Key takeaways:
- Russian forces have reportedly expelled the Ukrainian army from the largest town in Russia’s Kursk border region, coinciding with the arrival of a U.S. envoy in Moscow to discuss a proposed 30-day ceasefire supported by Ukraine.
- The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have recaptured the town of Sudzha, with President Putin visiting military commanders in Kursk, though these claims remain unverified; the U.S. awaits Russia’s response to the ceasefire plan.
- Russia expressed skepticism about the ceasefire, viewing it as a temporary measure that could benefit Ukraine’s military, while a U.S. official confirmed Russian “significant gains” in the Kursk region, as diplomatic efforts continue.
Russian forces have reportedly expelled the Ukrainian army from the largest town in Russia’s Kursk border region, according to statements made by Russian officials on Thursday. This development coincides with the arrival of a senior envoy from the United States in Moscow, tasked with discussing a proposed 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for three years. The ceasefire proposal, put forth by the U.S. and supported by Ukraine, aims to temporarily halt hostilities in the region.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced that its forces had recaptured the town of Sudzha, a claim made shortly after President Vladimir Putin visited military commanders in Kursk. During his visit, Putin, dressed in military attire, reiterated his commitment to fully reclaim the region. However, these claims have not been independently verified. Meanwhile, the United States is awaiting Russia’s response to the ceasefire plan, which was outlined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian officials during discussions in Saudi Arabia earlier this week.
In response to the proposed ceasefire, a senior aide to President Putin expressed skepticism, suggesting that the plan merely offers Ukrainian forces an opportunity to regroup. Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy advisor, characterized the ceasefire as a temporary measure that would benefit Ukraine’s military rather than lead to a lasting resolution. This sentiment reflects Russia’s cautious stance toward the proposal, which it perceives as potentially advantageous to Kyiv.
Ukrainian officials have not yet commented on the Russian claims regarding Sudzha. However, a U.S. official confirmed to CBS News that Russian troops have made “significant gains” in the Kursk region over the past week. As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community closely monitors the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict that has affected the region for several years.
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