Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to a post by US President Donald Trump on Truth Social on Friday, during a meeting of the Russian Security Council, which focused on the progress of Russian-American negotiations. The post in question was a plea for mercy for Ukrainian military personnel trapped in the Russian region of Kursk.
Putin recalled that the Ukrainian military had committed numerous war crimes against the civilian population in the Kursk region and as such, saw only a humanitarian solution for the trapped soldiers.
“The Ukrainian fighters have committed numerous crimes against the civilian population in the occupied territories, which are qualified as terrorism by the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Russian Federation. At the same time, we understand the appeal by Donald Trump to lead our actions against these military personnel from a humanitarian perspective. If the Ukrainian units surrender and lay down their arms, their lives and a proper treatment, in accordance with international norms and the laws of the Russian Federation, will be ensured” the President said.
The political and military leadership in Kiev should issue the order for surrender, the Russian head of state added in his brief statement.
Earlier that day, the US President published a statement on his social networks, saying:
“We had very good and productive discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday and there is a very big chance that this terrible, bloody war can finally come to an end. But, at this very moment, thousands of Ukrainian military personnel are completely surrounded by the Russian military. They are in a very bad and vulnerable position. I have strongly urged President Putin to spare their lives. It would be a terrible massacre, one that has not been seen since World War II. God protect them all!”
Further information to follow..