Yury Dashkin, a Russian air defense official, described a harrowing episode in which Putin’s helicopter was at the center of a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks.

According to Breitbart, the incident unfolded during Putin’s first visit to the embattled Russian region following months of intense fighting near the border with Ukraine. Russian authorities claim that the president’s aircraft was targeted by dozens of Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in what they called an “unprecedented” assault.

Details shared by Russian state media suggest that the helicopter carrying the Russian leader was flying directly over Kursk when a surge in drone activity forced a rapid response from Russian air forces. Dashkin reported that air defenses managed to destroy 46 Ukrainian drones during the incident, ensuring Putin’s safety.

Intense air battle over Kursk

Russian accounts describe the incident as one of the most intense aerial attacks in the region since last year’s Ukrainian counter-invasion. According to Dashkin, the “intensity of the attacks during the flight of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s aircraft over the territory of Kursk Region increased significantly.” The Russian air defense officer emphasized how close the assault came to endangering Putin personally, suggesting this was not a routine engagement but a direct threat to national leadership.

During the operation, Russian forces engaged in active anti-aircraft combat, working to repel the swarm of drones that approached the presidential helicopter. Dashkin stated, “The task was accomplished. The attack of the enemy drones was repelled, with all aerial targets being hit.” He credited the air defense units with preventing any harm to the president or his entourage.

Russian state media and officials framed the episode as a testament to the effectiveness of their military technology and personnel. The Kremlin has long touted the capabilities of its air defense network, but this incident marks one of the rare occasions where such defenses were tested in direct proximity to the Russian leader.

Moscow and Kyiv trade accusations

As news of the attack spread, both Russian and Ukrainian officials provided competing narratives about the scale and intent of drone operations in the region.

Moscow’s Foreign Ministry claimed that Ukraine had launched 764 drones into Russian territory between Tuesday and Friday, pointing fingers at Western governments for allegedly supporting the uptick in strikes. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov directly blamed “some European nations led by the UK, France, Germany, and the EU leadership” for the increased drone activity.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of escalating the conflict with a large-scale assault of its own. On Sunday, Zelensky stated that Russia launched one of its largest combined drone and missile attacks, firing around 300 drones and 70 missiles at 30 Ukrainian cities overnight. Civilian casualties, including children, were reported as residential buildings and university dormitories were struck.

Zelensky used the moment to call for stronger international sanctions against Russia, arguing that “each such terrorist Russian strike is a sufficient reason for new sanctions.” He criticized what he described as international silence, especially from the United States and other major powers, insisting that only determined pressure could bring the violence to an end.

Prisoner exchange and ongoing tensions

Despite the dramatic drone incidents, both sides recently completed the largest exchange of prisoners of war since the beginning of the conflict. The swap, negotiated earlier this month at peace talks in Istanbul, was a rare moment of cooperation amid otherwise escalating hostilities.

Yet, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Russian reports of ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks and Ukrainian claims of Russian missile barrages underscore how rapidly the conflict can intensify. Both governments appear determined to leverage military and diplomatic tools to gain advantage, while civilians on both sides continue to bear the brunt of the violence.

As the war drags on, Moscow is eager to showcase the resilience of its leadership and military. Kyiv, for its part, seeks to maintain international support and highlight the impact of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. The latest incidents reflect a conflict that is not limited to the front lines but reaches into the daily lives of leaders and ordinary citizens alike.

Putin’s safety and future risks

The incident involving Vladimir Putin’s helicopter occurred earlier this week as he visited the Kursk region, an area that has seen significant military action since Ukraine’s counter-invasion last summer. Russian air defense forces, under the supervision of Yury Dashkin, responded to a “massive” drone assault believed to involve dozens of Ukrainian UAVs. According to Russian accounts, the president’s helicopter was never in immediate danger after air forces destroyed 46 drones and secured the airspace.

With Moscow and Kyiv exchanging accusations over drone and missile strikes, the latest events raise concerns about the safety of national leaders and the potential for further escalation. Both sides continue to claim increased attacks, and international observers are watching closely for signs of de-escalation or renewed violence in the region.