Russian President Vladimir Putin has given a measured response to former President Trump’s urgent plea for the safety of Ukrainian soldiers surrounded by Russian forces in the Kursk region.
In a significant development on Thursday, Putin agreed “in principle” to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. This move could be pivotal in ending the prolonged and costly conflict, yet Putin insists that discussions with the U.S. must continue, including a call with Trump.
On Friday, Trump expressed his concerns on Truth Social:
“We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end — BUT, AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THOUSANDS OF UKRAINIAN TROOPS ARE COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY THE RUSSIAN MILITARY, AND IN A VERY BAD AND VULNERABLE POSITION. I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared. This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II. God bless them all!!!”
For more on this development, read the full article: Trump Urges Putin to Spare Ukrainian Soldiers in Kursk, Warns of ‘Horrible Massacre’
Putin acknowledged Trump’s appeal while emphasizing his military’s actions as responses to “Ukrainian militants’ numerous crimes against civilians,” which the Kremlin categorizes as “terrorism.” However, Putin extended a conditional offer of mercy, contingent on the surrender of Ukrainian troops.
Putin stated:
“We have read today’s appeal from President Trump to spare the lives of servicemen of the Ukrainian Army in the Kursk region. In this regard, please note that Ukrainian militants have committed numerous crimes against civilians.
These acts, as I have already stated, are classified by us as terrorism. At the same time, we are sympathetic to President Trump’s call to be guided by humanitarian considerations regarding these servicemen.
In this regard, I emphasize that if they lay down their arms and surrender, they will be guaranteed life and dignified treatment.
To effectively implement President Trump’s call, there must be an appropriate order from the military and political leadership of Ukraine to its troops to lay down their arms and surrender.”
WATCH:
⚡️ BREAKING: President Putin responded to President Trump regarding his appeal to spare Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region:
“We have read today’s appeal from President Trump to spare the lives of servicemen of the Ukrainian Army in the Kursk region. In this regard, please…
— RussiaIsntEnemy (@RussiaIsntEnemy)
March 2025
