“Let them surrender”: Putin responded to Trump’s request to spare Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he has reviewed Donald Trump’s appeal to show mercy to Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) soldiers fighting in the Kursk region.

He made this statement during a meeting with the permanent members of the Security Council, which focused on restoring relations between Russia and the United States.

“We understand President Trump’s call to treat these soldiers with humanitarian considerations,” the Kremlin leader said.

He assured that if Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region lay down their arms, their lives and dignified treatment would be guaranteed. However, he emphasized that for Trump’s appeal to be realized, Kyiv must issue an order for its military in the Kursk region to surrender.

“For the effective implementation of the U.S. president’s appeal, a corresponding order from Ukraine’s military-political leadership is required—ordering its units to lay down their arms and surrender,” Putin stated.

Additionally, he accused UAF forces in Kursk of committing crimes against civilians.

“We draw attention to the fact that they have committed numerous crimes against the civilian population in the invasion zone. As I have already mentioned, these actions are classified by the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office as terrorism,” he said.

Putin also commented on U.S.-Russia relations, stating that Trump’s administration is making efforts to restore at least some aspects of the relationship, and the situation is beginning to change.

“We’ll see what comes of it,” the Russian president added.

Notably, the U.S. has also made positive comments regarding yesterday’s negotiations with Russia.