Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has highlighted the significance of Ukraine’s operation in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, calling it an “important part” of any future negotiation process to end the war. Marking six months since the operation, he emphasised its strategic importance in maintaining control while inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, is set to present a peace plan at the Munich Security Conference, proposing security guarantees for Ukraine and leaving Russian-occupied areas unresolved. Zelensky underlined the necessity of US involvement in peace efforts, warning against relying solely on European peacekeepers. The Trump administration reportedly remains divided over its Ukraine strategy, with some officials advocating for military leverage against Russia while others support scaling back aid. The Kremlin confirmed increased contact with the Trump administration, signalling early-stage discussions on potential peace talks. n18oc_world n18oc_crux