Putin Demands Total Victory in Kursk Ahead of Peace Talks with Trump Envoy
Putin demands total victory in Kursk, ordering Russian troops to eliminate Ukrainian forces. Recent military advances have seen Russian flags raised in Sudzha, as Kyiv’s control of the territory wanes amid ongoing peace talks. The U.S. is advocating for a 30-day ceasefire while the Kremlin remains resolute about territorial conditions for negotiations. Concurrently, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio addresses trade tensions at the G7, complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared an imperative for a complete victory in the Kursk region, as he visited a command center there. He instructed troops to “destroy” remaining Ukrainian forces, emphasizing that their objective is to “fully liberate” the territory promptly. He stressed the importance of restoring the previous status along the border and expects that all combat objectives will be “unconditionally” met.
Ukrainian forces have been involved in a back-and-forth struggle for Kursk, seizing key areas last August. However, Russian troops have regained significant ground recently, raising their flags over Sudzha as Ukrainian forces retreated. The pressures from the U.S. for a peace dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv continue amidst these developments, with mentions of a potential 30-day ceasefire.
Russian officials have set a condition that peace talks cannot progress while any part of Kursk remains under Ukrainian control, diminishing Kyiv’s leverage in negotiations. Putin also mentioned plans for a security zone along the border to mitigate future incursions from Ukraine. He condemned foreign mercenaries, stating they fall outside Geneva Convention protections.
This week, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected in Moscow as the U.S. government pursues a ceasefire and a broader peace agreement. The Kremlin’s official stance, however, remains non-committal, as they review the U.S.-Ukrainian ceasefire plans. Further discussions are anticipated, although it remains unclear whether Witkoff will have direct talks with Putin.
In parallel, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to address the G7 foreign ministers in Canada, amid tensions caused by Trump’s trade war with Canada. Notably, Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly plans to raise the issue of tariffs and the ongoing trade conflict, expressing concerns over Trump’s rhetoric regarding annexation during these discussions, asserting the need for a coordinated response with European allies.
The overlapping political and military developments illustrate a complex landscape where ongoing military actions intersect with international diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire and lasting peace in a contentious region.
Putin has firmly asserted the necessity for total victory in Kursk, marking a crucial phase in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Despite military gains, the potential for peace negotiations hinges on territorial control, as the U.S. pushes for a ceasefire. The upcoming meetings between U.S. officials and Russian representatives will be critical in shaping future discussions.Washington’s efforts reflect a mounting pressure for a broader resolution while navigating trade tensions and rhetoric surrounding foreign relations, particularly with Canada and the G7 nations.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
