The task of creating and expanding a security buffer zone in Ukraine will be solved sequentially, said Russian President Vladimir Putin in his speech at a meeting of the Defense Ministry's board, APA's Moscow bureau reports.
He said that the goals of the special military operation would definitely be achieved: "We would prefer diplomacy, but if the West refuses to negotiate, we will liberate our historical lands by military means."
Putin said that Russia's nuclear forces would play a key role in deterring the aggressor and maintaining the balance of power in the world.