Putin’s Helicopter Reportedly at Center of Ukrainian Drone Attack in Kursk Oblast
A senior Russian military commander has claimed that President Vladimir Putin’s helicopter was “at the epicentre” of a Ukrainian drone attack during a recent visit to Russia’s Kursk Oblast on May 20. The statement was made by Yury Dashkin, commander of an air defence division, and reported by Russian news agency RBC on May 25.
“We were simultaneously engaged in an air defence battle and ensuring airspace security for the president’s helicopter flight,” Dashkin said. “The helicopter was effectively at the epicentre of the response to the massive drone attack.”
Putin’s visit marked his first known trip to Kursk since Russian forces retook large portions of the region from Ukrainian control in March, following a Ukrainian cross-border incursion that began in August 2024. Ukrainian analysts suggest the statement may be intended to boost domestic support for the Russian president by highlighting his proximity to frontline developments.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began in February 2022, has become the largest European war since World War II. Recently, President Putin expressed readiness to work toward ending the conflict after speaking with U.S. President Donald Trump. However, while Russia has proposed setting terms for a ceasefire, Ukraine, along with its Western allies, continues to push for an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to pave the way for peace negotiations.
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