Russian leader Putin urges Ukrainian forces in Kursk to yield, appealing to American authorities to exert influence on Russia, as Ukrainian President Zelensky requests.
Aloha There!
In an informal chat, let's discuss the unfolding situation in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called upon Ukrainian troops occupying the Russian region of Kursk to surrender. It appears that diplomatic tussles are ongoing concerning a potential ceasefire between Ukraine and the United States, with Putin invoking the US President's wish to save the troops' lives during the suppression of the area by Russian forces.
Putin also mentioned that efforts are underway to mend relations with the US, which experienced a significant downturn by the previous American administration. He expressed cautious optimism regarding the situation, saying, "We'll see how things pan out."
The question of a US-proposed ceasefire between Ukraine and Ukraine lingers, as Putin may be holding out until the region is under Russian control once more. Earlier this week, Ukrainian officials agreed to a US proposal for a 30-day truce encompassing the entire front line after holding negotiations with their US counterparts in Saudi Arabia.
The meeting between Putin and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Thursday was considered a positive step by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US President Donald Trump. Trump expressed hope that a peaceful resolution may be on the horizon.
Trump has made an earnest appeal to Putin to spare the lives of Ukrainian troops in Kursk, with Putin expressing understanding of the call due to its humanitarian aspects, guaranteeing the safety of those who surrender in accordance with international law and Russian Federation's laws.
However, Ukrainian forces must first issue an order to lay down arms before surrendering, according to Putin.
In February, the United Nations expressed concern about reports of Ukrainian soldiers, who surrendered to Russia since August 2024, being "executed on the spot." The UN urged all allegations of such actions to be thoroughly investigated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, seems skeptical of Putin's intentions and called upon the US to apply robust pressure on Russia to bring about an end to the conflict. Zelensky expressed a longing for peace and lamented the loss of lives experienced daily during the war.
Zelensky has accused Putin of attempting to derail peace talks and disseminating false information about the situation on the battlefield. The Russian leader previously suggested several conditions for a truce, including addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014 and escalated to a full-scale invasion in 2022. At that time, Putin demanded that Ukraine never be allowed into NATO and that the alliance roll back its military presence in Eastern and Central Europe, which was condemned as unrealistic by the US and its allies, considering the invasion a clear act of territorial aggression.
Zelensky urged influential nations, particularly the US, to take decisive action to end the ongoing war. He is expected to join a virtual meeting with European and NATO leaders hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday to discuss support for Ukraine.
Join me tomorrow for more updates on this developing story! 👍😘💖🤪👿🔥😈💎💔💔
- Despite the US-proposed ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin may be delaying any agreement until he reclaims full control of the disputed region.
- European leaders, alongside NATO counterparts, are anticipated to discuss their support for Ukraine in a virtual meeting hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in attendance.
- In his diplomatic conversations, Putin has repeatedly claimed that efforts are underway to improve ties with the US, in light of the strained relationship with the previous American administration.
