Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Russia Expands Buffer Zones in Ukraine
Valery Gerasimov, the top general in Russia, said that President Vladimir Putin has ordered the expansion of a buffer zone in two places in Ukraine, Sumy and Kharkiv.
This is supposed to happen in 2026.
Gerasimov also checked on the troops in the 'North' group and had a meeting at a command post.
The goal is to help protect civilians in Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod regions from Ukrainian attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said Moscow’s plans for Sumy and Kharkiv are “mad” and will be resisted as Ukraine defends the two regions.
Gerasimov said Russian forces had taken control of around 950 square kilometres (366 square miles) in the two provinces, including 32 settlements.
Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff, announced Putin's order to expand a buffer zone in Ukraine's Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
The expansion is aimed at protecting civilians in Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod regions from Ukrainian attacks.
Gerasimov inspected the 'North' grouping of troops and held a meeting at a command post.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has condemned Moscow’s efforts, calling the plans “mad” and vowing to resist.
Russian forces have taken control of around 950 square kilometres (366 square miles) in the two provinces, including 32 settlements.
- Who
- Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff
- What
- Announcement of Putin's order to expand buffer zone
- When
- 2026
- Where
- Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv regions
- Why
- To protect civilians in Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod regions from Ukrainian attacks
- Person
- Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff
- Location
- Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv regions
- Year
- 2026
- Action
- Expansion of buffer zone
- Area Controlled
- 950 square kilometres (366 square miles)
- Settlements Controlled
- 32
Sources
Russia’s Gerasimov says Putin ordered buffer zone expansion in Ukraine’s Sumy, Kharkiv in 2026
Russia’s Gerasimov says Putin ordered Ukraine buffer zone expansion in 2026
Russia’s top general tells troops to keep carving out ‘buffer zones’ in Ukraine
Putin greets Russians on New Year, expresses confidence in achieving nation’s goals