Trump urges Putin to spare lives of Ukrainian troops: How Kremlin leader responds

According to Putin, he had a phone conversation with Trump, as well as contacts between Russian and American officials.

"Overall, the situation is starting to move. We'll see what comes of it. Today, we will deal with this matter," Putin said.

The Kremlin leader also claimed that he had reviewed Trump’s proposal to spare the lives of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region. In response, Putin referred to Ukrainian troops as militants.

According to him, Ukrainian troops can lay down their arms and surrender.

"In this regard, I emphasize that if they lay down their arms and surrender, their lives and dignified treatment will be guaranteed in accordance with international law and the laws of the Russian Federation," Putin cynically stated.

30-day ceasefire in Ukraine

During negotiations in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine supported the US initiative to implement a 30-day ceasefire along the front line. A similar discussion took place between American and Russian delegations in Moscow, but Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, stated that the Kremlin is not interested in a temporary truce.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Russia has yet to provide a substantive response to this proposal. Kyiv hopes for an active US role in the negotiations and pressure on Moscow to force an end to the war.

Putin claimed he "supports" the US idea of a 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia but is allegedly concerned about "nuances." Meanwhile, Trump expressed hope that Russia would "do the right thing."

Today, Trump described his talks with Putin as "very good and productive discussions." He also claimed that thousands of Ukrainian troops are completely surrounded by Russian forces and in a highly vulnerable position.

"I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared," he wrote.