Putin makes surprise visit to Kursk, while Trump says peace is 'already in Russia's hands'
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to the Russian-occupied Kursk region on Wednesday, as the Kremlin considers a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire as Russian forces rapidly advance into Ukraine.
Putin, dressed in military uniform, told troops that Moscow's aim is to "completely liberate" Kursk as soon as possible, reports with the BBC.
His visit appears to have been aimed at boosting the morale of Russian forces as they advance to eliminate the remnants of Ukrainian forces. That same day, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day U.S.-backed ceasefire covering the entire front.
The rapid Russian advance in Kursk has also threatened Ukraine's ability to use the region as a bargaining chip. US President Donald Trump said it was now Russia's turn to decide on a ceasefire, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin was carefully studying the proposal. KosovaPress.
In Kursk, Putin met with his top general, Valery Gerasimov, and urged Russian forces to drive out the remnants of Ukrainian forces, suggesting the possibility of creating a "neutral zone" on the border with Ukraine.
Ukraine launched an incursion into Kursk in August but has struggled to hold on to the territory it has captured, with Russia having retaken over 86% of it. Ukraine is struggling to hold on, but has pulled back some of its forces to save lives.
