On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed that he has 'serious questions' about the United States' suggested 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, but he showed a willingness to engage in dialogue.

This proposal, which was recently endorsed by Ukraine during discussions with the U.S., has drawn scrutiny from the Kremlin.

Putin remarked, 'I think we need to speak with our American colleagues... Maybe have a phone call with President Trump and go over this with him,' hinting at possible diplomatic engagement with U.S. leadership.

The U.S., represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has stressed the importance of Russia agreeing to an unconditional ceasefire.

In response to Putin's remarks, U.S. President Trump described them as 'promising,' while acknowledging that the finer points of a comprehensive agreement still need attention.

He conveyed a sense of urgency for a resolution, stating, 'I'd love to meet with him or talk to him. But we must expedite this process.'

Putin's statements accompanied claims of Russian military success in advancing at the frontlines, mentioning that Russian troops are 'advancing in practically all areas' and suggesting that Russia will determine its next moves based on the situation on the ground.

The ongoing conflict, now in its third year, saw Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrive in Moscow to further explore the ceasefire proposal.

Witkoff is set to meet with Putin privately, according to Kremlin officials.

Recent military updates from Russia indicated the recapture of the town of Sudzha in the Kursk region, a site that holds strategic importance due to its historical relevance to Ukraine.

The Russian defense ministry announced that they had 'liberated' Sudzha, alongside two other settlements in the border area.

This region was previously under Ukrainian control following a cross-border offensive last August.

As the conflict escalates, Ukraine's commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky suggested possible troop withdrawals in the Kursk region.

At the same time, the military administration in the Sumy region mandated the evacuation of eight villages near the border due to heightened conflict and ongoing shelling.

Putin, donning military attire during a visit to Kursk, expressed a wish for Russian forces to 'fully liberate' territories currently held by Ukraine.

Meanwhile, military actions persisted, with reports of Russian forces shooting down 77 Ukrainian drones and Ukrainian air defenses successfully countering aerial threats.

Complicating diplomatic efforts, Russia has excluded the presence of foreign peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of any ceasefire arrangement, countering Ukraine's requests for international military assistance.

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova reaffirmed this position, asserting that any foreign military presence would be perceived as direct involvement in the conflict.

With both sides continuing their hostilities, analysts caution against making direct connections between the U.S.'s halted intelligence-sharing activities and recent changes on the battlefield, although it has been acknowledged that Washington has confirmed a resumption of support for Ukraine ahead of the ongoing discussions.