Putin orders creation of ‘security zone’ along Ukraine border

Russian President Vladimir Putin has told military officials that a security zone must be established along the Ukrainian border within the area of responsibility of the “North” grouping, Russian media reported.

The directive effectively signals Moscow’s intention to expand control over border areas of Kharkiv, Sumy and Chernihiv regions. Russian forces currently hold a small section of northern Sumy region and continue offensive operations in parts of Kharkiv region.