Putin Orders Buffer Zone on Ukraine Border; Peace Talks Possible Next Week

Russia Creates Border Buffer Zone with Ukraine; Negotiations Possible Next Week MOSCOW, May 23, 2025 — In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the creation of a buffer zone along the border with Ukraine. This measure, according to Putin, aims to prevent further attacks from what Russia considers enemy forces. The decision has been immediately implemented by the Russian military. The video released by TNN Online shows images of the construction of this buffer zone, highlighting the military's swift response. While the exact nature and extent of the buffer zone remain unclear, its creation marks a notable escalation of the situation. Meanwhile, adding a layer of complexity to the situation, President Sauli Niinistö of Finland offered a glimmer of hope. In a statement, he suggested that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine could commence as early as next week in Vatican City. "We remain hopeful that a diplomatic solution can be found," Niinistö stated. The possibility of negotiations, however, is contingent upon several factors, including the willingness of both parties to engage in good faith. The Vatican's role as a neutral mediator could be instrumental in facilitating dialogue and achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict. This development underscores the dynamic and uncertain nature of the conflict, with both military actions and diplomatic efforts playing crucial roles in shaping its trajectory. The hope for a peaceful resolution remains a central theme, even as the conflict continues.