Related videos:
The president of the United States, Donald Trump, assured this Friday that he "strongly" requested his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to guarantee the safety of the Ukrainian soldiers surrounded by the Russian army in the Kursk region.
Through his network Truth Social, Trump stated that his conversations with Putin were "very good and productive" and that there is a "very good possibility" that the war in Ukraine could come to an end.
However, he cautioned that "at this moment, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers are completely surrounded by the Russian army and in a very bad and vulnerable position."
"I have firmly asked President Putin to save those lives. This would be a horrible massacre, one that hasn't been seen since World War II. God bless them all!" wrote Trump.
In response to the request from the former U.S. president, Putin assured that Russia "understands" the humanitarian request and guaranteed respectful treatment for Ukrainian soldiers if they choose to surrender.
"In the event that they lay down their arms and surrender, their lives will be guaranteed and they will be treated with dignity in accordance with international law standards," declared Putin during a meeting with the Russian Security Council.
The leader of the Kremlin, however, accused the Ukrainian military of committing "multiple crimes against the civilian population" of Kursk, a region occupied by Kiev in August 2024, where Russian troops have launched a major offensive in recent weeks.
Putin emphasized that to fulfill Trump's request, it is necessary for Ukraine's military leadership to order the surrender of its troops in Kursk.
Ukraine said last Tuesday that it was willing to accept a ceasefire for 30 days or permanently.
This Thursday, a U.S. delegation led by the White House special envoy, Steve Witkoff, held meetings in Moscow with Putin to discuss a previously agreed 30-day ceasefire proposal between Washington and Kiev, which was negotiated in Saudi Arabia.
Putin expressed his willingness to accept the ceasefire but cautioned about "issues with its implementation and verification" and suggested the need to speak directly with Trump.
Meanwhile, the situation in Kursk remains critical, with Ukrainian troops surrounded and under heavy military pressure. Even President Volodímir Zelensky acknowledged on Thursday that the situation for his soldiers is very "delicate."
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Involvement in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
What did Donald Trump ask Vladímir Putin regarding the Ukrainian soldiers?
Donald Trump "strongly" urged Vladimir Putin to ensure the safety of Ukrainian soldiers who are surrounded by the Russian army in the Kursk region. Trump described the situation as very bad and vulnerable for the Ukrainian soldiers, and emphasized that a massacre would be comparable to those seen in World War II.
How did Putin respond to Trump's request concerning the Ukrainian soldiers?
Putin assured that Russia understands Trump's humanitarian request and guaranteed dignified treatment for Ukrainian soldiers if they decide to surrender. He stated that their lives will be guaranteed and they will be treated according to international law, as long as they lay down their arms.
What is the current situation in the Kursk region regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine?
The situation in Kursk remains critical, with Ukrainian troops surrounded and under heavy military pressure from the Russian army. Putin has accused the Ukrainian military of committing crimes against the civilian population in the region, adding complexity to the possibility of an effective ceasefire.
What role does Donald Trump play in the negotiations for a ceasefire in Ukraine?
Donald Trump has been involved in diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. He has held discussions with Putin and has appointed a diplomatic team to begin negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
What is Ukraine's stance on the peace negotiations proposed by Trump?
Ukraine has accepted the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire and is willing to engage in serious negotiations to achieve lasting peace. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has expressed his readiness to exchange territories as part of a peace agreement, but he has also warned that he will not accept negotiations without the involvement of his government.
Filed under:
