Vladimir Putin announces that the Russian army has begun to create a “buffer security area” along the border between Russia and Ukraine

The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, announced during a meeting with government officials that a decision has been made to establish a buffer security area along the border with Ukraine and that Russian troops are currently engaged in implementing the initiative, reports the Russian TASS press agency.

“We have approved the creation of a necessary buffer security zone along our borders. Our armed forces work actively to perform this task,” the Russian leader said.

He argues that, given the recent developments in the Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk regions, immediate efforts are needed for the reconstruction and restoration of the affected areas. According to TASS, it is also about supporting locals to return to their villages, when the security conditions allow it. In addition, the Russian press agency writes, it is essential that transport networks and other infrastructures are rehabilitated, to ensure the proper functioning of industrial and agricultural enterprises and to support entrepreneurs and their employees.

Kremlin: “New peace discussions have not been agreed”

Also on Thursday, the Kremlin said that “new peace discussions with Ukraine have not been agreed, thus challenging articles about possible negotiations to the Vatican, writes AFP.

Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have intensified lately, and representatives of Russia and Ukraine had the first face-to-face discussions last week in more than three years.

Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that new discussions between the two parties, in Istanbul, are expected to take place, but the Kremlin spokesman denied this.

“There were no agreements on this topic,” Dmitri Peskov told reporters.

At the same time, he rejected the suggestion of Finnish President Alexander Stubb on the possibility of “technical discussions” at the Vatican next week.

“There are no specific agreements for the following meetings. This has not yet been agreed,” added the Kremlin representative.

Moscow has been challenging for weeks Western pressures for a full and unconditional armistice in Ukraine, continuing the offensive on the battlefield.

After becoming the first American pope in history, Leon XIV offered last week to mediate between the leaders of the armed conflict.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed on Tuesday that the Vatican is ready to host peace discussions.

For his part, Switzerland has “confirmed its willingness to host future meetings for settlement,” said the head of the Ukrainian president, Andriy Yermak.