RKI Network
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on Thursday that Ukrainian forces in the western Kursk region are completely surrounded, leaving them with only two options—surrender or face destruction.
Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, Putin stated that Russian troops have isolated the Ukrainian contingent that invaded Kursk last August. The Ukrainian offensive aimed to divert Russian forces and reclaim occupied land, but Ukraine’s top commander denied claims of encirclement.
During a surprise visit to Russian forces in Kursk, Putin ordered an immediate counteroffensive to retake the region. “If a physical blockade is completed in the coming days, no one will be able to escape,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Russian airstrikes in Ukraine’s Kherson region killed at least two people and wounded another, according to local officials. In Dnipro, three people were hospitalized after an attack damaged multiple apartment buildings. Russian drone strikes also ignited fires in Sumy, destroying about 20 garages.
Ukraine’s military reported that it intercepted 74 of 117 drones launched overnight by Russian forces. The attacks targeted several regions, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv. Russia, in turn, claimed to have shot down 77 Ukrainian drones near its border regions.
As the conflict escalates, the U.S. has proposed a 30-day ceasefire. Ukraine has expressed willingness to accept, and discussions between American and Russian officials are expected in the coming days.