Ukraine war: Russia retakes key Kursk town after Putin visit as US negotiators head to Moscow for ceasefire talks

The Russian ministry of defence announced on Thursday that it has regained control of Sudzha, the largest town in the Kursk region, from Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian troops had held the Kursk region since their surprise border offensive in August 2024.

This announcement comes one day after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the region and urged troops to "liberate" it quickly. "I am counting on the fact that all the combat tasks facing our units will be fulfilled, and the territory of the Kursk region will soon be completely liberated from the enemy," Putin said in televised comments.

Also read: Ukraine agrees to 30-day truce offer by US in war with Russia, America in return to resume aid

Putin's visit appeared aimed at boosting morale as Russian forces advanced on the last remaining Ukrainian positions inside Russia, following peace talks between US and Ukrainian officials that resulted in Kyiv agreeing to a 30-day US-backed ceasefire covering the entire frontline.

The Russian advance in Kursk threatens Ukraine’s remaining territorial bargaining power at a key moment in the war when a ceasefire is being discussed.

On August 6, 2024, Ukrainian forces launched a major attack across the border, marking the largest foreign assault on Russia since World War II. The attack gave Ukraine its biggest battlefield gains since 2022, after months of setbacks. Russia quickly deployed reserve troops, and nearly 200,000 Russian civilians were forced to leave their homes.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the next move is up to Russia, as US representatives were traveling to Russia to discuss the ceasefire. “We’re going to have to see. It’s up to Russia now,” Trump said during a press briefing, refusing to comment on whether he would meet with Putin.

Meanwhile, US negotiators have also been traveling to Russia to present the 30-day ceasefire plan. "Negotiators are flying in and indeed contacts are scheduled," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov spoke to US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz by phone the day before, he added.

Although the names of the US negotiators were not revealed, the White House had earlier said that Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, who has mediated in both the Gaza and Ukraine conflicts, would be in Moscow this week.

Russia has said it wants sanctions to be lifted as part of any agreement due to economic challenges.

Will Russia reject deal?

A senior Kremlin aide on Thursday, however, criticized the US-Ukrainian ceasefire proposal for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, calling it a temporary measure that would only benefit the Ukrainian military.

"It would be nothing more than a temporary breather for the Ukrainian military," said Yuri Ushakov, speaking to state media after a phone conversation with US national security advisor (NSA) Mike Waltz.

Ushakov said that President Vladimir Putin would likely provide a "more specific and substantive assessment" on Thursday.

He added that Russia was seeking a "long-term peaceful solution" that would protect its "legitimate interests."

"That is what we are striving for," he said, emphasizing that "any steps that imitate peaceful action are, I believe, not needed by anyone in the current situation."