Russian President Vladimir Putin’s definition of victory in Ukraine has significantly downscaled since the 2022 invasion, from initial ambitions of regime change and “demilitarization” to more limited territorial goals like controlling the Donbas and holding a land bridge to Crimea.

The commander of the air defense division, Yuri Dashkin, claims that Vladimir Putin's helicopter was "at the epicenter of repelling a large-scale attack by Ukrainian drones" during the dictator's visit to the Kursk region.

The commander of the air defence division, Yuri Dashkin, claims that Vladimir Putin's helicopter was "at the epicentre of repelling a large-scale attack by Ukrainian drones" during the dictator's visit to the Kursk region.

Vladimir Putin has visited Kursk for the first time since claiming to have completely retaken the Russian region from Ukrainian forces, state media reported on Wednesday, as the Russian president attempts to repel international pressure to agree to a 30-day ceasefire on the other side of the border.

Ukrainian forces made a surprise incursion into Kursk in August 2024, before being pushed out by Russian troops nine months later.

The commander of the air defence division, Yuri Dashkin, claims that Vladimir Putin's helicopter was "at the epicentre of repelling a large-scale attack by Ukrainian drones" during the dictator's visit to the Kursk region.

Ukrainian forces are bracing for another major frontline assault from Russia after learning of a large build-up of pre-battle troops in the north east.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has blasted the US government for its "silence" after drone strikes rained down across more than 30 Ukrainian cities and villages over the weekend.