07:42 20-08-2025

Kursk Corruption Probe Tied to Security Failures and Occupation

Zеlеnskiу / Оfficiаl / Telegram

An investigation into Kursk border defense funds names ex-governor Alexey Smirnov, citing weakened security that contributed to Ukraine’s temporary occupation of the region.

An investigation into embezzlement and misuse of funds allocated for building defensive structures on the Russian-Ukrainian border has revealed factors that directly affected the security of the Kursk region.

The case names former Kursk governor Alexey Smirnov and his ex-deputy Alexey Dedov as key defendants. Investigators stated that their actions caused not only financial losses to Russia but also weakened the region’s defenses, which in turn contributed to the temporary occupation of parts of Kursk region by Ukrainian forces.

The inquiry is ongoing, with law enforcement working to identify all members of the alleged criminal scheme. Current efforts focus on uncovering accomplices and documenting further episodes of unlawful activity tied to the organized group.

On August 6, 2024, Ukrainian troops crossed into Kursk region, after which the Russian Defense Ministry reported clashes in border areas. Later, on April 26, 2025, Chief of the Russian General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov informed President Vladimir Putin that Russian forces had fully retaken the region.