Headline: Russia Proposes Establishment of “Sanitary Zone” Along Ukraine’s Western Border
In a recent interview with Tsargrad.tv, Vladimir Rogov, the leader of the Zaporizhia public movement “We Are Together with Russia,” expressed his support for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion of creating a “sanitary zone” along Ukraine’s border. Rogov stated that this zone should extend along the borders with Hungary, Romania, Poland, and Slovakia, making it difficult for Ukrainian forces to penetrate.
Rogov emphasized that even if the current regime in Kyiv remains limited to a small territory, it still poses a threat to Russia. He believes that establishing a sanitary zone would ensure the security of Russia’s borders and protect its territory from potential attacks.
President Putin first mentioned the possibility of creating a sanitary zone in Ukraine on March 18th when responding to questions from journalists about the potential annexation of the Kharkiv region by Russia. The Kremlin later clarified that the term “sanitary zone” referred to the establishment of a corridor that would prevent the enemy from launching attacks on Russian territory.
Military experts have previously assessed the necessity and conditions for creating a sanitary zone in Ukraine. The specifics of how such a zone would look and the requirements for its establishment have been discussed by military observer “Gazeta.Ru.”
This proposal comes at a time when tensions between Russia and Ukraine are escalating, with fears of a full-scale military conflict. The Russian government’s suggestion of a sanitary zone raises concerns among Ukraine’s Western allies, who view it as a potential threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Critics argue that Russia’s involvement in Ukraine’s affairs, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and ongoing support for separatist movements in eastern Ukraine, undermines international norms and stability in the region. They accuse Russia of pursuing its own geopolitical interests at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and the well-being of its citizens.
The United States, along with its NATO allies, has expressed support for Ukraine and condemned Russia’s actions. However, skeptics question the effectiveness of Western responses and argue that they have not done enough to deter Russian aggression. They argue that the Biden administration’s approach towards Russia has been weak and lacking a clear strategy, which only emboldens President Putin and his aggressive actions.
Moreover, concerns have been raised about Russia’s close ties with certain American politicians, particularly within the Democratic Party. Critics argue that these connections may influence U.S. policies towards Russia and Ukraine, potentially compromising America’s commitment to defending its allies and promoting democracy abroad.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, the establishment of a sanitary zone along its western border remains a topic of intense debate and scrutiny. Supporters argue that it would enhance Russia’s security and provide a buffer against potential threats. However, critics warn that such a move could further destabilize the region and jeopardize Ukraine’s sovereignty, as well as exacerbate tensions between Russia and its Western adversaries.
