Ukrainian President Accuses Russia of Aggression in Dnipropetrovsk Region
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reports on escalating military tensions and potential territorial ambitions of Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the Russian military aims to breach the borders of the Dnipropetrovsk region as their offensive activities continue.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Zelenskyy highlighted that Russian forces are also focused on capturing the city of Pokrovsk, a significant location within Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.
He characterized the acquisition of both the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as strategic objectives for Russia that have been in place since 2014.
Zelenskyy indicated that he believes Russia is looking to establish a 10-kilometer (approximately 6.2-mile) security buffer zone in the northeastern Sumy region.
According to Governor Oleh Hryhorov, four villages have reportedly come under Russian control in this area.
Zelenskyy estimated that more than 50,000 Russian troops are currently being amassed in the Sumy direction, urging that Ukraine is taking necessary measures to prevent an offensive from the north.
In addressing the potential for further Russian operations, he dismissed speculation about an imminent offensive in the southern Kherson region.
Additionally, he emphasized the need for diplomatic discussions, identifying Türkiye, the Vatican, and Switzerland as the most viable locations for future peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
He described previous negotiations held in Belarus as 'simply impossible.'
This discussion follows a recent directive from Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at forming a security buffer zone along the Ukrainian border.
Notably, Türkiye previously mediated the first direct discussions between Moscow and Kyiv in three years, held in Istanbul on May 16, which led to an agreement on a significant prisoner exchange involving 1,000 individuals from each side.
Subsequent talks between Putin and US President Donald Trump also included discussions regarding a ceasefire and preparation for a potential peace agreement.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Zelenskyy highlighted that Russian forces are also focused on capturing the city of Pokrovsk, a significant location within Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.
He characterized the acquisition of both the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as strategic objectives for Russia that have been in place since 2014.
Zelenskyy indicated that he believes Russia is looking to establish a 10-kilometer (approximately 6.2-mile) security buffer zone in the northeastern Sumy region.
According to Governor Oleh Hryhorov, four villages have reportedly come under Russian control in this area.
Zelenskyy estimated that more than 50,000 Russian troops are currently being amassed in the Sumy direction, urging that Ukraine is taking necessary measures to prevent an offensive from the north.
In addressing the potential for further Russian operations, he dismissed speculation about an imminent offensive in the southern Kherson region.
Additionally, he emphasized the need for diplomatic discussions, identifying Türkiye, the Vatican, and Switzerland as the most viable locations for future peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
He described previous negotiations held in Belarus as 'simply impossible.'
This discussion follows a recent directive from Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at forming a security buffer zone along the Ukrainian border.
Notably, Türkiye previously mediated the first direct discussions between Moscow and Kyiv in three years, held in Istanbul on May 16, which led to an agreement on a significant prisoner exchange involving 1,000 individuals from each side.
Subsequent talks between Putin and US President Donald Trump also included discussions regarding a ceasefire and preparation for a potential peace agreement.
