Thu Mar 13 08:48:58 UTC 2025: ## Putin Visits Kursk, Orders Swift Defeat of Ukrainian Forces, Labels Captured Soldiers as Terrorists
**Kursk, Russia** – Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to the Kursk region, his first since Ukrainian forces reportedly gained ground there. Appearing in military attire on state television, Putin visited a regional military control center and demanded the swift expulsion of Ukrainian troops.
Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov briefed Putin, claiming Ukrainian forces in the region are now encircled and undergoing “systematic destruction.” Putin echoed this, urging a complete liberation of the Kursk region as quickly as possible.
Significantly, Putin declared that Ukrainian soldiers captured in Kursk should be treated as terrorists, extending this designation to foreign fighters on Ukraine’s side. He stated that Russia will not extend the protections of the Geneva Conventions to these individuals, citing alleged crimes against civilians. The visit and statements highlight the escalating conflict in the region and a hardening of Russia’s stance towards Ukrainian combatants.
First Piper 