In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state owned Sputnik agency, Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin (L) attends a remote meeting with Kursk Region Governov, Alexei Smirnov via video call in Moscow, on August 8, 2024. Russian forces are still facing a major incursion by Ukrainian troops on their soil, in the Kursk border region, on August 8, 2024, an unexpected setback for the Kremlin whose army was to its advantage until then on the front. (Photo by Gavriil GRIGOROV / POOL / AFP) / Editor’s note : this image is distributed by Russian state owned agency Sputnik
