Putin's Helicopter Caught in Ukrainian Drone Assault During Visit to Kursk
Russian President Escapes Unharmed as Air Defenses Repel Massive UAV Attack Amid Ongoing Cross-Border Escalation
Russia, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Russian President Vladimir Putin’s helicopter was caught in the midst of an “unprecedented” Ukrainian drone assault while he was visiting the Kursk Region earlier this week, according to a top air defense commander.
The incident was revealed during an interview broadcast Sunday by Russia 1 television.
The visit marked Putin’s first trip to the region since it was reportedly “fully liberated” from Ukrainian forces in April. During his tour, he met with Governor Aleksandr Khinshtein, local officials, and volunteers aiding civilians affected by past Ukrainian incursions.
Epicenter of Attack: 46 Drones Shot Down
Yury Dashkin, commander of an air defense division stationed in the region, stated that the president's helicopter found itself “in the epicenter of an operation to repel a massive drone attack by the enemy.”
He noted that 46 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were intercepted during the assault.
“I would like to stress the fact that the intensity of the attacks during the flight of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s aircraft over the territory of Kursk Region increased significantly,” Dashkin emphasized.
Despite the scale of the attack, he confirmed that air defense units managed to safeguard the president and down all incoming aerial threats.
Russia Reports Over 700 Drones Intercepted in Four Days
The drone strike on Kursk was part of a broader escalation in UAV activity over Russian territory. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, 764 drones were intercepted between Tuesday and Friday alone. The Defense Ministry reported that hundreds more were destroyed during the weekend, indicating a sustained offensive.
Moscow Blames Western Powers, Warns Against Sabotage of Peace Talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov placed partial blame for the attacks on European nations supporting Ukraine. “Some European nations led by the UK, France, Germany, and the EU leadership... bear some responsibility,” Lavrov asserted, adding that these countries are prolonging the conflict through military aid and political backing for Kiev.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry claimed the intensified drone raids might be an effort to undermine US-mediated peace negotiations between Moscow and Kiev. Despite the escalation, the ministry reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to pursuing a diplomatic resolution.
Ukraine has increased its long-range drone operations against Russian infrastructure and military assets in recent months, signaling a shift in its tactics amid a protracted war. Russia, for its part, has responded with intensified airstrikes and countermeasures across multiple regions.
The incident in Kursk highlights both the volatility of the frontline and the expanding scope of the conflict, as high-ranking leaders like President Putin remain directly exposed to the realities of war. (PW)
Source: RT News