Russian operation to expel Ukrainian forces in final stage, claims Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, following visit to region by President Vladimir Putin

• Trump hints at financial repercussions if Russia rejects Ukraine ceasefire

Russia’s operation to eject Ukrainian forces from the western Russian region of Kursk has entered its final stage, state news agency Tass reported on Thursday, citing Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Russian president Vladimir Putin on Wednesday visited Kursk for the first time since Ukrainian forces seized some territory in the region.

The news comes as US president Donald Trump said on Wednesday that negotiators were headed to Russia “right now” for talks on a possible ceasefire with Ukraine, after Kyiv agreed to a 30-day truce.