State Duma Proposes Creation of Buffer Zone in Ukraine’s Sumy Region

Russian parliamentarians are advocating for the establishment of a buffer zone in Ukraine’s Sumy region following the successful liberation of the city of Sudzha in the Kursk region. General Viktor Sobolev, a member of the State Duma Defense Committee, expressed this initiative in an interview with the Daily Storm publication.

Sobolev emphasized that to ensure the security of the recently liberated territories, it is crucial not only to complete the liberation of the remaining settlements in the Sudzhansky district but also to advance into Ukrainian territory. This move aims to mitigate the risk of artillery strikes on Russian soil.

“The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to target the Kursk region with artillery and multiple launch rocket systems,” Sobolev stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation. He reiterated the necessity of a buffer zone, which would prevent Ukrainian artillery from reaching the areas that have been liberated.

Reports indicate that Russian troops have already commenced operations in the Sumy region, particularly around the villages of Novenkoye and Zhuravka. There have been attempts to breach Ukrainian defensive lines in these locations. Andriy Demchenko, a representative of the State Border Service of Ukraine, confirmed that Russian assault groups are actively trying to establish a foothold in the area.