Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to the recent Ukrainian Armed Forces' strikes on Russian border regions, particularly the Belgorod region. Addressing attacks on "civil infrastructure and all other similar targets," he explained that Russia could retaliate in kind but chooses not to do so.
"We have our own views on this matter and our plans. We will proceed with what we have outlined," Vladimir Putin stated according to Lenta.
Putin Promises to Protect Residents of Border Territories
During a meeting with trusted representatives on March 20th in the Kremlin, Putin declared that authorities would work on "increasing the security of residents" in regions bordering Ukraine. He promised support for all those affected by the strikes, including entrepreneurs who have lost property.
"Of course, we will do everything to support the people," Putin expressed, acknowledging the complexity of ensuring security.
The re-elected president praised the courage of residents in the Belgorod region and other bordering areas, which have been subjected to shelling.
Considers Creating a Sanitary Zone Due to Shelling
Earlier in March, Putin suggested that Russia might need to create a sanitary zone in Ukraine due to the shelling of border regions.
"I do not exclude that, given the tragic events happening today, we may be forced at some point to create a certain sanitary zone on the territories currently under the Kyiv regime," he speculated. Putin explained that this would be a security zone difficult to breach using the weaponry employed by Ukrainian forces, primarily of Western manufacture.
The president linked the Ukrainian Armed Forces' attempts to attack the Belgorod and Kursk regions with Ukrainian failures on the front line.
"They did not achieve any of the goals they set for themselves last year," the head of state explained.
Shelling of the Belgorod Region Has Intensified in Recent Months
Russian regions bordering Ukraine have been subjected to shelling shortly after the beginning of the special operation. The Belgorod region, in particular, has often been targeted.
In recent months, the intensity of these attacks has increased, with Belgorod city itself frequently coming under fire.
