Imagine flying through the skies only to suddenly face a swarm of enemy drones — that’s exactly what happened to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s helicopter recently over the Kursk region.
According to Yuri Dashkin, commander of the Russian Air Defense Division, the president’s aircraft was in the air amid a large-scale drone assault launched by Ukrainian forces.
Increased Pressure After Putin’s Presence Revealed
Dashkin explained that once Ukrainian forces realized Putin was actually flying overhead, their attacks intensified sharply.
“We were engaged in a fierce air defense battle while simultaneously making sure the president’s helicopter stayed safe,” he said.
Thankfully, thanks to coordinated efforts by Russian forces, all the attacking drones were destroyed and the assault was successfully repelled.
Putin’s First Visit Back to Kursk Since Liberation
Just days before this dramatic event, on May 20, 2025, Putin visited the Kursk region in person for the first time since Russian forces regained control.
During his visit to the city of Kurchatov, he met with local municipal leaders and toured the construction site of the new Kursk Nuclear Power Plant-2.
Emphasizing the Importance of Direct Contact
Putin remarked that while military briefings keep him informed, it was crucial for him to see the situation firsthand and speak directly with residents and officials.
This visit was a clear sign of the importance he places on reconnecting with areas recently reclaimed from conflict and overseeing reconstruction efforts personally.