Thu Mar 13 06:44:15 UTC 2025: ## Putin Orders Swift Defeat of Ukrainian Forces in Kursk
**Moscow, March 13, 2025** – Russian President Vladimir Putin, in military fatigues, has ordered a rapid defeat of Ukrainian forces entrenched in the Kursk region, following a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. The order came after a recent Russian counteroffensive significantly reduced Ukrainian-held territory in Kursk to less than 200 square kilometers, down from a peak of 1,300 square kilometers last summer.
General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff, reported to Putin that Russian forces have retaken over 86% of the territory initially seized by Ukraine, liberating 24 settlements and capturing over 400 prisoners in the last five days. He characterized Ukraine’s attempt to use Kursk as a bargaining chip as a failed gambit. Russian state media claims the operation to expel Ukrainian forces from Kursk is in its final stage.
Despite the Russian advances, Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Kyiv’s troops will remain in Kursk as long as necessary, with fighting continuing around Sudzha. This comes as the U.S. resumed arms supplies and intelligence sharing with Ukraine following talks in Saudi Arabia where Kyiv expressed support for a ceasefire proposal. The Kremlin is reportedly reviewing the results of these talks. The U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, expressed hope for a ceasefire, hinting at potential financial repercussions for Russia if one is not achieved. The situation remains tense as both sides continue their military operations and diplomatic maneuvering.
First Piper 