Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls to spare thousands of Ukrainian soldiers reportedly trapped in Kursk. Speaking from Novo-Ogaryovo, Putin said a surrender order from Ukraine’s leadership is necessary for a ceasefire. Russia claims its forces have fully encircled Ukrainian troops in the region, which was the site of a major counteroffensive last year. However, Kyiv denies its forces are trapped, acknowledging only that the situation is difficult.