Russia · zone · Ukraine (россия · зона · украина)

To achieve the objectives of the special military operation, we can only advance to Ukraine's western borders; if we leave this 'boil' even in a reduced form, or merely occupy western Ukraine, first, Europe will take advantage of this situation as it is intensively preparing for war with Russia, and second, our armed forces will be seriously diverted from protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Russia itself. In April, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russian troops are gradually expanding the security zone on territory bordering Ukraine.

Consensus

Buffer zones are being established by Russian forces along Ukraine's western border.
The regions of Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odessa, and Nikolaev will be included in the buffer zone.
This is part of Russia's special military operation to secure its borders.

Points of divergence

The statement was made by a former commander of the 58th Army and member of the State Duma committee on defense, Viktor Sobolev. — vm

Coverage (2 sources)

Duma officials define the boundaries of Russia's buffer zone — Вести
State Duma officials claim Odessa and Nikolaev regions will enter the buffer zone — Вечерняя Москва