Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to an appeal by U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that Russian forces will spare the lives of Ukrainian soldiers encircled in the western Kursk region if Kyiv orders them to surrender.
Trump, who had earlier urged Putin to avoid a “horrible massacre,” emphasized the need for humanitarian considerations. “I have strongly requested President Putin that their lives be spared. This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II,” Trump said.
Putin acknowledged Trump’s appeal but accused Ukrainian troops of committing acts of “terrorism” against civilians an allegation Kyiv denies. While pledging adherence to international laws and Russian legal frameworks, Putin stated, “If the Ukrainian troops lay down their arms and surrender, they will be guaranteed life and decent treatment.”
However, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev issued a stark warning, stating that should Ukraine refuse to surrender, “they will all be methodically and mercilessly destroyed.”
Ukraine’s government has rejected Moscow’s claims of an encirclement in Kursk, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy describing the battlefield situation as “very difficult” but denying that Ukrainian forces are trapped.
Ukraine’s general staff labeled Russia’s reports as fabrications meant for political manipulation. It stated that Ukrainian units had successfully regrouped and repositioned to more strategic defensive locations within Kursk.
Zelenskiy praised the offensive, stating that the operation had achieved its objective by diverting Russian troops from other key battlefronts. “I can only thank our warriors for the Kursk operation. I believe it fulfilled its task,” he said.
Kursk became a focal point of the war last August when Ukrainian forces countered Russia’s full-scale invasion by seizing a portion of its territory. Seven months later, the region remains a critical flashpoint, with Russian troops attempting to regain full control.
As international calls for a ceasefire grow, the fate of Ukrainian forces in Kursk remains uncertain. While Russia insists on surrender, Ukraine maintains its resistance, highlighting the ongoing complexity of the conflict.
