President Vladimir Putin visited the Kursk region on Wednesday, calling on Russian forces to 'defeat the enemy' and fully liberate the territory, which has seen significant incursions by Ukrainian troops over the past months.

During his visit, Putin stated, 'I expect our units to accomplish all combat tasks they face, and that the territories of the Kursk region will soon be completely liberated from the enemy.'

Putin's remarks come as Ukrainian forces have retreated from parts of Kursk amidst ongoing clashes.

Ukrainian Army Commander Oleksandr Syrskiy announced that his troops are adopting a tactical withdrawal to preserve their forces, stating, 'In the most difficult situation, my priority has been and will remain saving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.

For this purpose, Defense forces are maneuvering to more advantageous positions when necessary.' He described the fighting as 'ongoing' in the suburb of Sudzha, which he noted has become 'almost destroyed.'

Despite the difficult conditions, Syrskiy asserted that the Ukrainian forces are maintaining defensive lines in the Kursk region 'as long as it is necessary,' indicating no complete withdrawal from Russian territory.

During the visit, Putin toured the command center utilized by Russian forces and received a briefing from Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, who informed him that Ukrainian troops in Kursk are now surrounded.

Gerasimov reported to Putin, who was dressed in military attire during the visit, that Moscow has captured 430 Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region.

This marks Putin's first visit to Kursk since a surprise Ukrainian offensive in August 2024, which resulted in Ukrainian forces gaining control over hundreds of square kilometers in the area while Russian troops have made significant advances in recent weeks.