"If military aid to Ukraine continues, the buffer zone could look like this," Russian Security Council Vice Chairman Medvedev wrote on Telegram, along with a graphic video showing almost all of Ukraine, except for a small part in the west, covered by the buffer zone set by Russia.
TASS reported that the statement was made shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin officially announced the decision to establish a security buffer zone along the Russia-Ukraine border. According to the Kremlin, Russian forces have been ordered to deploy and are attacking Ukrainian military positions near the border area.
According to RT, in the field, the move to establish a buffer zone means Russia continues to expand control to Ukraine. The first signals appeared in Ukraine's Sumy region, where Russia claimed to have taken control of several border villages such as Maryino, Zhuravka and Basovka.
Ukrainian authorities have also confirmed the escalation, with more than 52,000 civilians forced to evacuate from the border. The conflict is not limited to Sumy, but has also been fierce in Kharkov - another strategic area.
There are three strategic reasons behind Russia's buffer zone, according to RT.
First, this is a response to cross-border threats.
Since 2023, Russia's Belgorod, Kursk and Bryansk provinces have been continuously hit by artillery shelling, deadly UAVs and armed raids from Ukraine. Long-range artillery systems such as HIMARS, Storm Shadow, ATACMS and 155mm M777 artillery have put many Russian cities at target.
President Putin said that the depth of the buffer zone will be commensurate with the range of Ukrainian weapons meaning that the further the fires, the further Russia goes to get out of range.
Second, it creates a negotiating advantage.
Analysts say this could be a lever for Russia in future peace negotiations. Controlling part of the provinces of Sumy, Chernigov and Kharkov will help Russia expect ceasefire conditions, including the possibility of requiring the desarmament of the border area.
Third is the long-term spending strategy.
The buffer zone is not only a shield against artillery shelling and UAVs, but also helps Russia wearing down Ukrainian forces, stretching defensive lines, forcing Kiev to distribute resources on many fronts.
Establishing a buffer zone 20-30km deep into Ukrainian territory will help Russian cities such as Belgorod or Kursk safer. At the same time, it also complicates Ukrainian reconnaissance, UAV and raid operations.
However, this also poses challenges in terms of logistics, air defense and protection of extended supply lines. Each further km is more pressure for the reserve force, increasing the risk of counter-attacks.
If Russia can control most of Sumy and Kharkov, major cities like Sumy or Chernigov - which have hundreds of thousands of people - will fall within reach. This could become a weighty buy the cards at the negotiating table.
Dmitry Medvedev's new statement shows that Russia's goal is not only to be a buffer zone but also to completely change the regional security map if Western military aid does not stop.
