European leaders are quietly exploring a proposal to establish a 40-kilometre buffer zone between Russian and Ukrainian forces as part of a possible peace framework, according to a report by Politico. The idea, though still tentative, has reportedly found favour in Moscow but faces uncertainty in Kyiv.
According to the report, the buffer zone plan is one of several scenarios being debated for either a ceasefire or postwar arrangement in Ukraine. Officials are still divided on how deep the demilitarised zone should be. However, there is little clarity on whether Ukraine would accept the proposed plan that may imply territorial concessions.
Earlier, Putin and his deputies said they are working to create buffer zones inside Ukraine, aimed at pushing Ukrainian artillery and drones farther away from Russian territory. But no details have emerged to suggest what those proposals would entail.
ALLIES HESITANT TO COMMIT
One of the biggest hurdles is the number of troops needed to patrol the zone. Estimates for policing the buffer zone vary wildly — from a modest 4,000 soldiers to as many as 60,000. But so far, no country has stepped forward to put boots on the ground.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has already ruled out the idea of deploying American troops in Ukraine.
NATO is already struggling to build a 300,000-strong rapid response force for its eastern flank, and reports claim that assigning soldiers to a buffer zone would stretch resources even thinner. The United States is not currently involved in these talks.
The very idea of cordoning off a stretch of Ukrainian land to enforce a tentative peace also points at NATO allies’ growing frustration as the conflict drags into its fourth year. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no sign of slowing his offensive.
RUSSIAN MISSILES POUND UKRAINE
Despite discussions, Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to press his offensive. Moscow pounded Ukraine with deadly missiles and drone strikes early on Thursday in a sweeping attack.
At least 21 people were killed in the capital, city officials said.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the strike, the second-largest attack since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, was Moscow’s answer to diplomatic efforts to end its war.
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