Putin's Kursk visit: Strongman image amid criticism
Vladimir Putin visited the Kursk region, which had been the target of the Ukrainian offensive that began in 2024. The President of Russia criticised the actions of the local authorities, even referring to them as a "contest of idiots." This was likely a propaganda move to depict Putin as a "great host."
Main points
- Vladimir Putin visited the Kursk region for the first time since August 2024.
- The visit coincided with a session of the United Nations Security Council.
- Putin criticised local authorities for delays in the reconstruction of the region.
Putin's visit to the Kursk region
Vladimir Putin visited the Kursk region, which was the target of the Ukrainian offensive in August 2024. During that time, Ukrainian armed forces advanced, occupying over 540 square miles of the region. It was the first incursion by a foreign army on Russian soil since 1945. In response, Russia mobilised significant forces, including soldiers from North Korea, which facilitated a gradual reclaiming of the area.
Criticism of local authorities
During the visit, Putin met with local officials and workers but avoided direct contact with the military. He criticised the governor of the Kursk region, Alexei Smirnov, for failing to adequately support the residents. He demanded an acceleration of demining efforts to enable the return of evacuated residents.
In discussions with representatives of volunteer organisations, Putin learned that volunteers are striving to restore monuments destroyed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
"If they directly destroy monuments from World War II, it is understandable. This gives us all the grounds to claim that they are people embracing neo-Nazi ideology. Even in a contest of idiots, they would take second place. Why? Because they are idiots," thundered Putin.
Purpose of the visit
Analysts suggest that the visit aimed to bolster Putin's image as a strong leader, particularly in light of the United Nations Security Council session. Russian media portrayed him as being active in the region's reconstruction, aiming to craft a narrative appealing to Russian society. The exact timing of the visit remains unknown. Much information is concealed due to Putin's obsession with his own security.
