Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday called on Ukrainian troops fighting in the Kursk region to surrender, after US President Donald Trump urged him to “spare” the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. Putin signals openness to Trump’s appeal for ‘vulnerable’ Ukrainian troops.
President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin held an operational meeting via video link with permanent members of the Security Council, The meeting was attended by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin , Chairperson of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko , Deputy Chairperson of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev , Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu , Presidential Aide Nikolai Patrushev , Minister of Defense Andrei Belousov , Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir Kolokoltsev , Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov , Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov , Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin , and Special Representative of the President for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said Ukrainian troops encircled by Russian forces in the Kursk region would be treated humanely if they surrendered, responding to a public appeal from US President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a video conference with permanent members of Russia’s Security Council, Putin acknowledged Trump’s call to spare the lives of Ukrainian soldiers but insisted that Kyiv must issue an order for its forces to lay down their arms.
He accused Ukrainian fighters of committing crimes against civilians and said Russia’s prosecutor general’s office classifies their actions as “terrorism.”
“We understand President Trump’s humanitarian appeal,” Putin said. “If these soldiers surrender, they will be guaranteed life and decent treatment under international law and Russian legislation.”
Earlier in the day, Trump said he had “very good and productive” call with Putin, expressing optimism about ending the war in Ukraine.
He warned of a dire situation for Ukrainian troops, saying thousands are “completely surrounded by the Russian military” and in a “very bad and vulnerable position.”
He stressed his request to Putin to “spare” their lives, calling the potential loss a “horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II.”
The Russian president also discussed ongoing efforts to restore ties with the US, citing recent contacts between top Russian and American officials, including his phone conversation with Trump.
He characterized the process as challenging, given the deterioration of relations under the previous US administration.
Fighting in Ukraine has extended into Russian border areas, including Kursk, where Moscow claims to have repelled the Ukrainian incursion that began last August. The Trump administration has taken a different stance on Russia, seeking renewed engagement despite ongoing hostilities.
