Putin’s uniformed appearance in Kursk is a desperate power move—analyst
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin appeared in military uniform in Kursk Oblast on March 13, as the Ukrainian military continues its operations in the region, political analyst Ihor Chalenko said on Radio NV.
Chalenko believes Putin’s visit serves multiple propaganda purposes.
"First, Putin is trying to frame the situation in Kursk as a victory for the Russian public," Chalenko said. "He wants Russians to perceive a direct connection between him and what’s happening there—to show that the Russian soldier has 'driven out the enemy.' We understand how propaganda will spin this."
According to Chalenko, Putin is also attempting to win over ultra-patriots who have become skeptical of him, especially as Russia prepares for future negotiations.
"This group, which makes up about a third of Russian society, is a weak spot for the Kremlin," he said. "They could turn against him the same way Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin did—though with different consequences."
Chalenko also pointed out the heavy Russian casualties in Kursk Oblast.
"Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russian losses in Kursk have reached nearly 55,000, with more than 22,000 killed," he said. "They’ve also suffered catastrophic losses in armored vehicles and equipment."
He described Kursk as a "black hole" for Russian forces, forcing them to redeploy their most combat-ready units back onto Russian territory and even rely on North Korean reinforcements.
"From a military perspective, Ukraine's operation in Kursk has done its job," Chalenko said. "It has also helped protect Sumy Oblast from a full-scale invasion—there was a serious risk in the second half of last year."
Putin’s visit also sends a broader geopolitical message, Chalenko added.
"Putin wants to show that he won’t easily agree to a deal with the White House or [U.S. President Donald] Trump," he said. "He’s signaling that he’s willing to fight. His military uniform—what they’re calling 'Putin in pixel camo'—is meant to project his warrior image."
However, Chalenko argued that this doesn’t mean Putin intends to fight indefinitely.
"It’s just an attempt to raise the stakes ahead of negotiations," he said. "Talks took place yesterday, are happening today and tomorrow, and then [U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve] Witkoff is set to meet with Putin. On Friday, there’s even a scheduled call with Trump."
According to Chalenko, all of this is carefully staged to set the tone for future negotiations with the United States.
The military war may be swinging in our favor, but the information war continues.
Just as an army needs soldiers, so does a free society need its journalists to ensure that people have access to honest, trustworthy voices to understand the world around them.
For the past five years, The New Voice of Ukraine has been working tirelessly to push back against Russian narratives and defend democracy. But we cannot do it alone.
Please consider supporting us on Patreon for just $5 a month – your donation does directly to supporting journalists and ensuring that this front of the infowar says solid and defended.
Thank you.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
