Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged Ukrainian troops stationed in Russia’s Kursk region to surrender, as discussions continue over a possible US-brokered ceasefire with Kyiv.
Speaking at a meeting of Russia’s security council on Friday, Putin accused Ukrainian forces in Kursk of committing crimes against civilians but acknowledged US President Donald Trump’s request to ensure the safety of surrendering soldiers. He assured that any troops who lay down their arms would be spared and treated in accordance with international law and Russian regulations.
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Putin also signaled a potential thaw in relations between Moscow and Washington, claiming that ties were “practically reduced to zero” under the previous US administration but were now showing signs of improvement. “Overall, the situation is starting to move,” he said, referring to ongoing engagements with Trump’s team.
With Ukrainian forces struggling to hold onto Kursk—their last significant territorial foothold in Russia—some analysts believe Putin is stalling on the US ceasefire proposal until the region is fully under Russian control. Ukrainian officials recently accepted a US-backed plan for a 30-day ceasefire along the front lines after negotiations in Saudi Arabia.
Putin’s comments came a day after he met with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow, a visit that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described as giving “reason to be cautiously optimistic.” Trump echoed that sentiment on Truth Social, calling the discussions “good and productive” and expressing hope that “this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end.”
The US president also made a direct appeal to Putin to spare Ukrainian troops in Kursk. “We understand President Trump’s call to be guided by humanitarian considerations,” Putin said on Friday. “If they lay down their arms and surrender, they will be guaranteed life and decent treatment.” However, he stressed that Ukraine’s military leadership must first order its troops to surrender.
The situation has raised concerns about the fate of captured Ukrainian soldiers. In February, the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported alarming claims that dozens of Ukrainian troops who surrendered to Russian forces since August 2024 were executed on the spot. Danielle Bell, head of the mission, called for an investigation into any alleged war crimes, urging that “all allegations of execution of captured Ukrainian military personnel must be thoroughly examined.”
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