Moscow: A Ukrainian drone almost struck Vladimir Putin’s helicopter during his visit to Kursk, according to both Russian media and officials. Putin was on his first trip to the area after Russian forces drove Ukrainians out in April 2025 when news of his meeting with the commander hit. Russian air defense units stopped the drone on time, keeping everyone and their property safe.
Yuri Dashkin spotted a Ukrainian drone in the air along Putin’s helicopter route and ordered its destruction. As President Putin was on his flight, the attack suddenly became more intense, said Dashkin to Russia 1. At the same time, our air defense forces stopped the drones and watched over the helicopter.” According to Russian forces, they downed 46 drones during the incident. No official explanation has yet come from Ukraine regarding the attack.
Russian law enforcement agencies are examining how the Ukrainian drone intruded into Kursk’s sky. They are deciding whether Kyiv wanted to kill Vladimir Putin or just unsettle him. In August 2024, Ukrainian soldiers surprised everyone by invading and occupying the Kursk region. Ukraine challenged Russia’s idea of controlling Kursk by April 2025.
Russia showed its military strength by inviting Putin. He toured the Kursk II plant and talked to local officials and volunteer groups. Russian authorities say that between May 20 and 23, they shot down 764 Ukrainian drones, indicating increased drone attacks.
Analysts suggest that the use of drones in fighting has grown in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. About 30 miles southwest of Sumy, Ukraine, Kursk has faced numerous drone attacks. It has added to the tension between the two nations, mainly because the Kremlin refused the latest U.S. and European ceasefire initiatives.