Russia destroyed a Ukrainian drone in Kursk as President Vladimir Putin retook the region.

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) named Chaklun was destroyed by pyrotechnicians from Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM).

Designed like an aeroplane, the UAV was discovered by locals before being neutralised using electronic warfare tools.

EMERCOM said in a statement on March 24: 'In total, since the beginning of the work, the department's employees have defused more than 2,000 explosive devices in the Kursk region.

'Among them are aerial bombs, missiles, and drones. Most often, specialists respond to reports of the discovery of submunitions and enemy drones.'

The disposal is carried out through controlled explosions, following strict safety measures. Authorities also warned residents not to approach suspicious objects.

Russian troops are nearing the expulsion of Ukrainian forces from their position in Russia's Kursk region, which they seized last August and have held for over seven months of intense fighting.

Putin visited Kursk on Wednesday, signalling confidence that Russia is close to reclaiming the region. He instructed his top commander to 'finish the job quickly'.

Ukraine's top army commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said that Kyiv's forces would continue operations in Kursk as needed, with fighting ongoing around the town of Sudzha.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, in what the Kremlin is still calling a 'special military operation'.

The conflict is still ongoing with public support from Europe and the United States fading and businesses reopening their ties with Russia.

Deserters have fled both countries for safer climbs in Europe and Asia.