Russia's "buffer zone" threat escalates tensions with Ukraine
Russia has announced plans to establish a "buffer zone" along the border with Ukraine. Kyiv responded immediately to the Kremlin's plan. Now Dmitry Medvedev is threatening Ukraine that the zone may be expanded.
Much of the information provided by Russian media or government representatives is propaganda. Such reports are part of the information war conducted by the Russian Federation.
What do you need to know?
- Russia plans to establish a "buffer zone" along the border with Ukraine. The decision was announced by Vladimir Putin during a remote meeting with the government.
- Ukrainian authorities strongly oppose Moscow's plans. The head of Ukrainian diplomacy, Andrij Sybiha, emphasizes that Russia's actions contradict the aim of a ceasefire.
- Dmitry Medvedev threatened that the "buffer zone" could cover almost the entire territory of Ukraine. The Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation attached a map to his statement.
What are Russia's plans for Ukraine?
Vladimir Putin announced the decision to establish a "buffer zone" along the border with Ukraine. This information was conveyed by the Kremlin agency TASS. The Russian armed forces are to carry out this plan. Despite the lack of specifics, this decision was met with immediate opposition from Ukraine.
Ukrainian authorities, including the head of diplomacy Andrij Sybiha, expressed their outrage. "I remind the world that Putin’s statements about the buffer zone come amid active efforts to achieve a full, durable ceasefire, stop the killing, and advance peace," wrote Sybiha on social media. He emphasized that Russia's aggressive actions contradict peace efforts.
Will the "buffer zone" cover all of Ukraine?
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, threatened that if Ukraine continues to receive military support, the "buffer zone" could cover almost the entire country. He attached a map to his statement highlighting the area controlled by Russians. The only part of Ukraine that was not marked in red is a narrow strip near the border with Poland, bordering Slovakia and Lithuania.
Ukrainian authorities, including the MFA spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi, stress that Russia's actions are unacceptable and require an international response. "Putin must be forced to think not about launching missiles, but about ending the war," added Sybiha.
