Russia announced on Thursday that its military forces have ousted Ukrainian troops from Sudzha, which is the largest town in the Kursk region bordering Ukraine. This claim of re-capturing Sudzha comes shortly after a visit from President Vladimir Putin to the area, where he donned military attire. These developments coincide with the United States proposing a 30-day ceasefire, which Russian authorities suggest may aid Ukraine by allowing its forces some respite amid shortages and fatigue.
The Russian Defense Ministry’s announcement about regaining control of Sudzha has not been independently verified, and Ukrainian representatives have yet to issue a response. This renewed military initiative by Russia, coupled with President Putin’s prominent appearance among the troops, occurs as the United States, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, seeks diplomatic solutions to the ongoing war. Following meaningful discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. has lifted a prior suspension on military aid to Ukraine.
President Trump emphasized on Wednesday that Russia must now take action, as his administration works to establish a ceasefire with Moscow. Trump hinted at potential further sanctions on Russia if it ignores peace efforts. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov admitted that U.S. diplomats are en route to Russia but refrained from commenting on the Russian perspective regarding the ceasefire proposal.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, confirmed that national security adviser Mike Waltz conferred with his Russian counterpart and that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is destined for Moscow to discuss the matter further. Reports suggest Witkoff has already arrived in Moscow, although these accounts remain unsubstantiated.
U.S. officials remain hopeful that Russia will cease its attacks on Ukraine in the coming days. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, criticized the ceasefire, suggesting it merely provides the Ukrainian military with a temporary reprieve. He further asserted that Moscow seeks a long-term peaceful resolution reflecting its interests.
Such views from Ushakov mirror President Putin’s stance, which acknowledges that a temporary ceasefire might benefit Ukraine and its allies. Meanwhile, Ukraine has signaled its willingness to discuss ceasefire terms while the Russian military holds a strategic advantage.
The ongoing conflict sees Ukrainian military presence in Russia experiencing intense pressure amid a renewed Russian offensive, aided by North Korean troops. The Ukrainian forces’ bold move last August marked the first foreign occupation of Russian territory since World War II, causing embarrassment for the Kremlin.
In discussions with military leaders, Putin emphasized the need to liberate the Kursk region fully. He hinted at potentially expanding Russian territory by creating a security zone near the Ukrainian border, targeting parts of Ukraine’s neighboring Sumy region, which could complicate ceasefire negotiations.
The Ukrainian raid aimed to alleviate negative news from the front and serve as leverage in potential peace discussions but did not significantly alter the war dynamics. The Institute for the Study of War, a think tank based in Washington, reported that Russian forces appear to control Sudzha, a previously inhabited town close to the border.
Ukraine’s military leader, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, noted significant Russian airstrikes on Kursk, leading to near-total destruction of Sudzha, but he withheld comment on Ukraine’s current control status, mentioning only repositioning of troops. Meanwhile, Major General Dmytro Krasylnykov, in charge of Ukraine’s Northern Operational Command, which includes the Kursk area, revealed his dismissal without explanation.
