The EU proposes to create a 40-kilometer buffer zone between Ukraine and the Russian Federation: Politico
European politicians are proposing the creation of a 40-kilometer buffer zone along the front line between Ukraine and Russia as one of the possible steps toward a peaceful settlement of the war. This is reported by Politico.
The proposed option involves the formation of a demilitarized territory where peacekeeping forces could operate, monitoring compliance with the ceasefire regime. According to the publication, Moscow has already expressed support for such an initiative, while Kyiv has not officially confirmed its participation and has not given its consent.
The United States has taken a stand-off position: Washington has said it will not be directly involved in the alleged operation, but could provide intelligence or air support. Great Britain and France are considered the main participants. At the same time, Poland and Germany express fears that such a scheme could weaken the defense of NATO’s eastern flank.
So far, there is no certainty about the number of military personnel needed to create a buffer zone. According to various estimates, it is about a contingent of 4 to 60 thousand people. Experts warn that instead of a guarantee of security, this territory can become a vulnerable place that Russia can use for new offensives.
Former US Deputy Secretary of Defense Jim Townsend described the idea as a “desperate attempt” from the side of Europe:
“If anyone thinks that a few British or French observers will stop Russia, they are wrong”.
Negotiations are ongoing, and so far none of the European states has made any official commitments regarding the format or size of a possible peacekeeping contingent.
