Ukraine Rejects Putin's Proposal for Border Buffer Zone

The Ukrainian government has firmly rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent proposal to establish a buffer zone along the border. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha criticized the plan, stating that such aggressive demands undermine ongoing peace efforts and reaffirm that Putin is the primary obstacle to ending the conflict.

Putin announced the intention to create a security zone during a government meeting following his visit to the Kursk region, which has been partially controlled by Ukrainian forces for several months. However, he did not provide specific details regarding the dimensions or location of the proposed zone.

In response, Sybiha emphasized the need for increased pressure on Putin to bring the war to a close, while Ministry spokesperson Heorhij Tychyj suggested that the buffer zone could be established on Russian territory instead.

Putin declared the Kursk region liberated after Ukrainian troops crossed into the area last August, and he visited recently to reinforce this stance. In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asserted that Ukrainian forces still maintain positions in both Kursk and the neighboring Belgorod region. Zelenskyy previously indicated that one of the objectives for Ukrainian operations in Kursk was to create a buffer zone on territory controlled by Russia.

In a related development, G7 finance ministers announced plans to escalate pressure on Russia through intensified sanctions if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. After a three-day summit in Canada, the G7 condemned Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine and stated that any organization supporting Russia during the conflict would be excluded from contracts aimed at rebuilding Ukraine.

Putin's proposal for a buffer zone comes amid ongoing military engagements. He stated that Russian forces are actively working to suppress enemy fire points and develop a comprehensive program for rebuilding affected border regions, including Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk, which suffer from frequent bombardments.

Moreover, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged lists of 1,000 prisoners of war as they prepare for a significant prisoner swap. This move follows a recent agreement reached during direct talks in Istanbul, marking the first such discussions in over three years. The specific timing and format for the exchange are yet to be finalized.

Ukrainian Chancellor Friedrich Merz has tempered expectations for a swift resolution to the conflict, acknowledging that there are currently no indications of an imminent end to the war. He reaffirmed Germany's commitment to continue supporting Ukraine militarily while engaging in diplomatic efforts to seek a resolution.

In addition, over 80 U.S. Senators have backed a draft bill that aims to impose new sanctions on Russia if it refuses to engage in peace negotiations with Ukraine. This bipartisan effort reflects a significant level of congressional support for increased pressure on Moscow amidst ongoing hostilities.

As the conflict continues, reports indicate that the Russian Defense Ministry has intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones targeting various regions, including Moscow and surrounding areas. These drone attacks have disrupted air traffic in the capital, prompting authorities to temporarily halt flights at major airports.

With the situation evolving, both Ukrainian and Russian forces remain engaged in intense combat operations, particularly in the eastern regions of Ukraine. The conflict shows no signs of abating, as diplomatic negotiations struggle to yield tangible results.