Russia’s Putin visits Kursk as Ukraine says six killed in missile strike

Ukraine celebrated a rare battlefield success in late 2024 after advancing nearly 1,400 square kilometres into the Kursk region, but President Putin recently visited the area following Russia's ejection of Ukrainian forces. During Tuesday’s visit, Putin met volunteers and inspected a nuclear power plant, marking the first time he’s interacted with local officials since late April. However, the region remains under intense Russian-led missile attacks, as Ukraine reported six servicemen killed and 10 wounded in a missile strike on Tuesday, alongside ongoing drone-based targeting of critical sites like semiconductor plants in Oryol.