Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Kursk region for first time since ejecting Ukrainian forces

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the Kursk-II nuclear power plant under construction, in the Kursk Region, Russia.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the western Kursk region for the first time since Russian forces ejected Ukrainian troops from the area last month. The Kremlin said that during the visit on Tuesday (May 20, 2025), Mr. Putin met volunteer organisations in the region and visited the Kursk-II nuclear power plant.

Russia ready to work toward ending fighting in Ukraine: Putin after call with Trump

State television showed Mr. Putin meeting volunteers and local officials in the region including acting Governor Alexander Khinshtein. Mr. Putin was accompanied by Sergei Kiriyenko, Kremlin first Deputy Chief of Staff. Russia said in late April that it had ejected Ukrainian troops from Kursk region, ending the biggest incursion into Russian territory since World War-II.

Trump announces Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks will begin immediately following call with Putin

Just over two years after Russia’s 2022 invasion, Ukraine on August 6 launched its boldest attack, smashing through the Russian border into the Kursk region, supported by swarms of drones and heavy Western weaponry. At its height, Ukrainian forces claimed nearly 1,400 square kilometres of Kursk.