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Putin Warns Ukrainian Forces in Kursk 'Surrender or Die'
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on Thursday that Russian forces had trapped the remaining Ukrainian soldiers in the western Kursk region, where they have been engaged in a prolonged battle for over seven months. Putin stated that the situation in Kursk was "completely under our control" and that Ukrainian forces were now isolated, according to Reuters.
Ukraine's surprise incursion into Kursk last August aimed to divert Russian troops from the front lines and capture territory to trade for its own occupied land. However, Ukraine's top commander denied this week that his forces were being encircled.
On Wednesday, Putin made an unexpected visit to troops in Kursk, urging them to quickly regain control of the region from Ukrainian forces. At a press conference on Thursday, Putin said, "If a physical blockade occurs in the coming days, then no one will be able to leave at all, there will be only two ways — to surrender or die."
Putin's remarks came amid ongoing Russian aerial attacks, which overnight claimed the lives of at least two people in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson. Kherson Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported on Telegram that Russian drones and shelling targeted the region, also injuring another person.
In Dnipropetrovsk, a Russian attack on the city of Dnipro injured at least three people and damaged several apartment buildings. Officials in Sumy reported fires after Russian drones struck a set of garages.
Ukraine’s military claimed to have shot down 74 of the 117 drones launched by Russia during the attacks, with interceptions occurring across multiple regions. In response, Russia's Defense Ministry reported shooting down 77 Ukrainian drones, with some destroyed over border regions.
Meanwhile, Russian air defense also shot down drones over Kursk, Voronezh, Rostov, and Belgorod. Russian officials in Kaluga reported injuries and damage caused by Ukrainian drone strikes.
The daily aerial assaults persist as the U.S. pushes for a ceasefire. The U.S. has proposed a 30-day halt in fighting, which Ukraine has agreed to accept, and discussions with Russian officials are expected in the coming days.