Ukraine and Russia. Vladimir Putin reveals his plan for Kharkov and surrounding areas

Friday Russian President Vladimir Putin organized Press Conference This was within the framework of his official visit to the People’s Republic of China, where he held a number of meetings With his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

The President was asked, among other things: About war and attackWhich the armed forces of his country have been carrying out for several days In the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin He stated that the attack near Kharkov was a response to this “Ukrainian bombing of Russian border areas”. – It is also their fault (the Ukrainians – ed.), because they bombed and, unfortunately, are still bombing the settlements in the border areas, including the city itself. Belgorod – said Putin.

leader Kremlin He also noted that they are dying in Ukrainian attacks Russian civilians. – They shoot directly at the city center and residential areas. I’ve said publicly before that if this continues, We will have to create a safe zone, a buffer zone. This is what we do, he declared

Asked whether Russian forces were planning to take control of nearby Kharkov – Ukraine’s second-largest city – Putin said: As for Kharkov, there are no such plans at the present time.

For several days, Russia has been carrying out an offensive operation in the Kharkiv region. The fiercest fighting is taking place now Near Wołczańsk. It is also not free of raids Kharkov. Thursday city It was under constant fire from the Russian Air Force and enemy missiles and drones. The weather alert over the regional capital has remained in effect continuously since then More than 16 hours.

According to analysts Kremlin It uses its air superiority to terrorize the Kharkiv region because it knows it Western countries prohibit striking targets on Russian territory Using donated batteries.

“Covering the sky is enough Air defense systems in the Kharkov region It will empower the armed forces Ukraine Stopping Russian planes. However, this will only be possible if… Western partners will allow Kiev The experts said: “To use its systems to intercept enemy aircraft in Russian airspace.”