KYIV: Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on Ukrainian troops in Kursk to lay down their arms, as fierce fighting continues in the region despite ongoing efforts to negotiate a

Russia's Security Council's Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev attends a meeting of the Council for Science and Education at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in the Moscow region's city of Dubna,

Russia has warned that Ukrainian troops in Kursk must surrender or face destruction. Putin acknowledged Trump’s plea to spare their lives but insists Kyiv must order them to lay down arms. Ukraine denies the encirclement but admits the situation is difficult.