Putin Calls for Surrender of Ukrainian Forces in Kursk Region

In a meeting with the Security Council, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined the conditions necessary for a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, responding to a call by U.S. President Donald Trump to end hostilities. Putin stated that Ukrainian servicemen encircled in the Kursk region must receive an order from their command to surrender in order for a ceasefire to be implemented.

The Russian leader emphasized that should these troops voluntarily lay down their arms, they would be guaranteed humane treatment and their lives respected in accordance with international standards. This announcement comes as fighting continues in the border region, where Russian forces claim to have isolated a significant contingent of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Putin asserted that the situation in the Kursk region is firmly under Russian control, warning that the encircled Ukrainian units face dire consequences if they do not surrender. He reiterated Moscow’s openness to ceasefire proposals but stressed that any agreements must reflect the realities on the battlefield and prioritize Russia’s long-term security.

Trump’s initiative, announced on March 14 via his social media platform Truth Social, reflects ongoing efforts to mediate the conflict. He indicated having had “very good and productive” discussions with Putin, urging that the lives of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers trapped in the Kursk region be spared. Earlier, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited Moscow to discuss a potential 30-day ceasefire, which was proposed following consultations with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that by mid-March, Russian forces had liberated 29 settlements in the Kursk region, including Sudzha, and isolated approximately 10 Ukrainian servicemen. Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov noted that Ukrainian losses in the area have surpassed 67 since the onset of their invasion in August 2024. In conjunction with these developments, Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed that additional communications had been relayed to Trump through Witkoff, while Moscow continues to seek clear guarantees for adherence to any ceasefire terms.