Russian President Vladimir Putin visited troops in the Kursk region, marking his first trip since an unexpected Ukrainian cross-border attack in August 2024. The Kremlin announced that Russian forces have liberated several areas from Ukrainian control. Defense Chief Valery Gerasimov reported the capture of 430 Ukrainian soldiers, who, according to Putin, will be treated as ‘terrorists’. Ukrainian military officials stated that operations in Kursk will continue as necessary, emphasizing the lives of their soldiers while hinting at tactical repositioning.