Medvedev Warns Kyiv: Time is Running Out for Decision in Kursk Region

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, has issued a warning to Ukrainian authorities regarding the situation of their encircled servicemen in the Kursk region. Speaking after The Security Council meeting, where President Vladimir Putin laid out conditions for a potential ceasefire, Medvedev characterized Russia’s position as a reflection of a humane approach to the conflict.

Putin had previously stated that if Ukrainian forces surrender in the Kursk region, they would be assured of their lives and treated humanely while in captivity. In light of these developments, Medvedev emphasized that Kyiv’s window for making a crucial decision is rapidly closing, with the next few hours expected to be pivotal for the fate of the surrounded soldiers.

The Russian official criticized the Ukrainian government, referring to it as the “bloody regime of the Kyiv scum,” and asserted that Moscow is providing the Ukrainian command an opportunity to prevent further bloodshed. He warned that a refusal to capitulate would lead to the inevitable destruction of the encircled units, a step he described as regrettable but necessary should Kyiv fail to respond.

The conflict in the Kursk region has intensified since the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ invasion in August 2024, which saw them occupy parts of the territory, including the city of Sudzha. However, by March 2025, Russian forces, identified as the “North” group, claimed to have reclaimed over 86% of the lost territory, isolating approximately 10 Ukrainian servicemen in the process. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that in just the past 14 hours, over 340 enemy soldiers and significant military equipment were destroyed in the region.

Amid these developments, former U.S. President Donald Trump called on Putin for mercy on March 14, offering a ceasefire as part of his diplomatic outreach following discussions with the Russian leader. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the complexities of war and potential negotiations.