No Real Possibilities for Establishing a Buffer Zone in Vinnytsia, Says Bratchuk

In a recent commentary for Ukrinform, Serhiy Bratchuk, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army 'South', expressed that Russian forces do not have the real capabilities to establish a buffer zone in Vinnytsia. He emphasized that the intentions of the aggressor should not be perceived as an immediate threat, as they primarily pertain to informational and psychological influence.

"The Russians can plan anything they want. They can plan the occupation of Mars," Bratchuk stated, highlighting that the Ukrainian military and political leadership possesses sufficient information regarding the potential actions of the adversary. This allows them to prepare responses in advance and model scenarios for the development of events.

Furthermore, Bratchuk pointed out the limitations of the Russian contingent in Transnistria, noting that this grouping is effectively isolated and lacks adequate logistical support. "Russian troops... are blocked in the territory of this enclave. There is no complete logistics from the Russian Federation – both ground and air," he explained.

The spokesperson for the volunteer army also underscored that the Ukrainian side has significantly strengthened its defenses in this direction since 2022. A powerful defense system has been established at the border, which is continuously being improved. Defense forces are monitoring the situation and are prepared for any provocations from the adversary.

In Bratchuk's opinion, statements regarding a potential 'buffer zone' are an attempt by Russia to create tension for both Ukraine and Moldova, despite not having real resources for offensive actions. "The Russians may have plans, but... the capability to create a corresponding strike grouping... the Russians do not have that opportunity today," he added.

Bratchuk also noted that such messages should be viewed as part of the information war being waged by Russia. This underscores the importance of information security and readiness for possible manipulations by the aggressor.

Thus, in Bratchuk's view, despite the presence of potential enemy plans, the situation in this direction remains controlled, and there is currently no observed threat of a large-scale offensive from Transnistria.

It is worth recalling that earlier, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa stated that Russia plans to create a buffer zone in Vinnytsia Oblast from the side of the unrecognized Transnistria, but the aggressor lacks the forces to do so.

Additionally, according to Palisa, among the Russians' intentions are the establishment of buffer zones in the Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions, as well as creating conditions for attempts to seize Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. In the long term, this may include the realization of aggressive ambitions to capture Mykolaiv and Odesa regions.

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