Putin Doubles Down on Ukrainian Buffer Zones as Russia Rejects Territorial Retreat

Putin is doubling down on “buffer zone” plans in eastern Ukraine, with reporting saying Russia now rejects any territorial retreat as part of potential peace talks. The Kremlin reportedly intends to keep occupied border areas in Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv regions permanently, while pressing ahead with its drive to seize all of Donetsk. Sources cited by Bloomberg say Russia’s position hardened amid intensifying Ukrainian strikes inside Russia, growing U.S. pressure including sanctions threats, and Kremlin claims that any Anchorage-based understandings collapsed. Ukraine continues to reject territorial concessions.