Putin's Pledge: Regain Control in Kursk

President Vladimir Putin visited the Kursk region in western Russia, addressing military leaders on the strategic need to reclaim the area from Ukrainian forces. Stressing the importance of victory, he described Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk as terrorists and dismissed Geneva Convention protections for them.

President Vladimir Putin made a notable visit to the Kursk region in western Russia, marking his first appearance there since Ukrainian forces seized parts of the area. Donning a military uniform, Putin inspected a regional control center utilized by Russian troops.

Addressing top military officials, Putin emphasized the urgency of defeating Ukrainian forces entrenched in the region. Valery Gerasimov, head of the Russian General Staff, reported that the Ukrainian troops were now encircled, and efforts to dismantle them were ongoing.

Putin reiterated the objective to liberate Kursk swiftly, asserting that Ukrainian soldiers captured in the region would be treated as terrorists. He further clarified that Russia has no plans to apply Geneva Convention protections to foreign fighters allied with Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)