Russia Announces Expansion of Eastern Ukraine 'Buffer Zone' Following Drone Strikes
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that Russia will continue to widen its 'buffer zone' in eastern Ukraine in response to persistent Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on Russian oil refineries and infrastructure. The Kremlin rebuffed suggestions from U.S. President Donald Trump that such strikes would facilitate a peaceful settlement. Moscow claims the expansion is necessary for security, while also reporting that it has downed 73 Ukrainian drones over the last 24 hours.
Date: July 10, 2026
Location: Ukraine
Conflict: Russia-Ukraine War
Category: infrastructure
Severity: MEDIUM
Source: Kyiv Independent