Putin wants a buffer in Ukraine - Kyiv insists it should be in Russia

**Russia’s Buffer Zone Threat: A Two-Way Street?**

As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, the situation has taken a dramatic turn. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that his military is establishing a “security buffer zone” along the border within Ukraine. But in a bold move, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi fired back, saying such a zone could just as well exist inside Russia.

**Russia’s True Intentions**

Tykhyi made this statement in response to ongoing Ukrainian military actions in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. This region has been a hotspot of conflict between the two countries, with Ukraine accusing Russia of blocking peace efforts and trying to suppress its independence. Putin’s decision to establish a buffer zone is seen as an attempt to consolidate Russian control over Ukraine, rather than seeking a genuine resolution to the conflict.

**US Pressure on Ukraine**

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has been pushing for talks between Kyiv and Moscow under the pretext of ending the war. However, these negotiations have been criticized for favoring Russia’s demands at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty. The next round of talks is scheduled to take place at the Vatican in mid-June, but it remains unclear whether Ukraine will be able to negotiate a fair deal.

**A Clear Obstacle to Peace**

Speaking at a government meeting, Putin claimed that Russian forces are “actively suppressing enemy fire points” while working to build the buffer zone. But Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesman emphasized that Putin’s remarks clearly identify him as the main obstacle to peace and the continuation of the war.

In conclusion, Russia’s establishment of a buffer zone along the border with Ukraine is seen as a clear indication of its true intentions – to maintain control over its neighbor and suppress its independence. As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen whether Ukraine will be able to negotiate a fair deal or if Russia will succeed in crushing its sovereignty.