Russia Establishing Security Buffer Zone Along Ukrainian Border, Kremlin Confirms

On May 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the Russian Armed Forces are in the process of establishing a security buffer zone along the border with Ukraine. The move, according to the Kremlin, is aimed at ensuring the safety of Russia’s border regions amid the ongoing conflict.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russian troops are “moving forward” in the zone of the “special military operation.” He added that “appropriate buffer zones” are being created to enhance security and that this work “continues.”

Key Statements from the Kremlin

Peskov’s comments highlighted several aspects of Russia’s position on the conflict and ongoing negotiations:

• Diplomatic Challenges: Peskov acknowledged that “the complexity of the situation in Ukraine prevents the problem from being solved diplomatically immediately,” indicating that Moscow does not expect a swift resolution.

• Negotiations with Ukraine: He noted that Moscow expects a third round of negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations to take place, stressing that direct talks are in Kyiv’s interest as “the situation on the ground is changing daily to the disadvantage of the Ukrainians.”

• European Court of Human Rights: Peskov dismissed rulings from the European Court of Human Rights related to Ukraine and the Netherlands’ complaints against Moscow, saying Russia considers such decisions “null and void” and has no intention of complying.

• Alleged Trump Threats: When asked about reported remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who allegedly threatened to “bomb” Moscow and Beijing, Peskov said the Kremlin was unaware if the reports were authentic. He clarified that such discussions “did not take place” at the time, as Trump was not yet president.

• U.S.-Russia Relations: Despite tensions, Peskov underlined that “there are no disagreements between Washington and Moscow” regarding the need to find a resolution to the conflict. He noted there is a “desire to resolve the situation in Ukraine through political and diplomatic means.”

The Bigger Picture

Russia’s establishment of a buffer zone comes as fighting in Ukraine continues with no clear end in sight. While Moscow signals a willingness to continue dialogue, its simultaneous military advances underscore the complex duality of the conflict—ongoing negotiations paired with active battlefield operations.

The creation of buffer zones suggests a long-term security strategy by Russia, even as international courts and Western governments continue to challenge Moscow’s actions.