Speaking at the end of his state visit to China, President Vladimir Putin said that Russian forces advancing in Ukraine's northeast were carving out a buffer zone to protect Russia from attacks. Ukraine's top commander warned of "heavy battles" looming on the war's new front in the Kharkiv region.

Kharkiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russian forces are advancing in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine to create a buffer zone for Russia's protection. Putin clarified that Russia is not seeking to take control of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. Speaking at the conclusion of his state visit to China, Putin described the buffer zone as a defensive measure against attacks.

The conflict in the Kharkiv region has intensified, with heavy battles anticipated, according to Ukraine's top commander. Russian forces have extended the combat zone by approximately 44 miles and have established an incursion up to six miles in depth. Ukrainian forces are struggling to maintain their positions against the increased pressure.

In the affected areas, such as the town of Ovchansk, located 27 miles from Kharkiv, fighting has led to evacuations of remaining residents. Footage released by Ukraine's military intelligence shows Ukrainian troops engaging Russian forces in these regions.

The broader geopolitical landscape sees Putin seeking support from China amid increasing political isolation and economic sanctions from the West. During his visit to China, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a joint statement enhancing their strategic partnership. The agreement includes cooperation in various fields such as space, nuclear technologies, finance, and manufacturing, countering the US-led global order.



Putin says Russia carving out 'buffer zone' around Kharkiv

Russia is currently not seeking to take control of Ukraine's second biggest city, Kharkiv. That's according to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking in the Chinese city of Harbin on Friday at the end of his state visit, Putin said Russian forces advancing in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region were carving out a buffer zone to protect Russia from attacks. VLADIMIR PUTIN, Russian President Translator, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group TRANSLATOR, Russian Media Group The attack had expanded the combat zone by around 44 miles, and that Russia had launched its incursion ahead of schedule. This footage released by Ukraine's military intelligence on Friday shows troops firing at Russian forces in the Kharkiv region. In the town of Ovchansk, at 27 miles from Kharkiv, the latest round of fighting has prompted the few remaining residents to evacuate. This police officer can be heard shouting, if you want to live, let's go. Russian forces attacked the northern Kharkiv region last Friday, making inroads of up to six miles. The advances have unbalanced Kiev's outnumbered troops, who were trying to hold the line over a sprawling front nearly 27 months since the full-scale invasion. Since then, Putin has faced political isolation and Western sanctions. But he has increasingly turned to China and his counterpart, Xi Jinping, to support his war economy. On Thursday, the pair signed a joint statement welcoming a new era of strategic partnership between the two nations, in which they sharpened their opposition to a US-led world order and pledged cooperation across fields, ranging from space and nuclear technologies to finance and manufacturing. The pair welcomed the so-called new era with not only a handshake, but also a rare hug.

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Ukraine Invasion