Russia to Intensify False Reports of “War Crimes” in Kursk Region to Sabotage Ceasefire Talks, ISW Reports

The Kremlin appears to be intensifying a narrative accusing Ukrainian forces of committing “war crimes” in Russia’s Kursk region, potentially aiming to delay or derail discussions on a proposed 30-day ceasefire.

According to ISW, Russian leader Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials, along with state media and pro-Kremlin voices, have escalated claims regarding alleged Ukrainian military actions in Kursk. These accusations, which lack supporting evidence, coincide with ongoing negotiations about a temporary cessation of hostilities.

On March 13, in response to U.S. and Ukrainian proposals for a ceasefire, Putin questioned whether Russian forces should allow Ukrainian troops to leave Kursk after purportedly committing numerous offenses against civilians. He reiterated this stance the following day, labeling Ukrainian military actions as “terrorism.”

Additionally, on March 12, Russia’s Investigative Committee announced an inquiry into supposed war crimes by Ukrainian forces in areas of Kursk where intense combat has taken place. On March 14, Russian authorities claimed to have convicted two Ukrainian soldiers on charges of “terrorism” and “war crimes” in the region.

Ultra-nationalist Russian figures, including those aligned with the Kremlin, have amplified these accusations. Russian state media, in turn, has reinforced these narratives, particularly statements from Alexander Khinshtein, the acting governor of Kursk, who has accused Ukrainian forces of committing war crimes since their operations began in August 2024. However, ISW highlights that these claims remain unsubstantiated.

Analysts at ISW suggest that the Kremlin is employing a strategy similar to its efforts in 2021 and 2022 when it falsely portrayed Ukrainian forces as perpetrators of violence to justify its full-scale invasion. The current rhetoric, ISW notes, appears intended to undermine ceasefire negotiations while positioning Putin as a leader willing to consider diplomatic solutions.

Furthermore, ISW reports that Russian ultra-nationalist factions have used these allegations to push for a rejection of any truce and to justify the mistreatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war. The report also highlights a significant rise in confirmed executions of Ukrainian POWs by Russian forces throughout 2024 and into early 2025, with instances documented near the town of Sudzha on March 13.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the U.S. and its allies should maintain a firm stance on ceasefire negotiations, urging them to pressure Russia into making the first move.

Speaking in Kyiv on March 15, he highlighted that Ukraine’s diplomatic success in Jeddah had complicated Russia’s position, leaving Moscow to decide whether to pursue peace or continue hostilities. Zelenskyy called for unwavering international support, rejecting any concessions to Russian conditions, and underscored that Ukraine’s security decisions should not be influenced by the Kremlin.