Italian newspaper La Repubblica described Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent statement on creating a security zone in border areas of Ukraine as a warning sign.

The newspaper focused in particular on Putin’s appearance in military uniform on October 16, when he announced the creation of the buffer zone. The authors said that detail stood out because Putin rarely appears in military clothing.

During an earlier visit to an auxiliary command post of Russia’s Joint Group of Forces, Putin said Russian troops were steadily carrying out the task of creating a buffer zone on adjacent territories. He also said Moscow does not intend to include the issue in any possible peace talks with Kiev.

According to Putin, after Ukrainian forces entered the Kursk region, the Russian military was given a broader objective: not only to push Ukrainian troops out of Russian territory, but also to create conditions for the long-term security of border regions.

Putin also said Russian forces are advancing along the entire front line and that the pace of their advance has increased noticeably. He described the fighting as difficult and intense, involving losses and serious challenges, while arguing that the results show the tempo of operations is rising.