Olena Mukhina

The Ukrainian General Staff has firmly rejected reports of encircled troops in Russia's Kursk Oblast, directly contradicting statements made by US President Donald Trump following his "productive discussions" with Vladimir Putin about the fate of supposedly surrounded Ukrainian soldiers.

Ukraine's future security depends on maintaining a professional military force of 500,000 troops and domestic weapons production, according to Artur Palatnyi, who rejected any peace deal that would diminish Kyiv's defense capabilities.

As diplomats discuss a potential 30-day ceasefire proposal, Ukrainian soldiers recovering from drone strikes and artillery wounds in eastern Ukraine express deep skepticism about Russian intentions.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has confirmed the six-month extension of sanctions against Russia, preserving restrictions on nearly 2,400 entities.

Russian forces have seized some of Ukraine's most advanced Western-supplied equipment during Kyiv's recent withdrawal from Kursk Oblast, including prized M-1 Abrams tanks and M-2 Bradley fighting vehicles that are unlikely to be replaced under the Trump administration.

French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu emphasized the importance of addressing key security concerns, including in the Black Sea and Ukraine's nuclear power plants saety.

Despite current Russian encirclement attempts in Kursk Oblast, military experts credit Ukraine's cross-border operation with preventing Russian advances in Donbas by diverting 60,000 troops from critical frontline areas.

Russian airborne and special forces units target Ukrainian positions around Sudzha while attempting to shift combat into Ukrainian territory, having suffered over 54,900 casualties since August in the costliest cross-border battle of the war.

General Krasilnykov, removed without explanation on 7 March, claims he left Kursk operations months ago.

Fighting continues in Sudzha town as Ukraine deploys reserves to stabilize deteriorating positions, while Ukrainian defense official contradicts reports of complete withdrawal from Russian territory despite logistical challenges.

Three victims remain in serious condition after missiles hit Kryvyi Rih infrastructure, damaging 15 apartment buildings and numerous civilian facilities.

After holding territories in Russia's Kursk Oblast since August, Ukrainian forces are seem to conduct an organized withdrawal as Russian troops advance with superior numbers and effective drone warfare against supply lines.

He said Ukraine will resume receiving US intelligence data and military support while negotiators prepare a more comprehensive minerals development agreement.

Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation reveals Russia's latest false claims about Kursk Nuclear Power Plant as a strategic effort to weaken Ukraine's position amid the US talks.