Putin Says Kharkiv Attack For Buffer Zone, Russia "Takes 12 Villages", Ukraine: Tough battles Ahead

President Putin said Russian forces advancing in Ukraine's Kharkiv region were creating a "buffer zone" to protect Russian border regions. However, Putin said capturing the city of Kharkiv was not part of Russia's current plan. Russia said its army is still advancing in Kharkiv and has seized 12 villages since it launched its newest ground assault a week ago. Putin questioned the political legitimacy of Zelensky and said Russia has been cheated when it withdrew its forces from Kyiv’s proximity in spring 2022 as a precondition for negotiations. Meanwhile, A top NATO commander said Russia does not have sufficient forces to make a major breakthrough in Ukraine after launching an offensive in Kharkiv.