Lavrov Declares Ukraine Must Serve as Russian Buffer

(MOSCOW, RUSSIA) – Russia has declared that the entirety of Ukraine should function as a buffer state between Russia and the West following the conclusion of hostilities. The statement marks a significant expansion of previous Kremlin policy, which had focused on creating a security zone limited to Ukrainian territories bordering Russia.

The declaration was made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a broadcast on Russia’s Channel One. When asked how Moscow intended to secure guarantees that fighting would not resume within 25 years, Lavrov responded, “Everyone is thinking that Russia needs a buffer zone. Let Ukraine become this buffer.”

Lavrov reiterated unsubstantiated claims regarding the violation of human, linguistic, and religious rights in Ukraine. He further stated that the preservation of the current Ukrainian government after the end of the military phase is unacceptable to Moscow.

The concept of a security buffer zone was first introduced publicly by the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in the summer of 2023. At that time, the proposal was limited to border regions, allegedly to protect Russian territories. Lavrov’s latest remarks extend this ambition to encompass all of Ukraine.

Sources cited by The Moscow Times have indicated that the Kremlin is considering the seizure of additional Ukrainian territories, including parts of the Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk regions, for potential use in future negotiations. On the same day, Lavrov confirmed that Russia is not currently engaged in peace talks and cautioned Western nations against presenting new proposals to end the war.

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Lavrov’s family members have reportedly acquired United Arab Emirates citizenship. According to the Anti-Corruption Foundation, Lavrov’s partner, Svetlana Polyakova, obtained citizenship for services to the state. Her daughter, Polina Kovaleva, acquired citizenship in December 2022. Kovaleva previously resided in the United Kingdom, where she owned property valued at £4.4 million (approximately $5.6 million or €5.2 million.