Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Ukrainian soldiers in the western region of Kursk will not be killed if they surrender. He made this remark on Friday, March 14, in response to an appeal from former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a report by Reuters.
Trump stated on social media that the Ukrainian soldiers encircled in Kursk are in a desperate situation and urged Putin to spare their lives. He warned that otherwise, it could lead to one of the worst massacres since World War II.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has dismissed the reports of its soldiers being captured as Russian propaganda. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted that the soldiers in Kursk are in a critical situation.
During a meeting of the Russian Security Council on Friday, Putin acknowledged Trump’s appeal but accused Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk of committing crimes against civilians, equating their actions to terrorism. However, he said he would consider Trump’s request on humanitarian grounds.
Putin stated that if Ukrainian soldiers lay down their arms and surrender, they will be guaranteed their lives. He also assured that they would be treated according to both international and Russian laws.
Furthermore, Putin emphasized that responding to Trump’s request would only be possible if Ukraine’s political and military leadership formally orders its soldiers to surrender.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, warned on social media that if Ukrainian forces refuse to surrender, they will face systematic and ruthless consequences.