Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited Kursk for the first time since Ukraine’s incursion across the border, Russian media reported, as Moscow claims to have recaptured more of the region.
It comes as the White House confirms President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff is going to Moscow for talks on a US-proposed ceasefire plan backed by Ukraine.
It was agreed on March 11 after Ukrainian officials held talks with the US.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
On March 12, President Trump said a ceasefire deal “would be 80% of the way to getting this horrible blood bath [to end]”.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said “everything depends on Russia”, calling on Moscow to respond to the proposal.
However, Russia has said it would wait to be briefed by American officials before commenting – and that it’s “studying statements”.
Ukraine’s leadership has been getting advice from its friends, including Britain’s National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell. Their message is clear: like it or not, you must mend relations with the White House and not go up against Trump. Hence Ukraine falling swiftly into line with the US proposal for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire.
For Trump, it represents a clear vindication of his strategy: forcing an end to a war he sees as unwinnable.
President Trump is also putting pressure on Russia – he said earlier that penalties for them could be “devastating” if they opt to continue the war.
