Russia declares capture of strategic Kursk region town; Trump suggests Russia bears responsibility for ensuring peace
Rewritten Article:
Switching things up, here's a fresh take on the current situation:
Ukraine's largest town hold in the Kursk region, Sudzha, has reportedly been reclaimed by Russian forces, as per Moscow's assertions. This moves threatens Kyiv's last negotiation leverage in wake of mounting pressure to bring an end to the war.
The Russian defense ministry announced on Thursday that units from their North military group had liberated the settlements of Melovoy, Podol, and Sudzha, during their offensive operations.
In a video aired by Russian state television, Putin addressed troops on the frontlines, stating that Moscow's ultimate goal is to swiftly "liberate" the entirety of Kursk. This marked Putin's first visit to the western region since Ukraine's unanticipated incursion last year, a visit seemingly crafted to boost troop morale as they press forward against the final Ukrainian strongholds within Russia.
The visits timing comes a day after peace discussions between US and Ukrainian officials led to Kyiv agreeing to a 30-day US-supported ceasefire spanning the entire frontline.
US President Donald Trump pointed out on Wednesday that the responsibility now rests with Putin, as US emissaries are en route to Russia at that very moment to chat about the ceasefire idea.
"We'll see. It's up to Russia now," Trump told journalists in the Oval Office, refraining from commenting on any potential meeting with Putin.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed reporters that Putin is Thoughtfully examining the proposition, with briefings from US officials expected in the forthcoming days.
This story is still unfolding and will be updated as information becomes available.
- Despite Kyiv's agreement to a 30-day US-supported ceasefire, Russian forces continue their offensive operations in the Kursk region, with reports indicating the capture of Sudzha, a significant Ukrainian holdout town.
- As Putin's troops press forward against the last remaining Ukrainian strongholds within Russia, speculation surrounds Putin's ultimate goal, as stated in a video aired by Russian state television - to liberate the entirety of Kursk.
- The ongoing conflict, with Russian advances in Kursk, could potentially weaken Ukraine's position during future peace discussions, as Moscow's offensive operations may compromise Kyiv's last negotiation leverage.
