"I have already said that a decision has been made to create a necessary security buffer zone along the border. Our armed forces are now solving this task," Putin said during a meeting with members of the government, adding that the Russian forces actively suppress enemy fire points and work is underway.
"The enemy generally chooses targets that have no military significance — peaceful objects, houses, and people. The events of today only confirm what I have just said," Putin said at a Cabinet meeting.
Ukrainian forces are hunting for civilian vehicles, including ambulances, during drone raids and the actions of sabotage groups, Putin added.
"During a direct conversation [with residents of the Kursk Region] we discussed issues that are of the greatest concern to people, residents of towns and villages that have suffered from shelling and fighting, and from those, frankly speaking, terrorist methods that Ukrainian formations and foreign mercenaries have used and are using," Putin said.