Roya News - Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday the decision to establish a security buffer zone along the Russian-Ukrainian border, indicating that Russian forces are currently working on implementing this zone.
During a meeting with government officials, Putin said: «We have agreed to establish a necessary security buffer zone along our borders. Our armed forces are actively working to accomplish this task», according to the Russian news agency TASS.
He confirmed that in light of recent developments in the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions, immediate efforts are needed to reconstruct the areas affected by recent events.
This includes helping local residents return to their original villages, provided that security conditions allow it, Putin says, adding: Furthermore, it is necessary to rehabilitate transport networks and other infrastructure, ensure the smooth functioning of industrial and agricultural institutions, and support entrepreneurs and their employees.
Earlier today, the Kremlin confirmed that there is no "agreement" yet on a second Russian-Ukrainian meeting that could be held in the Vatican according to American media reports, aimed at discussing a potential ceasefire.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that American President Donald Trump informed European leaders on May 19 that upcoming peace talks between Russia and Ukraine would be held in the Vatican.
During his meeting last week with representatives of the Eastern Catholic Churches, Pope Laon XIV offered the Vatican's mediation between Moscow and Kiev.
In a separate context, Finnish President Alexander Stubb confirmed to the public television in his country on Wednesday that a technical meeting may be held next week between the Russians and Ukrainians, as well as with Americans and Europeans, in the Vatican.
Responding to a question from the French Press Agency during his daily press briefing on Thursday, Russian Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said "There is no agreement yet, no concrete agreement regarding future meetings".
He added that "work is ongoing to implement the agreements that have been reached".
Russia and Ukraine confirmed that they want to implement the agreement on exchanging a thousand prisoners from each side announced last Friday in Turkey before proceeding with further discussions.
Peskov added "everyone wants this to happen quickly", without specifying a date.
