The Russian Defence Ministry announced the recapture of Sudzha shortly after President Vladimir Putin’s visit to military commanders in Kursk, although independent verification of their claims remains elusive. Ukrainian officials have not commented on the situation. This new Russian military effort coincides with diplomatic initiatives from US President Donald Trump, who is advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Recently, the United States lifted its suspension of military aid to Ukraine after productive discussions aimed at achieving a ceasefire took place in Saudi Arabia. Trump indicated that the onus is now on Russia to respond positively to ceasefire efforts, hinting at potential new sanctions should Russia refuse to negotiate.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that US negotiators are en route to Russia but refrained from disclosing Moscow’s stance on the proposed ceasefire, emphasising that discussions should remain confidential until they commence. Senior US officials express optimism about a halt to Russian attacks in the coming days. However, Russia’s Foreign Policy Advisor, Yuri Ushakov, commented that a ceasefire might merely provide a temporary respite for Ukrainian forces.
Ushakov reiterated Moscow’s desire for a long-term settlement that acknowledges its interests, reflecting sentiments previously expressed by Putin, who stated that a ceasefire could inadvertently benefit Ukraine and its Western allies. Ukraine’s indication of willingness to entertain a truce presents a challenging decision for Russia: to accept a pause in hostilities and forgo further territorial gains or to rebuff the offer and potentially compromise its diplomatic engagement with Washington.
Despite the pressure stemming from sustained Ukrainian incursions into Russian territory, Moscow continues its aggressive military stance. Putin has directed military commanders to eliminate Ukrainian presence in the Kursk region efficiently and proposed plans for establishing a security zone near the Russian border, signalling a potential interest in expanding territorial control over parts of Ukraine, which could complicate any ceasefire negotiations.
A recent assessment from the Institute for the Study of War suggested that Russian forces maintain control over Sudzha, while Ukrainian military leaders indicate that Russian airstrikes have devastated the settlement. Ukrainian General Oleksandr Syrskyi has noted the extensive Russian assault on the area but has not confirmed the current control situation, stating instead that Ukrainian forces were repositioning strategically.
In a related development, Major General Dmytro Krasylnykov, commander of Ukraine’s Northern Operational Command, which oversees the Kursk region, has reported his dismissal, further indicating shifts within the military leadership amid ongoing conflicts.