By Charles Switzer
8:47am PDT, Mar 13, 2025
Putin's Forces Capture Hundreds of Ukrainian Soldiers in Kursk
Russian President
Vladimir Putin escalated tensions in the ongoing war by announcing that his army had captured approximately 430 Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region. Russia's chief of general staff,
Valery Gerasimov, reported to Putin that Ukrainian soldiers had begun surrendering due to the "futility of further resistance,"
Daly Mail reported.
During a visit to Russian forces in Kursk, Putin made a chilling statement, declaring that the captured Ukrainian fighters should be "treated as terrorists, in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation."
This statement raises fears about how these prisoners will be handled, as Russia has previously been accused of mistreating captured Ukrainian troops.
Here's what happened.
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Trump Threatens Russia With 'Devastating' Consequences
Amidst the growing crisis, U.S. President
Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Russia, warning of severe financial repercussions if Vladimir Putin refuses negotiations.
"There are things that wouldn't be pleasant in a financial sense. I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia," Trump said while discussing efforts to end the war.
However, he also expressed reluctance to take drastic action, saying, "I don't want to do that because I want to get peace."
Trump's remarks indicate a preference for negotiation over economic pressure but highlight the high stakes in bringing an end to the war.
Ceasefire Bid Picks Up Steam
The United States and Ukraine have tentatively agreed to a 30-day ceasefire plan, as announced by Secretary of State
Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor
Mike Waltz. However, Russia has yet to respond, stating that they will review the proposal once it is formally presented in Moscow. Donald Trump emphasized that U.S. negotiators are on their way to the Russian capital, hoping to secure Russia's agreement.
White House Press Secretary
Karoline Leavitt reinforced the urgency of the situation, stating, "We urge the Russians to sign on to this plan… We are at the 10th-yard line, and the president expects the Russians to help us run this into the end zone."
Zelensky's Distrust of Russia Clouds Negotiations
While Ukraine has agreed to the ceasefire proposal, President
Volodymyr Zelensky remains skeptical of Russia's intentions. His hesitation is based on past broken agreements and continued Russian aggression, even during previous ceasefires.
The ceasefire plan was reached during negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but Zelensky has made it clear that he does not fully trust Vladimir Putin to uphold the agreement.
Despite this, Kyiv has moved forward with the U.S.-backed plan, in part due to the resumption of U.S. military aid, which Donald Trump had frozen following a tense Oval Office argument with Zelensky in late February.
Trump's Shift in Strategy
Donald Trump's latest moves mark a dramatic shift in his approach toward the Ukraine war. Just weeks ago, he abruptly halted military aid to Kyiv, citing frustrations with Volodymyr Zelensky.
However, with Ukraine now agreeing to the ceasefire plan and granting the U.S. preferential access to its natural resources, Washington has resumed assistance. Trump remains cautious, refusing to confirm when he will next speak with Vladimir Putin but signaling optimism.
"It's up to Russia now," he said. "I've gotten some positive messages, but a positive message means nothing. This is a very serious situation, it could start
World War Three." Whether this ceasefire plan materializes or collapses amid ongoing distrust and battlefield realities remains to be seen.
