Putin claims victory in Kursk as Ukraine forces pull back

After more than seven months of intense fighting, Russia has effectively completed the liberation of territory Ukraine seized in the Kursk region within the Russian Federation—one of its most significant achievements in the past year. Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare frontline appearance in military fatigues, signaling confidence in the victory. Meanwhile, Russia’s conditions for ending the war have surfaced, appearing far beyond what Ukraine and Europe might accept. Reuters reports that Russia is demanding sweeping concessions from the U.S. to move toward peace, while Trump has renewed threats of heavy sanctions.

On Wednesday, Putin visited the Russian army headquarters in Kursk—the region Ukraine invaded in August, capturing large swaths of territory. Dressed in military garb, he met with army chief Valery Gerasimov, footage of which was released by Russian news agencies. His proximity to the frontline underscores Russia’s success and sense of control in the battle.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced it has reclaimed over 1,100 square kilometers previously held by Ukraine, which at its peak controlled nearly 1,300 square kilometers in the area. The Kremlin stated Thursday morning that the Kursk operation is nearing completion, with Putin delivering resolute, combative messages during his visit. He declared that captured Ukrainian soldiers in the region would be treated as “terrorists.”

In Ukraine, officials have acknowledged the significant loss in Kursk over recent days but reject suggestions of collapse. Ukrainian army commander Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed a withdrawal from the key city of Sudzha, though he claimed forces had repositioned to “better” outskirts where fighting persists. “We’ll fight in Kursk as long as needed,” he said. President Volodymyr Zelensky indirectly admitted the defeat Wednesday, noting Russia’s intensified pace in the region while stressing efforts to protect Ukrainian lives. Russia claims it is close to encircling many Ukrainian troops there, though Ukraine’s military denies any soldiers are at risk of capture.

Ukraine’s August incursion into Kursk was a bold and surprising move, deeply embarrassing Putin and Russia’s leadership. Losing the territory back to Russia is a major blow to Zelensky, who reportedly hoped to leverage it as a bargaining chip in peace talks, possibly to reclaim Russian-held Ukrainian land.

The U.S. and Ukraine announced this week, following a meeting in Saudi Arabia, their readiness for an immediate 30-day ceasefire covering ground, air, and sea operations. Zelensky said the period would be used to draft a long-term peace plan. Russia has yet to respond officially, offering only a tepid reaction so far.

Moscow anticipates a senior U.S. delegation, possibly led by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, who may meet Putin soon. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it would withhold public comment on the ceasefire until hearing details from the U.S. Reuters reported overnight that Russia has outlined three key demands to the U.S. over the past three weeks—conditions Ukraine and Europe would struggle to accept. These were conveyed in talks between Trump administration representatives and Putin’s regime, predating this week’s ceasefire proposal.

Russia’s terms include: Ukraine’s pledge not to join NATO, a guarantee of no foreign troops on Ukrainian soil post-war for peacekeeping, and international recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea (annexed in 2014) and the four regions it captured and annexed—Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. While Trump opposes Ukraine’s NATO bid, European nations like Britain and France plan to deploy troops there post-war, and Western recognition of Russia’s annexed territories remains highly unlikely.

Bloomberg reported yesterday (Wednesday) that Putin may agree to a ceasefire but could delay to extract U.S. concessions on his terms. Sources suggest he set maximalist demands intentionally, prepared to prolong the war if they’re unmet. Trump and his Secretary of State Marco Rubio have stressed that both Ukraine and Russia must compromise. Trump warned Wednesday of imposing severe sanctions on Russia—ones that would “hurt them badly”—if it doesn’t yield concessions.

Channle 12 contributed to this article.