Russia seeks to project control with Putin’s visit to 'liberated' Kursk region, Ukraine says

RIA Novosti and TASS reported the information about the visit.

"Putin visited the Kursk region - for the first time since the complete liberation of the region," pro-Kremlin media stated.

During his trip, according to the Kremlin, the dictator visited a nuclear power plant under construction, held a meeting with heads of municipalities in Kurchatov, and also met with so-called volunteers.

In addition, he claimed alleged attempts by Ukrainian forces to move towards the border with Russia. Meanwhile, Putin ordered an increase in the demining group in the Kursk region so that "people could return home as soon as possible."

Ukraine's reaction

The Center for Countering Disinformation notes that the reports by Russian propagandists about Putin's alleged visit to the Kursk region are aimed at creating an illusion of stability and complete control. In reality, fighting in the region continues.

"Russian propaganda resources are actively spreading news about Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kursk region. The reports do not mention in any way that, despite the statements of the Russian Ministry of Defense about the "complete liberation" of the Kursk region, fighting in the region is still ongoing. Instead, the publications about the visit focus mainly on the civilian agenda: meeting with volunteers, demining issues, assistance to refugees, and a visit to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant," the statement said.

"Avoiding mentions of the war and focusing on supposedly peaceful life is an information tactic of the Kremlin, which aims to create an illusion of stability and complete control," the Center for Countering Disinformation added.

They noted that with such publications, the Kremlin seeks to hide the real situation on the border with Ukraine.

"Also, such visits are used by the Kremlin as a PR tool to "talk away" losses and failures on the front," the Center concluded.

• Operators of the 413th Raid Battalion of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces struck the Russian Zaslon radar complex in the Kursk direction.