Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the command post of the Kursk group of troops, appearing before the military in field uniform for the first time. During the visit, which took place on March 12, 2025, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov reported to the head of state on significant successes in the region. According to him, Russian troops have liberated over 1100 square kilometers of the Kursk region, which is 86% of the territory previously under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This result was the result of the counteroffensive that unfolded after the invasion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in August 2024.

In the last five days alone, 24 settlements and 259 square kilometers have come under Russian control. The military continues its offensive, pushing the remnants of Ukrainian forces to the border with Sumy Oblast. Putin, after hearing the report, emphasized the importance of consolidating the achieved positions and ensuring the security of the region. His appearance in military uniform, as observers note, was a symbolic gesture of support for the army in the key phase of the operation aimed at restoring control over the border area.

The counteroffensive in the Kursk region began in January 2025 and has accelerated in recent weeks. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, more than 40 settlements have been liberated since the beginning of the year, including Sudzha, where the Russian flag was raised at the administration building. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) confirms that the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost most of the captured territories due to Russia's effective use of artillery, aviation, and FPV drones.