Kursk.. Putin makes a new decision to deal with the Ukrainian incursion

Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to replace the governor of the Kursk region, which is partially controlled by Ukrainian forces.
Putin appointed Alexander Khinstein, a prominent member of the State Duma, as acting governor of Kursk.

Replaced the governor of the Kursk region

“There is a need to manage the crisis there,” Putin said during his meeting with the new governor, adding, “The most important thing is to organize work to help people.”
“We must do everything we can so that all residents of the Kursk region feel that they are part of our big country,” replied Khinstein, who admitted that there was a communication flaw.

The Kremlin noted that former governor Alexei Smirnov, who took over the acting post in May and officially took office in September, left voluntarily.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained that Putin believes that Khinstein can “deal better with this role,” denying the existence of any “complaints” against Smirnov.

Ukraine’s attack on the Kursk region

Ukrainian forces launched a surprise attack on Kursk in August, forcing thousands of Russian citizens to flee the border area.
The Ukrainian army said in November that it controlled 800 square kilometers of territory in the region.

Since August, Kursk residents have taken to social media to express their anger at the lack of warnings about the incursion and the handling of the crisis.