of the temporary Ukrainian control in Kursk. During his visit, Putin met with volunteer organizations and inspected a nuclear power plant. He was accompanied by top Kremlin official Sergei Kiriyenko and the region's acting governor, Alexander Khinshtein.

Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate. Ukraine's national guard reported on Wednesday that a missile strike killed six soldiers and wounded ten more on Tuesday. The Ukrainian military confirmed that an internal investigation is underway, and the commander involved has been suspended.

Russia’s defense ministry acknowledged the missile attack, stating it targeted a Ukrainian special forces training camp using Iskander missiles. Aerial footage released by Moscow shows a fire and smoke rising from the impact site.

In the past 12 hours, Russia claims to have intercepted 159 Ukrainian drones aimed at various regions, including Moscow. Most of the drones targeted border areas and were launched between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Ukraine, on the other hand, confirmed a successful drone attack on a semiconductor device plant in Russia’s Oryol region, which allegedly supports the production of Iskander and Kinzhal missiles. Ten drones reportedly reached the site, triggering a fire.

These developments come amid intensified diplomatic efforts. A recent phone call between Putin and US President Donald Trump did not result in a ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, European diplomats continue to urge Moscow to consider a truce. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of prolonging the conflict, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expects Russia to present a ceasefire proposal within days.