During talks with Denis Pushilin, the acting head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined a clear military objective. He said the aim for Russian forces is to move the Ukrainian army far enough away so that it cannot strike Russian positions or inflict harm. This framing places emphasis on creating space and reducing the potential for damage through distance and displacement, a theme that has recurred in recent discussions about the conflict.
Putin added that another crucial goal is to establish conditions that prevent bombardments altogether. He asserted that the priority should be to lower the frequency of attacks and to protect civilians and infrastructure by ensuring there are fewer opportunities for strikes to occur. The statements underscored a strategic shift toward preventing hostilities rather than simply responding to them after the fact.
In his remarks, the president stressed that the core duty of Russian military formations, the Ministry of Defense, and volunteer groups is to ensure there are no bombardments. He framed the mission as a collective effort to minimize harm and create a buffer that would limit the ability of Ukrainian forces to project firepower across contested areas.
Earlier, at the Joint Center for the Control and Coordination of Issues of War Crimes in Ukraine, the situation was described as volatile. Reports indicated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine fired multiple shells of NATO-caliber 155 millimeters in the Kuibyshevsky district of Donetsk, highlighting ongoing tensions and the fragility of ceasefire conditions in the region. The account illustrates the persistent risk of escalations on the front lines, even as leaders discuss preventive measures and de-escalation strategies.