Russia Signals Conditional Support for Ukraine Ceasefire as Troops Advance Near Kursk

Moscow agrees in principle to a U.S.-backed 30-day truce but raises demands for long-term peace and addresses battlefield developments.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed conditional support for a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S. and accepted by Ukraine, citing unresolved 'important questions' about implementation and guarantees for lasting peace.
Putin emphasized that any truce must address the 'root causes' of the conflict and ensure it does not serve as a temporary reprieve for Ukraine to regroup militarily.
The Russian military claimed significant advances near the Kursk region, including retaking the town of Sudzha, a key Ukrainian-held position since last summer, while Ukrainian forces reportedly began evacuating nearby areas.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow to negotiate the ceasefire proposal, with discussions potentially involving a direct call between Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukraine accused Russia of executing five captured soldiers, describing the act as a war crime and urging international organizations to take action.