Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region to surrender, promising safety and humane treatment. He acknowledged US President Donald Trump’s request to spare their lives and hinted at a possible improvement in US-Russia relations.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains skeptical of Putin’s intentions, accusing him of stalling peace negotiations. Zelensky urged the US and its allies to pressure Russia into ending the war, emphasizing that every day of conflict costs Ukrainian lives.

A proposed 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, brokered by the US, remains uncertain as Putin may be delaying talks until Kursk is fully under Russian control. While US officials, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, have expressed cautious optimism, the UN has raised concerns about reports of executed Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Zelensky, preparing for a NATO and European leaders’ meeting, stressed that diplomatic efforts must continue, but only firm action against Russia will bring an end to the prolonged war.