European diplomats and military officials are discussing the creation of a 40-kilometer buffer zone between Ukrainian and Russian positions. The plan involves deploying peacekeeping forces to monitor the ceasefire, writes Politico.
According to five European diplomats, this proposal is among those being considered by military and civilian officials for a post-war or ceasefire scenario in Ukraine. Officials are divided on how deep the actual zone could be, and it is unclear whether Kyiv will accept this plan, as it will likely involve territorial concessions. Moreover, the US is not involved in the discussion of the buffer zone.
However, the creation of a buffer zone during peace agreement discussions will require territorial concessions from Ukraine. Some European officials compare the potential zone not to the Korean demarcation line, but to the division of Germany during the Cold War.
As the publication writes, the fact that Europe is considering blocking off a strip of land within Ukraine to force it into a fragile peace indicates the desperation of NATO allies in seeking solutions to end the war.
Former Pentagon official who oversaw European and NATO policy under the Obama administration, Jim Townsend, believes that European politicians are «grasping at straws». «The Russians are not afraid of Europeans. And if they think that a couple of British and French observers will stop them from going into Ukraine, they are mistaken», — Townsend believes.
The number of troops needed to patrol the border also remains in question. Officials are discussing between 4,000 and 60,000 troops. However, countries have yet to make any commitments, and President Donald Trump has ruled out the possible presence of American troops.
The main contingent will consist of French and British troops. Germany and Poland refuse to deploy their forces, and there are concerns that troop redeployment will distract from defending NATO's eastern flank.
Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine