General Vladimir Putin is back in military fatigues... a response to Trump?

On Wednesday, the Kremlin chief visited the Kursk region in warlord attire, in the west of Russia. 

This is a first since the incursion carried out last August by the Ukrainian armed forces. Vladimir Putin, accompanied by army chief Valeri Gerasimov, visited the region's military command centre, reports L'Indépendant. Dressed in military fatigues, the Russian president has sparked reactions from conflict observers who, on social media, denounce this as a staging. One thing is for certain, the visit in question is a response to Volodymyr Zelensky, who frequently visits the frontlines in war attire.

"Treat them like terrorists"

Putin, quoted by official news agencies, has ordered his army to liberate the Kursk region in its entirety as soon as possible, stating that the enemy soldiers should be treated as "terrorists". "The individuals present in the Kursk region, committing crimes against civilians, opposing our armed forces [...] are people we should certainly treat as terrorists." 

At this stage and according to observers, Moscow has reclaimed 86% of the territories of the Oblast. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian press agency indicates that the Ukrainian troops are busy retreating from the area.

A message to convey?

Could Putin's return as a war general be an indirect response to the ceasefire proposal negotiated by Ukraine and the United States at the start of the week?

(MH with Manon Pierre - Source: L'Indépendant - Illustration: ©picture alliance / Anadolu | Kremlin Press Office / Handout)