Putin blasts "Contest of idiots" in Kursk region visit
Vladimir Putin visited the Kursk region, the site of a Ukrainian offensive launched in 2024. The Russian President criticized the actions of local authorities, even using the term "contest of idiots." This was most likely a propaganda move to demonstrate Putin as a "great host."
Main information
- Vladimir Putin visited the Kursk region for the first time since August 2024.
- The visit coincided with a UN Security Council meeting.
- Putin criticized local authorities for their sluggishness in rebuilding the region.
Putin's visit to the Kursk region
Vladimir Putin appeared in the Kursk region, which was the target of a Ukrainian offensive in August 2024. In that month, Ukrainian armed forces conducted an offensive, occupying over 540 square miles of territory in the Kursk region. This was the first invasion of foreign troops onto Russian territory since 1945. In response, Russia mobilized considerable forces, including soldiers from North Korea, allowing for the gradual recovery of the area.
Criticism of local authorities
During the visit, Putin met with local officials and workers, avoiding direct contact with the military. He criticized the governor of the Kursk region, Alexey Smirnov, for insufficient efforts on behalf of the residents. He demanded the acceleration of demining efforts to enable the return of evacuated residents.
During discussions with representatives of volunteer organizations, Putin heard that volunteers are trying to restore monuments damaged by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
"If they directly destroy monuments from World War II, it is understandable. It gives us every reason to claim that they are people who adhere to a neo-Nazi ideology. They would take second place even in a contest of idiots. Why? Because they are idiots," Putin thundered.
Purpose of the visit
Analysts suggest that the visit aimed to strengthen Putin's image as a strong leader, especially in light of the upcoming UN Security Council meeting. Russian media portrayed him as committed to rebuilding the region to shape a narrative directed at Russian society. The exact timing of the visit remains unknown. Many details are kept secret due to Putin's obsession with his own safety.
