President Vladimir Putin has stated that Ukrainian forces in Kursk will be spared if they surrender, following an appeal from US President Donald Trump to avoid mass casualties. Ukraine denies encirclement claims but acknowledges difficulties on the ground. Ceasefire talks are underway, with Trump and Zelenskyy urging action to secure a resolution to the conflict.
President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Russian forces will spare Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region if they surrender, following a request from US President Donald Trump to avoid what he described as a potential “horrible massacre”. Ukraine has dismissed Russia’s claims of encirclement, labeling them as unfounded, yet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the challenging circumstances faced by Ukrainian forces in the area.
Trump emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating he urged Putin to spare the lives of what he claimed were surrounded Ukrainian soldiers. Putin responded positively to this appeal, indicating his willingness to ensure humane treatment for surrendering troops. He noted that an official directive from Ukraine’s leadership is necessary for this process to begin.
Russian forces have intensified their counteroffensive in Kursk, regaining much territory lost to Ukraine last summer, which is pivotal for Kyiv in any future negotiations. Concurrently, Russian troops advanced into the Sumy region, further complicating the conflict.
As ceasefire discussions move forward, Trump’s remarks follow a conversation between his envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Putin, discussing a US-backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. While Ukraine has expressed its readiness to consider this truce, Putin has outlined specific conditions for Moscow’s agreement.
Zelenskyy has advised that opportunities to swiftly end the war are emerging, calling upon the US and its allies to exert pressure on Russia. He believes that strong responses from the US would deter Russian maneuvers to prolong hostilities and emphasized that the presence of martial law complicates any discussions about a presidential election in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for peace, mentioning that Putin shares Trump’s views regarding a settlement, albeit with concerns that require discussion. Peskov also noted that a call between the two leaders would be scheduled following Witkoff’s briefing of Trump.
Tony Brenton, the former British ambassador to Russia, remarked that despite the challenges experienced by Russia previously, there exists a desire within the Kremlin for a favorable outcome. However, he cautioned that ongoing military operations create complexities that may delay a ceasefire agreement.
To summarize, President Putin has offered to spare Ukrainian forces in Kursk if they surrender, coinciding with President Trump’s appeal to avoid a massacre. Ukraine refutes claims of encirclement and emphasizes difficult conditions for its forces. The situation continues to evolve with the possibility of a ceasefire, pending discussions and stipulations stipulated by both Russian and Ukrainian leadership. Despite existing challenges, there remains cautious optimism for a potential resolution in the near future.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
