Putin Announces Border “Security Zone” as Trump Envoy Witkoff meets with Kremlin Leader
KHARKIV,Ukraine – December 1,2023 – Russian President Vladimir Putin,during a visit to a command post on the front lines in Ukraine,announced his intention to establish a “security zone” along the border with Ukraine. The move comes as fighting continues adn as Putin received a briefing from the general staff regarding battlefield developments.
The announcement signals a potential escalation in Russia’s war strategy and raises concerns about further territorial incursions. According to the Russian state news agency Tass, the general staff reported to Putin at the meeting about the “liberation” of Krasnoarmiisk (Donetsk region) and Vovchansk (Kharkov region). Together, Putin reportedly described the conflict as “a tragedy for the Ukrainian people” during his visit, as reported by ukrainian Pravda.
today, Putin is also meeting with Donald Trump’s special envoy, tom Witkoff, to discuss potential avenues for peace. Witkoff’s involvement has drawn scrutiny due to his limited diplomatic experience, transitioning from a career in real estate to negotiating international political affairs.
Recent revelations, including a Bloomberg report detailing a phone call in mid-October, show Witkoff advising Putin’s foreign policy advisor, yuri Ushakov, on strategies to gain Trump’s favor – specifically referencing flattery regarding a potential Gaza peace plan. Despite the controversy, trump has publicly defended Witkoff.
Putin himself has defended witkoff, stating, “He is an American citizen and defends the position of his president and his country.” Witkoff has previously attempted to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, and in March described Putin, who initiated the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as “not a bad guy.”
