Russian forces are working on establishing a security buffer zone along the country's border with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
The enemy's firing positions are being actively suppressed, and work is ongoing, Putin said at a government meeting, referring to the buffer zone.
The Russian president noted the necessity to begin restoration work in the border regions of Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk, and demine the areas where fighting previously took place.
Putin visited the Kursk region on Tuesday, where the Ukrainian army launched an offensive in August 2024. On April 26, Putin announced that Russia had regained full control of the region.
In response, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi on Thursday said that Putin's statement about the buffer zone demonstrates that Russia is the main obstacle to peace. He called for stronger pressure on Russia to ensure a lasting ceasefire.
Also on Thursday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that the statement on buffer zone shows Russia's rejection of peace, urging increased pressure on Russia to bring an end to the war.
Russian army creating buffer zone along border with Ukraine: Putin
Russian army creating buffer zone along border with Ukraine: Putin
Chinese communities across Canada held memorials on Friday for the victims of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, marking China's national memorial day and calling for vigilance against the resurgence of militarism.
The ceremonies coincided with the 12th National Memorial Day in China, which commemorates the 300,000 victims killed by Japanese troops during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. This year's memorial holds special significance as it also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
At 18:00 local time (10:00 Beijing time) on Friday, attendees across Canada observed a moment of silence to honor the massacre victims and fallen heroes of Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Speakers paid tribute to the victims, denounced provocative remarks by some Japanese politicians regarding China's Taiwan region, and voiced firm opposition to foreign interference in China's internal affairs.
"Some people are trying to revive militarism. They claim that a crisis in the Taiwan Strait would be their business too. I believe this is just the prelude to reviving military aggression. Chinese people at home and abroad must remain on high alert and resolutely fight back against any such rhetoric," said Ma Zaixin, advisor to the Canadian Alliance of Chinese Associations.
As part of the memorial events, attendees also visited a themed photo exhibition titled "Remember History, Cherish Peace," which featured historical images.
"Seeing these photos just now was truly heartbreaking. Our compatriots gave their lives, and yet justice has still not been served for them," said Teresa Wat, member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada.
Canadians honor Nanjing Massacre victims, condemn rising militarism
