Putin asks Ukrainian troops in Kursk to the task, Zelensky asks USA for pressure on Russia

Putin asks Ukrainian troops in Kursk to the task, Zelensky asks USA for pressure on Russia

The Russian President Vladimir Putin asked the Ukrainian troops in the Russian region of Kursk to arise, while the diplomatic negotiations on a potential ceasefire conveyed by the USA continue with Ukraine.

Putin's call for surrender

At a meeting with members of the Russian Security Council on Friday, Putin accused the Ukrainian troops in the region that they have committed crimes against civilians. At the same time, however, he admitted the wish of American President Donald Trump to protect the life of the soldiers, while the Russian armed forces recapture the area. He assured that the resulting soldiers would guarantee life.

Restoration of relationships with the USA

Putin also explained that Russia was working to restore relationships with the United States after they were "practically reduced to zero" by the previous American administration. "Overall, the situation begins to move," he said about the relationships with the Trump administration. "Let's see what will become of it."

Ukrainian decisions under pressure

In view of the loss of access to Kursk, the only territorial negotiation base for Kiev, many believe that Putin could delay the talks about an armistice until the region was completely returned under Russian control. At the beginning of this week, Ukrainian officials accepted a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire on the entire front line after discussions with US colleagues in Saudi Arabia.

Putin's meeting with the US special envoy

Putin's statements took place on Thursday in Moscow, which US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described as a "reason for careful optimism". Trump had previously struck similar tones throughout the day and described the conversations as "good and productive". In a post for Truth Social, he added that "the chance is very good that this terrible, bloody war can finally end".

The role of humanitarian considerations

Trump had also emphasized that he "urgently asked for it" that Putin spared the life of the Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk. "We understand the call from President Trump, we are to have humanitarian considerations guided with regard to these soldiers," said Putin on Friday. "In this regard, I would like to emphasize that if you lay down the weapons and result, your life and adequate treatment are guaranteed in accordance with international law and the laws of the Russian Federation."

The reaction of the Ukrainian leadership

The Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj expressed skepticism about Putin's motifs on Friday and asked the United States to take “strong steps” to move Russia against Kiev at the end of his war. In a series from Posts on X, Selenskyj emphasized that his country wanted peace and wrote that “we have only wanted one thing since the first few minutes of this war - that Russia leaves our people alone and that the Russian occupiers leave our country.”

The humanitarian crisis in focus

"Every day of the war means the loss of human life - the most valuable thing we have," he said. Selenskyj accused Putin of wanting to sabotage the peace negotiations and lies about the "real situation" on the battlefield. The Russian guide had proposed a number of conditions for an armistice on Thursday, which should also deal with the "causes" of the conflict.

The international community in action

Selenskyj emphasized that he “urgently” asks the countries who influence Russia, especially the United States, to take measures to end the war. "Pressure has to be exercised on those who do not want the war to end. Printing must be exerted on Russia. Only determined measures can end this war that has been going on for years," he said. The Ukrainian leader will take part in a virtual meeting with European and NATO leaders on the subject of support for Ukraine on Saturday, which is organized by the British Prime Minister Keir Strander.

reports of CNN reporters Alejandra Jaramillo and Nick Paton Walsh.