Vladimir Putin's Helicopter Survives Major Drone Attack During Kursk Visit

In a dramatic turn of events, Russian President Vladimir Putin's helicopter was caught in the midst of a significant Ukrainian drone offensive during his visit to the Kursk Region. Military officials reported that air defense units successfully repelled the attack, ensuring the President's safety. This incident highlights the escalating drone warfare between Russia and Ukraine, with reports indicating a surge in UAV assaults. Read on to learn more about the details of this close call and the ongoing conflict.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2025, 20:53 IST

Putin's Close Call Amidst Drone Assault

Moscow: During his inaugural visit to the recently liberated Kursk Region, Russian President Vladimir Putin's helicopter found itself at the center of a significant Ukrainian drone offensive, as disclosed by a Russian military official.

Yury Dashkin, a commander of the air defense division, reported in an interview with a local media channel that the region's air defense units successfully thwarted the attack, ensuring the President's safety.

Dashkin noted that Putin's helicopter was caught in the midst of a large-scale operation aimed at countering a drone assault from Ukraine.

On Tuesday, during his first visit to Kursk since its liberation from Ukrainian forces in April, Putin engaged with Governor Aleksandr Khinshtein and local leaders, as well as volunteers assisting those impacted by the conflict, according to Kremlin sources.

At that moment, Ukraine initiated an unprecedented UAV attack on the area, but Dashkin confirmed that Russian air defenses managed to intercept 46 incoming fixed-wing drones.

He emphasized that the frequency of attacks increased significantly while the President's aircraft was in the air.

The air defense units were tasked with simultaneously engaging in anti-aircraft operations while ensuring the safety of Putin's helicopter, a mission they accomplished successfully, with all aerial threats neutralized.

Reports from Russia indicate that Ukraine has ramped up its drone operations within the country over the past week. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow stated that 764 drones were intercepted over Russian airspace from Tuesday to Friday, with hundreds more reportedly destroyed over the weekend.