U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration has held "productive discussions" with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he urged the safety of Ukrainian soldiers allegedly surrounded in Russia's Kursk region.

In a March 14 post on Truth Social, Trump stated: "At this moment, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers are completely surrounded by the Russian army and are in a very bad and vulnerable position. I have strongly urged President Putin to spare their lives. It would be a terrible massacre, the likes of which hasn't been seen since World War II. God bless them all."

However, he did not provide specific evidence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with permanent members of the Security Council, emphasized that Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, if they lay down their arms and surrender, will have their lives and dignified treatment guaranteed in accordance with international law and Russian Federation laws.

The Russian President noted that the Russian side approaches Trump's appeal with understanding, considering the humanitarian aspects concerning Ukrainian servicemen. However, he stressed that their crimes against civilians are classified as terrorism.

Putin also stated that foreign mercenaries are not subject to the provisions of the Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners of war.

Additionally, the Russian president mentioned that the Trump administration is taking steps to restore Russian-American relations, which had deteriorated under the previous U.S. administration. He emphasized that this process is complex, but there have already been phone conversations between the two countries' leaders, communications between foreign ministers, as well as a meeting between Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov and his American counterpart.

On March 13, Putin stated that Russia is ready to consider the U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, provided that Ukraine halts mobilization, military preparations, and foreign aid supplies. He also claimed significant advances in the Kursk region, stating that the ceasefire would benefit Ukraine. On March 12, Moscow reported recapturing over 86% of previously occupied territories in the region, including the strategic city of Sudzha, initially seized by Ukrainian forces during the Kursk incursion in August 2024.

Putin noted that in the event of a complete physical encirclement, Ukrainian soldiers would have two choices: surrender or die.

However, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi acknowledged the "difficult situation" in the region but affirmed that Ukrainian forces would maintain their defense "as long as it is reasonable and necessary." Previously, Syrskyi had denied reports of Ukrainian soldiers being encircled in the Kursk region.