Putin says Russia will keep expanding 'security zone' near Ukraine
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
The Kremlin said it intends to continue establishing a so-called security zone near Ukraine. Russian leader Vladimir Putin claims the move is necessary to "eliminate threats," according to TASS.
Putin said the process is already underway and will continue until the "threat" to Russia’s border regions is removed.
"This security zone we are talking about is being gradually created in certain areas. We will continue to act this way until we eliminate the threat to our border regions," he said.
Putin also stated that the Russian government is working to support residents of border areas, including the Kursk region, where payments and other assistance measures are being introduced.
"It is necessary to create conditions so that people remain on their land, do not leave, and have the opportunity not only to restore what was lost but also to move forward and develop," he added.
The Kremlin has previously voiced the idea of a so-called security zone. Late last year, Putin told military officials that such a zone should be established along the border with Ukraine, including in the area of responsibility of the North grouping.
At the time, Russian media suggested this could mean attempts to establish control over border areas in Ukraine’s Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions.
