Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers fighting in Kursk have been seized by Vladimir Putin’s army, with the Russian president issuing a warning to treat them as ‘terrorists’.
Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s chief of general staff, revealed that approximately 430 Ukrainian troops were taken captive in the Kursk region, following Ukraine’s unexpected counteroffensive last summer.
During a discussion with Putin, Gerasimov reported, ‘Upon realizing the futility of continued resistance, Ukrainian military personnel began surrendering. A total of 430 soldiers were apprehended.’
Putin, who today donned military fatigues as he visited troops in Kursk, cruelly said in response that the captured Ukrainian troops ought to be ‘treated as terrorists, in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation.’
Moments earlier US president Donald Trump threatened Russia with ‘devastating’ consequences for Russia if Putin does not agree to a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine.Â
Trump issued the ultimatum while discussing his team’s efforts to bring an end to the brutal conflict, which he said could lead to World War III.
When asked what the U.S. could do to pressure Russia into peace, he said: ‘There are things that wouldn’t be pleasant in a financial sense. I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia. I don’t want to do that because I want to get peace.’Â
Trump added: ‘In a financial sense, yes, we could do things that would be very bad for Russia, that would be devastating for Russia. But I don’t want to do that.’Â
Vladimir Putin, who today donned military fatigues as he visited troops in Kursk, (pictured) cruelly said that the captured Ukrainian troops ought to be ‘treated as terrorists’
Ukrainian serviceman of Khartia brigade known by call sign “Krystal” fires M101 Howitzer towards Russian positions in Kharkiv region, Ukraine, Wednesday, March 12, 2025
US president Donald Trump threatened Russia with ‘devastating’ consequences for Russia if Vladimir Putin does not agree to a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine
He spoke after Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security advisor Mike Waltz announced that Ukraine had agreed to a 30-day ceasefire – if Russia also backs it.
So far, Russia has said it will not respond to the agreement until US envoys present it to them in Moscow.Â
 Trump today said that negotiators are heading to the Russian capital ‘right now’, though did not offer any more details. Â
The White House later said that his special envoy Steve Witkoff was going to Moscow later this week.Â
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz had also spoken to his Russian counterpart on Wednesday, she said.
‘We urge the Russians to sign on to this plan,’ Leavitt told reporters at the White House.
‘We are at the 10th yard line and the president expects the Russians to help us run this into the end zone,’ she added, referring to the final stages of scoring in American football.
‘People are going to Russia right now as we speak. And hopefully we can get a ceasefire from Russia,’ Trump told reporters in the Oval Office during a meeting with Ireland’s prime minister.
Iryna Petrochenko , 50, looks out from damaged apartment after a Russian missile attack happened killing a 47 year old woman and wounding nine others on March 12, 2025 in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine
A Ukrainian sapper in special shoes walks during demining operations in the Kharkiv area, northeastern Ukraine, 12 March 2025
Ukrainian sappers help dress a comrade in a heavy armored suit during demining operations in the Kharkiv area, northeastern Ukraine, 12 March 2025
Ukrainian serviceman of Khartia brigade known by call sign “Krystal” check M101 Howitzer after firing towards Russian positions in Kharkiv region, Ukraine, Wednesday, March 12, 2025
‘And if we do, I think that would be 80 percent of the way to getting this horrible bloodbath finished.’
Ukraine gave the nod on Tuesday to a US-backed plan for a 30-day ceasefire at talks in Saudi Arabia – although President Volodymyr Zelensky says he still does not trust Russia.Â
Trump would not say when he would next speak to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, but added that ‘I hope he’s going to have a ceasefire.’
‘It’s up to Russia now,’ said Trump.
‘I’ve gotten some positive messages, but a positive message means nothing. This is a very serious situation, it could start World War Three.’Â
Trump’s reluctance to pressure Russia stands in stark contrast to his recent approach toward Ukraine.
The US president abruptly halted military aid to Kyiv on February 28 after an explosive argument with Zelensky in the Oval Office in front of television cameras.
Washington resumed assistance on Tuesday after Kyiv agreed to the ceasefire plan in Jeddah, along with a deal giving the US preferential access to Ukraine’s natural resources.
