Donald Trump announced on Friday he had “very good and productive” talks with Vladimir Putin. During their discussions, the US President said on his Truth Social platform that he and his Russian counterpart talked about the war in Ukraine. While suggesting the talks went well, as he said there is a “very good chance” the “bloody war” will come to an end, Mr Trump also shared a request he made to Putin. The plea was centred on Ukrainian troops, who Mr Trump claimed were “completely surrounded” by Russian soldiers, and asked for “their lives be spared”.

He wrote: “We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end – BUT, AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THOUSANDS OF UKRAINIAN TROOPS ARE COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY THE RUSSIAN MILITARY, AND IN A VERY BAD AND VULNERABLE POSITION.

“I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared.

“This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II. God bless them all!!!”

Mr Trump provided no evidence to back up his claim about troops being “completely encircled”.

Nevertheless, Ukrainian troops in the region are under immense pressure as Russian forces tighten their grip.

President Vladimir Putin has escalated tensions by threatening to treat Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) as terrorists.

His stance signals a harsher stance towards captured soldiers, potentially leading to violations of international law and the Geneva Conventions.

The threat to label Ukrainian POWs as terrorists is seen as a further attempt by the Russian president to undermine Ukraine’s military resistance and portray it as an illegitimate force.

The escalating pressure on Ukrainian forces in Kursk, combined with Putin’s extreme rhetoric, raises concerns about the potential for further atrocities against POWs.

The international community has condemned these actions, urging Russia to adhere to humanitarian standards and respect the rights of prisoners under international law.

On Thursday, Putin responded to Mr Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan, raising concerns over some of its terms. While the US plan called for a 30-day halt in hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, a prisoner exchange, and the resumption of US aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, Putin indicated that these conditions were insufficient.

He proposed additional measures, including a halt to US assistance and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine during the ceasefire, as well as restrictions on Ukraine’s ability to reinforce or resupply its forces.

Putin’s comments reflect Russia’s desire for a ceasefire agreement that would limit Ukraine’s military capabilities and further its own strategic objectives.

While the Russian president – who visited Kursk earlier this week – acknowledged the need for progress, he also emphasised that any agreement should ensure that Russia’s security concerns were addressed. The discussions suggest a complex and ongoing negotiation process, with both sides holding differing expectations.