Putin denies Kharkiv takeover, aims for buffer zone amid intensifying attacks

Many of the information conveyed by Russian media and officials are likely not true. Such reports may be part of the informational warfare from the Russian Federation. 

Since early May, the Russian side has intensified attacks targeted at Kharkiv. The city has been hit by numerous missiles, which are killing civilians and destroying infrastructure. Some observers indicate that Putin's army might attempt to capture Kharkiv. However, he denies this.

On May 17, during his visit to China, the Russian president stated that his goal is not the city but the creation of a buffer zone in this region, which will protect the Belgorod region, already targeted multiple times by Ukrainians.

I publicly stated that if that happens, we would be forced to create a security zone, a sanitary zone. That's exactly what we are doing - stated Vladimir Putin.

Putin emphasized that the Russian army is systematically moving forward and operating "according to the plan." He repeated that, at this moment, the plan does not include taking Kharkiv. The Kremlin spokesperson maintained a similar tone in a recent statement. The problem is that the situation is dynamic and can change quickly.

Dmitry Peskov reported that Russian plans to create a buffer zone are related to the United States providing Ukraine with missiles with a range exceeding 186 miles. Russia wants to limit the possibility of Ukrainians attacking areas within the Russian Federation.

The American Institute for the Study of War predicts that Russia plans to create an approximately 6-mile buffer zone to secure its logistics centers.

The rapid pace of Russian forces occupying Vovchansk and reports of them destroying several bridges on key waterways in the city indicate that their priority is to create a buffer zone - indicate ISW experts.