Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday that there are currently no intentions to seize the city of Kharkiv. However, Russian forces are creating a buffer zone in the vicinity due to attacks on the Russian Belgorod region originating from Kharkiv.
Putin made these remarks in response to questions from Russian state media reporters at the conclusion of his visit to Harbin, China.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the heavily targeted Kharkiv region on Thursday and noted that the situation had stabilized. The area has been subjected to intense Russian attacks recently.
Putin explained that the buffer zone around Kharkiv is essential because the Belgorod region, adjacent to Ukraine, has been heavily bombarded with drones and missiles from Kharkiv.
Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president and current deputy head of the National Security Council, characterized Zelensky’s trip to Kharkiv as a farewell visit.
Russian officials often refer to Kharkiv as a Russian city, prompting many analysts to speculate that the Kremlin intends to annex the region. Putin’s denial, at least for now, marks his first public statement indicating that there are no immediate plans for annexation.
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