**Russian President Visits Kursk Oblast, Marking First Known Trip Since Moscow’s Claim of Retaking Region**
In a move that has raised eyebrows, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kursk Oblast region on May 21. This marks his first known visit to the area since Moscow claimed to have retaken it from Ukrainian forces in April.
The visit comes as Ukraine disputes Russia’s claim of victory in the region. The Ukrainian government says fighting is still ongoing in some areas, while Russia claims to have completed its operation to “liberate” Kursk Oblast on April 26.
During his visit, Putin met with local officials and visited the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. However, the exact date of the visit was not revealed, fueling speculation about the timing and significance of the trip.
**A Region at Odds**
Kursk Oblast has been a focal point in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In August 2024, Ukraine launched a cross-border incursion into the region, aiming to disrupt Russian plans to retake the neighboring Sumy Oblast and draw Russian forces away from Donetsk Oblast.
Russia responded with force, reinforced by North Korean troops, and managed to push back Ukrainian forces from much of the initially taken territory. However, according to the Ukrainian monitoring group DeepState, Ukrainian forces still hold limited positions in certain villages within the region.
**A Mixed Message**
Putin’s visit to Kursk Oblast has been seen as a way for him to show support for Russian control over the region. However, his acknowledgement on April 30 that “remnants” of Ukrainian forces remain in Kursk Oblast suggests that the situation is more complex than Russia’s initial claim.
This mixed message raises questions about the true state of affairs in the region and whether Russia has fully secured its grip on Kursk Oblast. As the conflict continues to unfold, it remains unclear when or if Ukraine will be able to retake control of the area.
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