Zelenskyy: Ukraine Establishes ‘Buffer Zone’ in Russia to Avert Attacks

The Ukrainian military’s recent offensive into Russia’s Kursk region marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that this operation aims to establish a “buffer zone on the aggressor’s territory,” which is intended to discourage future Russian attacks against Ukraine.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainian forces are actively reinforcing their positions in Kursk, declaring, “the foothold of our presence is getting stronger.” He praised the effectiveness of his troops, highlighting that the capture of Russian soldiers contributes to Ukraine’s ability to potentially negotiate the release of their own troops and civilians taken captive by Russian forces. “It is now our primary task to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions,” he added.

The Ukrainian forces appear resolute in their determination to hold onto the nearly 400 square miles of territory they have captured and maintained for about two weeks. The commander of Ukraine’s air force reported substantial damage to a second bridge in the region, a tactic aimed at crippling Russian combat capabilities. “Minus one more bridge,” Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk remarked on Telegram.

Reactions to the incursion have varied significantly. Russian President Vladimir Putin has attempted to downplay the situation, referring to it merely as a “situation,” while suggesting that the U.S. and other Western powers coordinated the operation. In contrast, U.S. officials have stated they were unaware of Ukraine’s plans prior to the offensive.

In a related development, local authorities in Russia claimed that two women sustained injuries due to Ukrainian drone strikes in the Belgorod Region, which borders Ukraine. Vyacheslav Gladkov, the regional governor, provided updates on the incident.

The fallout from the conflict is felt deeply in Kursk’s Korenevo District, where residents who fled the fighting fear for their safety. Local officials reported that returning to homes remains perilous. Marina Degtyareva, a district official, noted that “the situation there remains very difficult,” and warned that those who attempt to return could face dire consequences. She mentioned in a social media post that residents would be informed when conditions are safe for their return.

The unexpected incursion has shocked many in the Kursk region, given the preceding narrative of relative calm. Yan Furtsev, a representative of the local opposition party Yabloko, expressed that “no one expected that this kind of conflict was even possible in the Kursk region.” He elaborated on the confusion and fear permeating the community, with many frightened citizens fleeing from frontline areas seeking safety.

In retaliation, Russia conducted its third ballistic missile attack on Kyiv this month. Initial reports suggest that most of the missiles were intercepted by Ukrainian defenses, according to officials from the Kyiv military administration. Serhiy Popko, the head of the military administration in Kyiv, noted that these attacks have occurred at regular six-day intervals, seemingly aimed at countering the significant Ukrainian advances into Russian-held territory.

No casualties were reported from the latest missile strike; however, Governor Ruslan Kravchenko acknowledged that the attack resulted in the destruction of two private houses, alongside damage to 16 other buildings caused by falling debris.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two and a half years ago, the country has occupied about 20% of Ukrainian territory in the eastern and southern regions. As the conflict continues to escalate, the dynamics on both sides suggest a persistent struggle characterized by confrontational tactics and a search for strategic advantages.

Source: USA Today