Russia strengthens territorial claims against Ukraine - ISW.

Russia's demand for the transfer of Ukrainian territories

The Russian government has made a demand to Ukraine regarding the voluntary transfer of Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and two other regions. Experts from the Institute for the Study of War believe that this is merely a cunning attempt to pressure the Ukrainian side and demand unacceptable conditions.

It should be noted that Russian officials have previously expressed similar claims, for instance, regarding the fact that the Kharkiv region is part of Russia. Actions to create buffer zones in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions indicate Moscow's intention to expand its spheres of influence.