Ukrainian drones attacked Kursk region during Putin's visit - Russian air defence fired near his helicopter

During Putin's first trip to the Kursk region in a long time, a massive attack by Ukrainian drones took place in the region's airspace. A Russian helicopter was in the air at the time of the attack.

Here's What We Know

On 20 May, the Armed Forces of Ukraine carried out a large-scale drone attack on the Kursk region of Russia. At the time, the presidential helicopter was in the air, as Vladimir Putin was visiting the region. It was his first trip after the Russian Ministry of Defence announced the "complete liberation of the territory from the Ukrainian Armed Forces".

Russian sources claimed that Putin was in the "epicentre of a massive strike", but the attack was allegedly successfully repelled. According to air defence officials, all 46 drones involved in the operation were destroyed. At the same time, Russia suggests that the helicopter was not a direct target - strikes on air targets require special drones, which are used under certain conditions.

Instead, according to one theory, the Ukrainian side could have used the moment to hit ground targets near the border or perhaps wanted to provoke Russian air defences into a friendly fire. Similar incidents have already occurred, sources recall, including one involving an Azerbaijani passenger plane.

Russian air defences were said to have been able to destroy the drones and ensure the safety of the presidential flight - even from a possible friendly missile.

Source: Defence24