Ukraine war: Putin’s visit to Kursk highlights Russia’s efforts to regain control

South China Morning PostWednesday, May 21, 2025 at 9:44:52 AM

** Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first trip to the Kursk region since Moscow claimed to have pushed out Ukrainian forces—a victory Kyiv disputes. The visit underscores Russia’s push to reinforce control over contested areas, even as both sides trade conflicting narratives about battlefield gains.

What This Means: ** Putin’s stop in Kursk isn’t just a photo op—it’s a strategic move to project strength and legitimize Russia’s shaky claims in the region. With Ukraine denying Russia’s version of events, this highlights how the information war is just as critical as the fighting on the ground. For locals and observers, it’s another reminder that the conflict’s fog of war shows no sign of lifting.

— Curated via WP Now’s AI editorial system

** Russia-Ukraine war

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