In a surprising statement on 17th March, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he had taken unspecified actions to save Ukrainian soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, repeating an unsubstantiated assertion that they were “surrounded” by Russian forces. This claim comes amid growing confusion surrounding the situation in the region, as Kyiv has firmly denied any such encirclement of its troops.
While President Trump suggested his involvement had prevented further losses, Kyiv has maintained that its forces were never at risk of being surrounded, though they did retreat from the town of Sudzha due to a rapid Russian advance. Trump, speaking at a briefing, said: “They’re surrounded by Russian soldiers, and I believe if it wasn’t for me, they wouldn’t be here any longer.” However, he did not provide any concrete details or evidence to substantiate his claim of Ukrainian encirclement.
Ukrainian forces launched a cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast in August 2024, but much of the region was reportedly lost to a Russian counterattack earlier this month. Russian troops, bolstered by North Korean reinforcements, have been making significant strides. This was coincidentally when the U.S. paused its intelligence and military support for Ukraine, although Trump voiced his belief that this pause had not harmed Ukraine’s positions in the area.
Trump’s comments came ahead of a planned call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 18th March, in which they are expected to discuss a potential peace deal for Ukraine. Trump indicated that significant progress had been made, saying, “Many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains.”
The two leaders are expected to focus on a 30-day ceasefire proposal that was discussed during talks in Saudi Arabia on 11th March. After Ukraine agreed to the truce, the U.S. resumed its military and intelligence support. On 13th March, Putin signalled that he was open to the ceasefire, but only if Ukraine agreed not to mobilise, train troops, or receive military aid during this period. This demand has raised concerns that Russia could resume its aggressive actions once the truce ends.
