In a recent press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the Russian armed forces have no intentions of occupying Kharkiv as part of their ongoing special military operation. This statement was reported by Ukrainska Pravda.
Putin clarified that the Russian military is advancing in the Kharkiv direction with the primary aim of establishing a sanitary zone to protect residents in Russian border regions, particularly the Belgorod area, from Ukrainian shelling. He emphasized that the operations are being conducted to ensure the safety and security of these border communities.
“As for Kharkiv, there are no such plans (to take the city) today,” Putin stated, reaffirming the strategic goals of the operation. He assured that the Russian military’s movements are “strictly according to plan every day.”
This development comes amidst ongoing tensions and conflict in the region, with both sides engaging in military actions. The establishment of a sanitary zone is intended to mitigate the impacts of cross-border hostilities on Russian civilians.
