Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the region for the first time since Kyiv’s lightning incursion and as peace talks gain steam.

President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Russia’s occupied Kursk region on Wednesday, as the Kremlin considers a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with his troops closing in on Ukraine’s only territorial bargaining chip.

Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy adviser, said Moscow wants a “long-term peaceful settlement that takes into account Moscow’s interests and concerns.”