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Putin Declares Non-Negotiable Security Zone Inside Ukraine

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 11:32 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Putin announced a non-negotiable security zone inside Ukraine.
The zone covers about 660 kilometers, with Russian forces controlling roughly 70 % of it.
Putin linked the zone to Ukraine’s 2024-2025 incursion into Russia’s Kursk region.
He said the zone will not be part of any future peace negotiations with Kyiv.
Russian forces have captured about 6,500 square kilometers and 310 Ukrainian settlements since the start of the year.

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Story summary

Putin announced a non-negotiable security zone inside Ukraine.
The zone covers about 660 kilometers, with Russian forces controlling roughly 70 % of it.
Putin linked the zone to Ukraine’s 2024-2025 incursion into Russia’s Kursk region.
He said the zone will not be part of any future peace negotiations with Kyiv.
Russian forces have captured about 6,500 square kilometers and 310 Ukrainian settlements since the start of the year.