Editor's note : this image is distributed by Russian state owned agency Sputnik
In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state owned Sputnik agency President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with Security Council permanent members on the situation in the Kursk region, in his residence outside Moscow on August 9, 2024. Russia said Friday it was moving more troops and weapons to the western Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have been mounting a major cross-border assault for four days. (Photo by Aleksey Babushkin / POOL / AFP) / Editor's note : this image is distributed by Russian state owned agency Sputnik