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.”
Timothée Chalamet won the Golden Globe for best male actor in a musical or comedy on Sunday for his role in Marty Supreme, beating strong competition...
Teyana Taylor and Stellan Skarsgård were among the first winners at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, as Hollywood’s annual awards season got unde...
Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano is showing increased activity, with lava flowing from two summit craters and flames, smoke and ash rising from the caldera...
The Arctic has become a frontline for strategic competition, NATO’s top military commander in Europe said on Sunday, as Russia and China increase th...
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov is suffering kidney failure and is undergoing dialysis, Ukrainian intelligence sources say....
The United States’ actions in Venezuela have clearly demonstrated not only that Latin America remains firmly in Washington’s geopolitical orbit, but also that the U.S. is the only global superpower.
U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out ordering a mission to capture Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he is confident the war in Ukraine can be brought to an end.
Russia has said bad weather was the cause of the AZAL plane crash in Kazakhstan in December 2024. A leaked document in the form of a letter, reportedly from Russia’s Investigative Committee was sent to Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General, making the claim, prompting the criminal case to be closed.
Russia is bracing for potential turmoil in global oil markets after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a military operation that led to the capture of Venezuela’s long-time leader Nicolás Maduro, according to reports.
U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out ordering a mission to capture Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he is confident the war in Ukraine can be brought to an end.
Bob Weir, the rhythm guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78, his family has said.
Timothée Chalamet won the Golden Globe for best male actor in a musical or comedy on Sunday for his role in Marty Supreme, beating strong competition in one of the night’s most closely watched categories.
Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano is showing increased activity, with lava flowing from two summit craters and flames, smoke and ash rising from the caldera.
China, Russia and Iran have begun a week-long joint naval exercise in South African waters, a move that comes amid strained relations between Washington and several members of the expanded BRICS bloc.
Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano is showing increased activity, with lava flowing from two summit craters and flames, smoke and ash rising from the caldera.
The Arctic has become a frontline for strategic competition, NATO’s top military commander in Europe said on Sunday, as Russia and China increase their presence in the region.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov is suffering kidney failure and is undergoing dialysis, Ukrainian intelligence sources say.
More than 1,000 apartment buildings in Kyiv remain without heating after Russian missile attacks crippled the city’s energy system during a sharp cold snap, Ukrainian officials say.
Deaths linked to nationwide protests in Iran have risen to more than 500, according to a U.S.-based rights group HRANA, as Tehran warned it would retaliate against U.S. military targets if Washington intervenes.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment