Russian President Vladimir Putin made an unexpected visit to the occupied Kursk region on Wednesday, as the Kremlin considers a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire amid escalating tensions. The visit, broadcast by Russian state television, showed Putin in military uniform addressing frontline troops, declaring Moscow’s goal to “completely liberate” Kursk as soon as possible.
The trip marked Putin’s first visit to the region since Ukraine’s surprise incursion last year, which saw Ukrainian forces capture parts of Kursk in a bold move to divert Russian resources from the eastern front. However, Ukraine’s hold on the region has weakened in recent days, with Russian forces reclaiming significant territory.
During his visit, Putin met with top general Valery Gerasimov and delivered a speech to soldiers, urging them to expel remaining Ukrainian forces and suggesting the creation of a “buffer zone” along Russia’s border with Ukraine. He also labeled captured Ukrainian soldiers as “terrorists,” signaling a hardening stance.
The visit came as US President Donald Trump indicated that the prospect of peace now rests with Russia. “We’re going to have to see. It’s up to Russia now,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, adding that US representatives were en route to Russia to discuss the ceasefire proposal.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin was “carefully studying” the US proposal, with Moscow awaiting further details from US officials. Meanwhile, Gerasimov claimed that Russian forces had recaptured over 86% of the territory taken by Ukraine, capturing 430 Ukrainian soldiers and encircling the remaining forces.
Ukraine’s military has acknowledged setbacks in Kursk, with top general Oleksandr Syrskyi hinting at tactical retreats to “more favorable positions” to preserve soldiers’ lives. Syrskyi also reported Russian airstrikes on its own territory, including the near-total destruction of the town of Sudzha.
The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based conflict monitor, confirmed that Russian forces had seized Sudzha and were advancing further.
As the situation on the ground intensifies, US Special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Russia later this week, though it remains unclear whether he will meet with Putin. Vice President JD Vance emphasized ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating that conversations are happening “on the phone and in person with some of our representatives over the next couple of days.”
The developments underscore the fragile state of negotiations and the high stakes for both sides as the conflict enters a critical phase.
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