Putin Visits Kursk as Troops Target Remaining Ukrainian Forces Amid Ceasefire Talks

KYIV, Ukraine — Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the occupied Kursk region on Wednesday, emphasizing Moscow’s goal to “completely liberate” the area as Russian forces continue to push back the remaining Ukrainian troops. This trip marks his first visit since Ukraine’s incursion into the region last year.

Dressed in military uniform during a broadcast on Russian state television, Putin’s visit appeared designed to bolster troop morale as the Kremlin aims to solidify control over territorial areas that hold strategic significance.

Putin’s comments came on the same day that a ceasefire proposal, backed by the United States, was accepted by Ukrainian officials. The ceasefire aims to maintain a temporary respite amidst escalating tensions and conflicts in the region.

“We will have to see. It’s up to Russia now,” President Donald Trump remarked during a press briefing at the White House, implying that Moscow’s agreement to the ceasefire proposal remains uncertain as U.S. representatives are in Russia to discuss the details.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reported that Putin is currently “carefully studying” the ceasefire proposal, with updates expected in the coming days.

Additionally, state media footage revealed Putin meeting with General Valery Gerasimov in Kursk, where he called on soldiers to eliminate remaining Ukrainian forces. He also suggested the establishment of a “buffer zone” along the Russia-Ukraine border.

During his address, Putin labeled captured Ukrainian soldiers in the region as “terrorists” rather than prisoners of war, reinforcing the Kremlin’s perspective on the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine initially launched its operation in the region last August, aiming to capture territory as leverage in potential negotiations with Russia. However, control over captured areas appears to be slipping, with reports indicating that Russian forces have regained over 86% of the land once held by Ukrainian troops.

General Gerasimov stated that approximately 430 Ukrainian soldiers have been taken captive, and remaining forces are reportedly surrounded. He also told Russian media that Ukraine’s potential use of Kursk as a bargaining chip in future negotiations has been rendered “totally collapsed.”

Peskov confirmed that the operation to dislodge Ukrainian forces would reach its “final stage,” per news agency TASS. Ukraine’s military has acknowledged recent losses, admitting to being driven from several positions within Kursk.

On the Ukrainian side, General Oleksandr Syrskyi indicated that tactical retreats to more defensible positions may be necessary to preserve the lives of his soldiers. He noted that airstrikes had also targeted local infrastructure, including significant damage to the town of Sudzha.

Further negotiations regarding the ceasefire are ongoing, with Trump’s Special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff traveling to Russia later this week. The development highlights increasing diplomatic efforts as pressure mounts on both Moscow and Kyiv to seek a resolution to the conflict.

While Russia’s military strategy aims to maintain offensive pressure, Ukraine’s military leadership continues to strategize ways to hold crucial positions, underscoring the high stakes involved as both sides navigate the complexities of war and potential diplomatic solutions.