2025-05-25T18:35:36Z

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In a striking development amidst ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, a Russian military commander has asserted that President Vladimir Putin's helicopter was positioned ‘at the epicenter’ of a drone assault on May 20. Yury Dashkin, who serves as the commander of an air defense division, made these claims during an interview with the Russian news agency RBC. The alleged attack reportedly took place in the Kursk Oblast region of Russia, an area that has been of particular interest due to its proximity to the Ukrainian border.

According to Dashkin, who was overseeing air defense operations at the time, the response to what he described as a ‘massive drone attack’ was immediate. “We were simultaneously engaged in an air defense battle and ensuring airspace security for the president’s helicopter flight,” Dashkin stated, emphasizing the critical nature of the incident. He elaborated that the helicopter was effectively at the center of this defensive operation, underscoring the heightened risks involved.

This incident comes on the heels of President Putin's visit to Kursk earlier in the week, marking his first appearance in the region since March. Such visits have been closely monitored as they often indicate the Kremlin's assessment of the security landscape in areas near the conflict.

In a related narrative, former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson stirred controversy in January 2025 by claiming on his podcast, ‘The Tucker Carlson Show,’ that the administration of former President Joe Biden had made an assassination attempt on Putin. Carlson did not provide any evidence to substantiate his bold allegation. In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that President Putin is well-protected against potential threats, adding another layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding the security of Russian leadership.

Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate, with Russian forces launching a staggering 367 drones and missiles at various Ukrainian cities in what officials have described as the largest aerial assault of the war to date. This devastating attack resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, including three children in the northern region of Zhytomyr, highlighting the grave humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a more assertive response from the United States, which has adopted a seemingly softer approach towards Russia and its leadership since the tenure of former President Donald Trump. Zelensky expressed his concerns on Telegram, stating, “The silence of America, the silence of others in the world only encourages Putin.” He underscored that each terrorist strike from Russia warrants a reassessment of sanctions against the country, advocating for a more robust international stance against Russian aggression.

This recent round of violence not only marks a significant escalation in hostilities but also raises questions about the broader geopolitical implications as the international community grapples with how to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

With contributions from Reuters, this ongoing story continues to unfold, revealing the complex layers of conflict and diplomacy in the region.