Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region will be allowed to surrender and will receive humane treatment, following a direct appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump. The statement, issued on Friday (March 14, 2025), comes as Russian forces make gains in Kursk, a region where Ukraine had previously secured a foothold within Russian territory.
Military experts suggest that Ukrainian troops in Kursk are at risk of being overrun due to rapid Russian advances. However, Ukrainian officials firmly deny these claims, asserting that their forces are strategically repositioning for stronger defensive capabilities.
Putin Assures Safe Passage for Ukrainian Troops
“If the Ukrainian soldiers lay down their arms and surrender, they will be treated with dignity and in accordance with international law and the legal frameworks of the Russian Federation,” Putin stated.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and former president, issued a stern warning on social media, stating that any Ukrainian troops who refuse to surrender would face “methodical and relentless destruction.”
Despite the situation, Ukraine’s military dismissed Russian claims of imminent encirclement. In a statement, the Ukrainian general staff said their forces were moving to “more strategically advantageous defensive positions” rather than retreating in disarray.
In the diplomatic arena, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at the G7 summit in La Malbaie, Canada, confirmed that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff had returned from Moscow for urgent discussions regarding Ukraine.
“While we are making progress toward ending this war, there is still a long road ahead,” Rubio remarked.
Since Ukraine’s successful offensive in Kursk last August, which marked a rare incursion into Russian-held territory, the region has remained a focal point of the broader conflict. However, recent Russian counteroffensives have pressured Ukrainian forces to reconsider their tactical stance.
Moscow claimed another territorial victory in Kursk on Friday, asserting that Russian troops had reclaimed a key village. However, Ukraine swiftly denied this assertion, labelling it “Russian political propaganda.”
“Allegations that Ukrainian forces are encircled in Kursk are false,” Ukraine’s general staff stated, emphasizing that any adjustments in their positioning were strategic and not a sign of military failure.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy downplayed concerns about the situation in Kursk, instead framing Ukraine’s operations in the region as a successful diversion tactic that forced Russia to reallocate troops from other critical fronts.
He also expressed optimism about future peace efforts, citing growing security commitments from European allies. “We are working closely with our partners to secure long-term defense guarantees and economic support,” Zelenskyy stated, adding that Ukraine needs “100% air defense coverage” as part of any peace agreement.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte lauded Trump’s efforts to ensure the safe passage of Ukrainian troops, calling them “an essential humanitarian move.” However, he stressed the need for a long-term deterrence strategy to prevent future Russian military aggression.
The Trump administration has intensified diplomatic outreach to Moscow this week after Ukraine indicated willingness to negotiate a ceasefire during U.S.-mediated discussions in Saudi Arabia.
As diplomatic engagements progress, the international community watches closely, hoping that this latest round of talks could lead to a sustainable resolution and bring an end to the prolonged conflict.
