Russia's "buffer zone" plan inflames 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, and Dmitry Medvedev is now threatening that the zone may be expanded.
Much of the information provided by Russian media or government representatives is propaganda. Such reports form 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, emphasises that Russia's actions contradict the aim of a ceasefire.
- Dmitry Medvedev threatened that the "buffer zone" could encompass 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 implement this plan. Despite a lack of specifics, Ukraine responded with immediate opposition.
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 emphasised 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 not marked in red is a narrow strip near the borders with Poland, Slovakia, and Lithuania.
Ukrainian authorities, including the MFA spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi, stress that Russia's actions are unacceptable and demand an international response. "Putin must be forced to think not about launching missiles, but about ending the war" - added Sybiha.
