Lavrov proposes treating all of Ukraine as a buffer zone after war

September 9, 2026 at 12:09 AM1 min

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov proposed viewing Ukraine as a potential buffer zone after the war ends. He said Western advice could shorten Russia's military operation. Lavrov accused the West of pushing Ukraine to send more civilians to the front.

Key Facts

Sergei Lavrov made the proposal in an interview on Russia's Channel One program 'Big Game'.
Lavrov said Western advice could shorten the duration of Russia's 'special military operation'.
In June 2023, Vladimir Putin spoke of creating a 'sanitary zone' along the border with Ukraine.
The exact geographical boundaries of the proposed buffer zone have not been announced.

The Proposal

Sergei Lavrov suggested treating Ukraine not as an adversary but as a potential buffer zone after the war ends. He made the remarks in an interview with the 'Big Game' program on Channel One. Lavrov said that if the West gave Kyiv reasonable advice, the duration of the 'special military operation' could be reduced.

Criticism of the West

Lavrov accused the West of not offering sensible advice, only calls to throw more Ukrainians into the furnace. He described the seizure of peaceful citizens on the streets and their transport to the front as actions the West encourages.

Historical Context

In June 2023, Vladimir Putin spoke of the need to create a 'sanitary zone' along the border with Ukraine. Putin repeatedly emphasized the importance of expanding the security territory to protect Russian border regions from Ukrainian strikes. The exact geographical boundaries of the proposed buffer zone or security zone have not been announced.