Ex-Kursk governor sentenced over corruption tied to Ukraine border debacle

A Russian court has handed the former governor of Kursk, Alexei Smirnov, a 14-year sentence for corruption that undermined defenses during Ukraine's audacious border incursion in August 2024. Smirnov admitted to taking bribes from contractors responsible for fortifications, resulting in substandard defensive measures that enabled Ukrainian troops to capture significant territory with minimal resistance. The ruling also levied a hefty fine of 400 million roubles and banned him from public service