Russian President Vladimir Putin’s helicopter was caught in the middle of a major Ukrainian drone offensive during his visit to the Kursk Region earlier this week, a senior Russian military commander has revealed.

According to air defence division commander Yury Dashkin, the attack occurred as Putin flew over Kursk on Tuesday. Despite the heightened threat, Russian air defence units successfully repelled the assault and ensured the president’s safety, Dashkin told Russia 1.

During Putin’s visit—his first since Russian forces fully secured the region in April—Ukraine launched what Dashkin called an “unprecedented” UAV attack. He said 46 fixed-wing drones were shot down during the incident.

Dashkin noted that drone activity intensified dramatically during the president’s flight, requiring simultaneous engagement in anti-aircraft operations and protection of Putin’s aircraft.

Russia claims Ukraine has sharply escalated drone attacks, with 764 drones intercepted between Tuesday and Friday, and more destroyed over the weekend.