Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Russia will persist with its invasion of Ukraine and intends to establish a buffer zone to shield against Ukrainian strikes and cross-border attacks. The ongoing conflict has seen Moscow’s forces gaining ground as Ukrainian troops grapple with dwindling artillery supplies and exhausted units along a front line spanning over 1,000 kilometers across eastern and southern Ukraine.
Speaking after his re-election to a fifth six-year term, Putin unveiled plans for a “security zone” within territories controlled by the Ukrainian government. This zone, he stated, would pose significant challenges to foreign-made strike assets employed by the enemy.
However, Putin’s remarks come amidst a backdrop of uncertainty regarding Russia’s objectives in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion in 2022. The Russian leader has cautioned against Western military intervention, warning that it could escalate tensions to the brink of World War III.
Despite Russia’s openness to negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rebuffed peace talks, advocating instead for Putin’s trial at the International Criminal Court. Meanwhile, with crucial U.S. aid stalled in Washington, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham visited Kyiv to discuss avenues for support, including the possibility of no-interest loans.
The conflict has intensified, with Ukraine reporting intercepts of Russian drones and missile strikes in various regions. The Sumy region, in particular, has witnessed a surge in attacks, prompting the evacuation of civilians from border villages.
In response to escalating hostilities, Russia plans to evacuate approximately 9,000 children from border regions targeted by Ukrainian shelling. This move underscores Kyiv’s strategy of striking behind the front line, aiming to pressure Moscow politically.
Putin’s discussions with security officials highlight the challenges posed by cross-border raids and underscore the complexities of the ongoing conflict, which shows no signs of abating.
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