Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s statements about the necessity of creating a “buffer zone” on the border with Ukraine have provoked a sharp reaction from the Ukrainian foreign ministry. Spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Georgiy Tikhiy emphasized that such remarks “demonstrate to the whole world that this individual is the sole reason, or as they say, the primary cause of this war.”
This is reported by Kyiv24
“These words clearly prove that it is Putin, that it is the Russian Federation that is an obstacle to peaceful efforts and a complete ceasefire. Pressure must be increased on them to compel Russia to peace, to a lasting and comprehensive truce,” Tikhiy stressed.
Putin’s Statements and Their Impact on the Situation
Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the creation of a “buffer zone” along the border with Ukraine, stating that “a decision has been made to create the necessary security buffer zone.” According to him, this task is currently being addressed by the Russian armed forces.
Additionally, Putin met with the heads of municipalities in the Kursk region, where one official, Pavel Zolotaryov, called for the establishment of a buffer zone in the Sumy region. Putin inquired about the depth of this zone, and Zolotaryov stated that Russia should seize “at least Sumy” and hinted that its scale should be larger.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War believe that Putin organized the meeting with regional leaders to justify his intentions regarding the seizure of the Sumy region and the illegal annexation of this territory. They remind that Western and Ukrainian sources reported threats from the Russian delegation to seize Sumy for the creation of a “security zone” during Ukrainian-Russian negotiations in Istanbul on May 16.
Military actions in the Sumy region continue, and Russian troops regularly shell border settlements with artillery, use drones, and drop aerial bombs. The border area is suffering the most destruction, with many residents having left their homes. There is a risk that Russian military forces may cross the border, while Ukrainian forces may enter Russian territory.
At the beginning of last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced the idea of creating a “demilitarized” or “sanitary” zone in Ukraine to ensure the security of Russian territory from Western weapons.
Overall, the statements regarding the creation of a buffer zone are part of a broader tactic by Russia to strengthen its positions and prepare for potential military actions in the region.