Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to create a buffer zone along the border of Ukraine as part of the ongoing invasion. The goal is to protect against long-range Ukrainian strikes and cross-border raids. The conflict has seen recent battlefield progress by the Kremlin's forces, while Ukrainian troops face challenges such as a shortage of artillery shells and exhausted units after years of war.
The front line spans over 620 miles in eastern and southern Ukraine. Despite slow and costly advances by Russia, Ukraine has retaliated with long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries and depots. Additionally, Ukrainian groups have launched cross-border incursions against Russian targets.
Putin emphasized the need for a 'sanitary zone' in territories controlled by the Ukrainian government. This announcement coincided with Putin securing a fifth term in an election lacking opposition. The move comes ahead of the 10th anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea, which preceded the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Putin's objectives in Ukraine remain ambiguous following the invasion's setbacks. He aims to establish a security zone to counter foreign strike assets. Putin warned against Western troop deployment in Ukraine, cautioning that it could escalate to a global conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron suggested Western troop deployment but noted it was not currently necessary. Putin expressed openness to negotiations with Kyiv but rejected a truce that would allow Ukraine to rearm. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for Putin to face trial at the International Court of Justice for war crimes.
