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European Diplomats Explore 40-Kilometer Buffer Zone as Potential Peace Deal for Ukraine
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
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As the war in Ukraine nears its fourth year, European leaders are exploring a proposal for a 40-kilometer buffer zone between Ukraine and Russia in hopes of achieving a ceasefire or peace deal. The idea has been discussed by military and civilian officials, but it faces significant hurdles, including territorial concessions Kyiv may not accept, Politico reported on August 28.
European diplomats view the buffer zone as one of several options, but its feasibility remains uncertain. While Moscow has shown interest, Ukraine’s acceptance is unclear, and the US is not involved in the discussions. The fact that European officials are even considering a buffer zone reflects the urgency to end the war, with Russian leader Vladimir Putin showing no intention to stop.
The idea of a buffer zone evokes historical comparisons to the Cold War division of Germany, though diplomats avoid likening it to the heavily guarded border between North and South Korea, Politico claims.
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The number of peacekeepers required to patrol the zone remains a concern, officials are discussing ranges from 4,000 to 60,000 troops. However, no country has yet committed to sending troops, and US President Donald Trump has distanced himself from any potential US presence.
NATO is already focused on defending its eastern flank and any peacekeeping mission would likely include both patrolling the zone and training Ukrainian troops. European officials are withholding public commitments while they await details on troop roles, Russian escalation management, and the potential involvement of third-party countries.
“Everyone is trying to move as quickly as possible on security guarantees so Trump doesn’t change his mind,” one European official told Politico about pushing Putin to a negotiated settlement.
The buffer zone was not discussed in a recent NATO defense chiefs’ meeting on August 25. France and Britain are expected to lead any foreign troop presence, but concerns have been raised by countries like Poland, which fears the deployment could leave it vulnerable to Russian attack. Smaller NATO members, such as Estonia, have also pledged support, but Ukraine is expected to contribute the majority of troops, according to Politico.
While NATO is in talks with the US for satellite intelligence and air support, American involvement in peacekeeping remains minimal. The US is considered the only NATO member with sufficient satellite resources to ensure Russia adheres to a peace agreement.
“Everyone is waiting for the DOD’s policy leaders to clarify how far they are willing to commit,” one European official said to Politico. “So it’s a bit of a dance.”
Previously, it was reported that western partners have drafted a preliminary three-tier plan to secure Ukraine after the war, the Financial Times reported.
According to the outline, the plan would include a demilitarized zone, potentially patrolled by neutral peacekeeping forces from a third country approved by both Ukraine and Russia.
