Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Thursday that Russian forces are actively establishing a “security buffer zone” along the Russia–Ukraine border, a move that has drawn immediate criticism from Kyiv and international observers as a further escalation in the ongoing conflict.
“I have already said that a decision was made to create the necessary security buffer zone along the border. Our armed forces are currently solving this problem,” Putin said during a government meeting in Moscow. He added that Ukrainian firing positions are being actively suppressed as part of the effort.
Putin’s remarks follow earlier indications from March when he visited Russia’s Kursk region, an area that had previously seen Ukrainian advances. During that visit, Putin discussed potential restoration work and was reportedly asked by local officials to consider a buffer zone extending into Ukraine’s Sumy region.
Putin said the plan aims to restore destroyed infrastructure and allow civilians to safely return to their homes in areas near the frontlines. He is expected to host a dedicated meeting on rebuilding and stabilization efforts in border areas, according to Russian state media.
Ukrainian and International Response
The announcement was swiftly condemned by Ukraine. Foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi labeled the move as “aggressive”, saying it demonstrates that “Russia is the obstacle to peace efforts now.” Kyiv has consistently rejected any unilateral attempts by Moscow to annex or alter its internationally recognized borders.
The development comes just ahead of a major prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, expected on Friday, following last week’s landmark direct talks in Turkey — the first formal negotiations between the two sides in three years. The agreement includes the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Thursday that Russia has received Ukraine’s proposed list for the exchange. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X that his government is verifying “the details for each individual included on the lists submitted by the Russian side.”
The UK has intensified economic pressure on Russia by announcing a new wave of sanctions. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced 30 new measures which target key areas of Russia’s financial, military, and energy sectors, in response to President Volodymyr Putin’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Kremlin backed U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that Russia’s expulsion from the G8 in 2014 was a mistake but dismissed the relevance of the current G7, calling it “rather useless.”
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hailed Russian President Vladimir Putin as his “dearest friend” and vowed to deepen Pyongyang-Moscow ties, pledging that the DPRK will “always stand with Russia,” in a Russia Day message reported by state media on 12 June.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirming his country’s steadfast support for Moscow.
The next phase of Russia-U.S. consultations on resolving diplomatic tensions will take place in Moscow “in the near future,” Russia’s Ambassador to Washington, Alexander Darchiev, confirmed in his first interview since assuming the post in March.
President Ilham Aliyev to Pay Official Visit to Türkiye
The Prime Minister updated the citizens of Israel on the progress of Operation "Am K’Lavi'" now in its sixth day. He emphasised the operation's objectives to neutralise nuclear and ballistic missile threats while acknowledging painful losses and praising the nation's resilien.
European Union governments have agreed on a 1.5 billion-euro scheme to fund defence investments, though some countries said its "buy European" rules are too restrictive, diplomats said on Wednesday.
The Dutch government has unveiled official guidelines aimed at limiting smartphone and social media use among children, responding to growing concerns about the negative impact of excessive screen exposure.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism on Wednesday that an agreement could be reached "in the coming days" in the ongoing tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
European Union governments have agreed on a 1.5 billion-euro scheme to fund defence investments, though some countries said its "buy European" rules are too restrictive, diplomats said on Wednesday.
The Dutch government has unveiled official guidelines aimed at limiting smartphone and social media use among children, responding to growing concerns about the negative impact of excessive screen exposure.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism on Wednesday that an agreement could be reached "in the coming days" in the ongoing tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union.
The U.S. military stands prepared to execute any decision President Donald Trump makes regarding Iran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Wednesday, as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies with ongoing Israeli strikes against Iranian targets.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to say whether Washington planned to strike Iran or its nuclear sites, adding that Tehran had reached out but it may now be "too late to be talking."
President Ilham Aliyev to Pay Official Visit to Türkiye
The Prime Minister updated the citizens of Israel on the progress of Operation "Am K’Lavi'" now in its sixth day. He emphasised the operation's objectives to neutralise nuclear and ballistic missile threats while acknowledging painful losses and praising the nation's resilien.
European Union governments have agreed on a 1.5 billion-euro scheme to fund defence investments, though some countries said its "buy European" rules are too restrictive, diplomats said on Wednesday.
The Dutch government has unveiled official guidelines aimed at limiting smartphone and social media use among children, responding to growing concerns about the negative impact of excessive screen exposure.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism on Wednesday that an agreement could be reached "in the coming days" in the ongoing tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union.
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