Law enforcement authorities in southwestern Russia’s Kursk region conducted a search at the business of a regional lawmaker in connection with reported defense failures exploited by Ukrainian forces during a cross-border incursion this summer. Ukrainian forces breached two lines of defensive fortifications in the Kursk region on Aug. 6, undermining years of construction efforts costing 15 billion rubles.
Maxim Vasilyev, the Kursk region lawmaker, confirmed that the police searched the company where he works as part of the investigation into defense fortifications. Although he was not personally charged with any crimes, the search raised concerns regarding the fortification effectiveness and potential corruption.
The investigation targeted civilian contractors and faced criticism from Vasilyev for the lack of transparency and accountability. He also accused film director Nikita Mikhalkov of exaggerating defense failures. Despite past controversies, Vasilyev expressed readiness to cooperate with the police probe and defend the region’s integrity.
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