Putin orders creation of a 'buffer zone' along Russia-Ukraine border

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Thursday that he ordered the creation of a buffer security zone along the border between Russia and Ukraine.

"A decision has been made to establish a necessary security buffer zone along our borders. Our military units are currently addressing this task," he said at a government meeting in Moscow.​​​​​​​

Putin described methods by Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries against Russia as "terroristic."

"Typically, the adversary selects targets that hold no military importance -- civilian structures, residential buildings and civilians. Recent incidents serve as proof of my assertions -- during drone attacks and sabotage missions, civilian vehicles, including ambulances and farm equipment, are deliberately targeted," he said.