Russia Plans 2026 Expansion of ‘Buffer Zone’ in Ukraine’s Northeast, Military Chief Says

Moscow / Kyiv : Russia has signalled a fresh escalation in its war against Ukraine, with its top military commander stating that President Vladimir Putin has ordered preparations to expand a so-called “buffer zone” inside northeastern Ukraine in 2026.

The announcement was made by Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, who said Russian forces were pressing forward in border areas of Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Gerasimov was speaking during an inspection of Russia’s “North” troop grouping, according to Russian state news agencies.

Moscow’s Buffer Zone Plan

Russian officials describe the buffer zone as a security measure intended to push Ukrainian troops and weapons systems farther away from Russia’s border. Moscow has repeatedly cited cross-border shelling and drone attacks on Russian regions such as Belgorod and Kursk as justification for the policy.

The “North” grouping, formed in early 2024, has been operating along the northeastern frontier with the stated aim of creating the buffer zone and preventing Ukrainian forces from staging attacks into Russian territory. Gerasimov said the expansion ordered by Putin would be implemented next year, indicating that Russia intends to deepen and consolidate its presence inside Ukraine’s border regions.

Context of Rising Tensions

Gerasimov’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following Russia’s vow to retaliate over what it claimed — without presenting evidence — was an attempt to attack Putin’s residence. Ukraine has denied the allegation, saying it was designed to derail diplomatic efforts as the war nears its fourth year.

There was no immediate response from Ukrainian military officials to the latest Russian statement. However, Kyiv has consistently rejected the concept of a buffer zone, arguing that it is being used by Moscow to justify further territorial expansion.

Ukraine’s Rejection

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has previously dismissed Russia’s plans for Sumy and Kharkiv as “mad” and has pledged that Ukrainian forces will defend the regions. Ukrainian officials say the proposed buffer zone violates Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law, accusing Moscow of disguising offensive operations as defensive measures.

Northeastern Ukraine has been a contested front since early 2024, with Russian units attempting to establish footholds near the border and Ukrainian forces conducting counter-operations to repel advances. Fighting in the area has underscored the strategic importance of Sumy and Kharkiv, which lie close to major supply routes and population centres.

Outlook for 2026

The announcement of a planned buffer-zone expansion in 2026 suggests that Moscow is preparing for a prolonged conflict rather than a near-term political settlement. Analysts say the move points to continued fighting along the northeastern front, even as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

As both sides harden their positions, the regions bordering Russia are likely to remain a focal point of military activity, keeping tensions high well into the coming year and beyond.