Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Ukrainian forces, besieged by the Russian army in the area entered by Kyiv's forces in Kursk Oblast, will be guaranteed life and decent treatment if they lay down their arms and surrender.
During a meeting with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council on Friday, according to the Russian Sputnik news agency, Putin said he had reviewed today's appeal by US President Donald Trump to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers besieged by Russian forces in the area where Ukrainian armed forces are deployed in Kursk Oblast. He noted that he understands the US president's call to be guided by humanitarian considerations in the treatment of these soldiers.
He added, "I emphasize that if they lay down their arms and surrender, they will be guaranteed life and decent treatment in accordance with international law and the laws of the Russian Federation."
The Russian president noted that "the situation regarding the restoration of relations between Russia and the United States is beginning to move forward, and we will see what happens."
Evacuation of a virtually destroyed M1124 MaxxPro and a damaged BTR-4E of the Ukrainian Army in the Kursk region.
Also included is a rare MTP-A2.1 technical support vehicle with an armored cab on the URAL-4320-31 chassis, which was presented at the Army-2024 forum. pic.twitter.com/40lhcnzPlt
— Alexeï (@jeanlol67573289) March 14, 2025
Putin added that the current US presidential administration, led by US President Donald Trump, is making every effort to restore relations with Russia.
The Russian president declared on Wednesday that the Ukrainian forces that entered Kursk are completely surrounded and under complete fire control. He stressed the need to treat prisoners humanely, with the exception of those who committed crimes against civilians, who are considered terrorists. He also clarified that foreign mercenaries are not covered by the Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War.