Русский
The Russian President, Vladimir Putin has called for the creation of a buffer zone with Ukraine and has enlisted numerous Russian Ministries and regions of Russia to assist construct in ‘in the shortest possible time’.
Putin stated that the Russian Ministries of defence, interior, emergency situations, construction, health, transport, energy, communications, education and other authorities will join the effort, which has two main objectives: the creation of a ‘security buffer zone’ and the reconstruction of damaged border areas.
Security Buffer Zone
Putin said that armed Ukrainian military positions along the proposed border had been “suppressed”, creating the conditions necessary to commence redevelopment work. He said that the security zone “would be difficult for Ukraine and its allies to overcome with their weapons” with the implication that it will be quite wide in depth to keep Russian border territories out of reach of drone attacks.
The exact border between Russia and Ukraine will be decided at upcoming meetings to be held by the Russian Security Council.
Russia’s Border Regions
Putin said that reconstruction of Russia’s border towns and villages would also be undertaken following discussions with local residents and their wishes. He stated that “The government will pay special attention to issues that are central for the borderline areas. This includes the reconstruction of houses, and social and transport infrastructure. There will also be compensation for lost property, and includes help for displaced persons – those who were forced to flee their homes and are now staying in shelters, with their relatives or at rented houses.”
Putin said “The government has a draft comprehensive program of rebuilding the affected border areas within the shortest possible timeframe. This program has to be backed with all financial and material resources that are required. Additional equipment and specialists, including from other regions, will be involved in the effort.”
Summary
Putin acknowledged that “People have a lot of questions” but plans had already been discussed with Russian Municipal leaders in the border regions. The move effectively brings a halt to Russian inroads into Ukraine, and pre-empts the West by seeing Russia, not Ukraine or its backers, determine where the border will be. It will matter little to Moscow if Kiev or the West refuses to recognise the new border designations, as they will exist in reality.
The move signals that the conflict is now effectively over. It also means that Russia has no further ambitions to move further into Ukraine or to annex it and belies European concerns that Russia would later seek to move into Europe.
Further Reading
