Russia Claims to Have Retaken Strategic Town in Border Region
Moscow has claimed that its troops have driven Ukrainian forces out of Sudzha, the largest town in Russia’s Kursk border region. The claim, made by the Russian Defence Ministry, comes a day after President Vladimir Putin visited his commanders in Kursk, where he wore military fatigues and said he expected the military to “completely free the Kursk region from the enemy in the nearest future.”
While the Russian military’s claim cannot be independently verified, Ukrainian officials have yet to comment on the development. The situation is unfolding as the international community continues to push for a diplomatic resolution to the three-year-old conflict. The United States has lifted its suspension of military aid to Ukraine, following progress made by US and Ukrainian officials in talks in Saudi Arabia.
The international community is looking to Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire, which US President Donald Trump has described as a “good idea.” However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has expressed concerns over the proposal, suggesting that any discussions should wait until talks have begun. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed that National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has spoken with his Russian counterpart, and that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is en route to Moscow for further talks.
The development comes as Russia’s military exerts renewed pressure on Ukraine’s foothold inside Russia, backed by North Korean troops. Ukraine’s forces have been under intense pressure for months, following a daring incursion in August that led to the occupation of Russian soil and embarrassed the Kremlin. Putin’s visit to Kursk has sparked concerns over Moscow’s long-term goals, with some suggesting that Russia may aim to expand its territorial gains by capturing parts of Ukraine’s neighboring Sumy region.
The potential for a ceasefire to grant a temporary reprieve to Ukraine’s military has been met with skepticism, with Kremlin officials arguing that it would simply provide a “break for the Ukrainian military.” Russia’s stance has left the international community in a state of uncertainty, as the world waits for Moscow to respond to the ceasefire proposal. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the fate of Ukraine and the future of the region hangs in the balance.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/03/14/us-backed-truce-would-help-ukraine-says-putins-advisor/
Category : INTERNATIONAL
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Publish Date: 2025-03-14 03:48:00
