Putin ordered to expand the buffer zone in Ukraine until 2026.

According to ТСН: The dictator of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, gave instructions regarding the expansion of the so-called buffer zone in northeastern Ukraine until 2026.

Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Valery Gerasimov, reported that the order was announced on December 31. He noted that Putin ordered to expand the 'buffer zone' in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, which border the Russian border.

Purpose of the operation

Gerasimov, who visited the 'Sever' grouping of troops in this region, emphasized that their task is to create a 'buffer zone' at the border and push Ukrainian forces deeper into the territory of Ukraine for further offensive actions.

Reaction to statements

Gerasimov's statement came against the backdrop of Russia's threats in response to Ukraine's alleged involvement in a potential 'attack' on Putin's residence in Valdai. Moscow has not provided any evidence for these claims, and the Ukrainian side considers them an attempt to disrupt possible peace negotiations.

Putin has repeatedly described the 'buffer zone' as a necessary means to draw the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their weaponry further from the Russian border due to shelling and drone attacks on regions such as Belgorod and Kursk.

Kyiv has firmly rejected the concept of a 'buffer zone', considering it a justification for further invasions into Ukrainian territory.

It should be noted that on December 29, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, claimed that there was an allegedly 'attack' on Putin's residence in Novgorod region.

The Kremlin threatened a response to the 'attack' on the state residence. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov cynically stated that he 'knows how, with what, and when to respond' to this.

According to him, 'Kyiv's attempt to attack the residence' is aimed at disrupting the negotiation process and against the peace efforts of US President Donald Trump.

The latest statements from Kremlin officials highlight the complex and tense situation in eastern Ukraine and within international relations. Ukraine's response to Russia's actions indicates its determination to defend its territorial integrity and avoid political manipulations that may threaten peace negotiations.