Putin Vows to 'Completely Liberate' Kursk Amid Ukraine Ceasefire Talks
Moscow [Russia], March 13: In a surprise visit to the Kursk region, Russian President Vladimir Putin told troops that Moscow’s goal is to “completely liberate” the area as soon as possible, CNN reported.
This visit comes just a day after Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire following critical peace talks with the United States in Saudi Arabia.
Dressed in military uniform, Putin’s first trip to the western border region since Ukraine’s unexpected incursion last year appears to be a morale booster for Russian forces, who are advancing on Ukrainian holdouts in the region.
🔹 Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin is “carefully studying” the ceasefire proposal and is awaiting a briefing from US officials in the coming days.
🔹 In Kursk, Putin met with Russian Army Chief General Valery Gerasimov, addressing troops and urging them to push out the remaining Ukrainian forces.
🔹 The Russian leader also suggested creating a “buffer zone” along the border with Ukraine, further hinting at continued military operations.
🔹 In a significant escalation, Putin stated that Ukrainian soldiers captured in Kursk should be treated as “terrorists.”
Ukraine launched a surprise incursion into the Russian-controlled Kursk region in August, catching Moscow off guard and capturing a significant amount of territory.
However, Ukraine’s hold on the region has weakened in recent days as Russian forces regained control of key areas:
🔸 General Gerasimov claimed that Russian troops have recaptured over 86% of the territory taken by Ukraine.
🔸 430 Ukrainian soldiers have been taken prisoner, and remaining forces are now surrounded.
🔸 Ukraine’s strategy to use Kursk as leverage in ceasefire negotiations has “totally collapsed,” according to Gerasimov.
As Russia signals continued military aggression, the United States is actively pursuing diplomatic solutions to the conflict.
🔹 US President Donald Trump told reporters at the Oval Office that the “ball is now in Russia’s court”, as American envoys travel to Moscow for discussions on the ceasefire.
🔹 Trump’s Special Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to visit Russia later this week, though it remains unclear whether he will meet with Putin.
🔹 Vice President JD Vance confirmed that negotiations are ongoing both “on the phone and in person” with Russian representatives.
With tensions still high despite the ceasefire agreement, all eyes are now on how Putin will respond to US-led diplomatic efforts—or whether Moscow will continue its military push despite ongoing talks.
Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, Kursk, Ukraine War, Ukraine Ceasefire, Moscow, US-Russia Talks, Donald Trump, Kremlin, NATO, Military Conflict, Peace Talks, Diplomacy, Geopolitics, Russia-Ukraine War
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