Putin Inspects Kursk Troops, Celebrates Strategic Gains

KURSK REGION, Russia — In a notable show of support for the military, Russian President Vladimir Putin donned a field uniform for his visit to the command post of the Kursk troop group on March 12, 2025. This marked the first time he has appeared in military attire during such an inspection.

During his visit, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, briefed Putin on the significant advancements made in the region. Gerasimov reported that Russian forces have reclaimed over 1,100 square kilometers of territory in the Kursk region, which accounts for 86% of the land that was previously under Ukrainian control. This progress follows a counteroffensive that began after the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ invasion in August 2024.

In just the last five days, Russian troops have taken control of 24 settlements and an additional 259 square kilometers. The offensive continues as military operations push the remaining Ukrainian forces closer to the border with Sumy Oblast. After receiving this update, Putin underscored the necessity of consolidating these gains and ensuring ongoing security in the area. His appearance in military uniform was interpreted by observers as a symbolic gesture aimed at bolstering troop morale during this critical phase of operations to regain control over the border region.

The counteroffensive in the Kursk area, which commenced in January 2025, has seen an uptick in momentum in recent weeks. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that over 40 settlements have been liberated since the start of the year, including Sudzha, where the Russian flag was raised at the local administration building. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has corroborated reports of significant territorial losses for Ukrainian forces, attributing these setbacks to Russia’s effective deployment of artillery, aviation, and FPV drones.