Kremlin names reason for new offensive inside Ukraine
Russia’s recent advance into Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk Region is part of the push by Moscow to establish a “buffer zone” on the front line, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said.
On Sunday, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the 90th Armored Division had reached the western border of the Donetsk People’s Republic and continued its offensive into the neighboring territory. The next day, it reported new territorial gains in the area, without providing details.
On Monday, Peskov confirmed that the recent advance was aimed at establishing a “buffer zone” on the front line. “It is one of the goals, of course, but if we talk about the nuances of the military actions themselves, then your questions should be addressed to the Defense Ministry,” the spokesman said.
The intention to create a “buffer zone” was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin late last month. He delivered his remarks amid recurring Ukrainian drone and artillery strikes targeting civilians in Donbass, as well as Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions.
Following his comments, the Russian military also reported advances in Ukraine’s Sumy Region along the border.
The Times has described the news of Russia’s advance into Dnepropetrovsk Region as “a significant symbolic and strategic blow” for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian Senator Andrey Klishas said that Russia had started “an active phase of denazification” in the region.
It comes on the heels of two rounds of direct Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul. Moscow insists that a lasting peace settlement can only be reached once Kiev recognizes Crimea, the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, and Kherson and Zaporozhye Regions as part of Russia while committing to neutrality. Kiev has consistently refused to consider any territorial concessions.
