Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to the Kursk region on Tuesday for the first time since Ukrainian forces seized territory there last August, calling for the immediate defeat of remaining Ukrainian troops as peace negotiations between Russia and the United States approach.
During a televised visit to a Russian military command post, Putin, dressed in military camouflage, met with top defense officials and stressed the need to reclaim the border region swiftly. "I am counting on the fact that all the combat tasks facing our units will be fulfilled, and the territory of the Kursk region will soon be completely liberated from the enemy," he said.
Valery Gerasimov, head of the Russian General Staff, reported to Putin that Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region were now encircled. "Its systematic destruction is underway," Gerasimov stated. Russian forces claimed to have retaken most of the occupied area, including Sudzha, the largest town seized by Ukraine, and captured hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers.
Putin signaled a hardline approach to captured Ukrainian troops, declaring they should be treated as "terrorists" rather than prisoners of war. "People who are in the Kursk region, who commit crimes against civilians here, who oppose our armed forces, law enforcement agencies and special services ... are the people we should certainly treat as terrorists," Putin said, adding that Russia would not extend Geneva Convention protections to foreigners fighting alongside Ukraine.
Ukraine launched its surprise offensive into Kursk last August, securing a 1,200-square-kilometer foothold in Russian territory. The operation delivered a psychological blow to the Kremlin and was seen as a strategic leverage point for future peace negotiations. However, in recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have struggled to maintain control amid relentless Russian counterattacks.
The visit comes as American envoy Steve Witkoff prepares to meet with Kremlin officials in Moscow to present a ceasefire proposal backed by Kyiv. Ukrainian leadership agreed to the terms on Tuesday, marking a potential step toward ending the conflict. The proposal's details remain unclear, but it is expected to include conditions for a temporary halt to hostilities.
Putin's remarks in Kursk suggest Moscow will push for territorial control before engaging in negotiations. His demand for a swift expulsion of Ukrainian forces aligns with Russia's strategy of securing battlefield gains ahead of diplomatic discussions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that if Russia does not agree to the ceasefire, Washington will impose "devastating" financial penalties. The Biden administration had previously advocated for continued military support for Ukraine, but Trump's administration has emphasized economic leverage over direct military aid.
