European Leaders Consider 40km Buffer Zone in Ukraine, Zelensky Rejects

For nearly four years, Ukraine has been at the center of a conflict with global implications. As the war drags on and casualties mount, European leaders are considering a 40km demilitarized buffer zone between Ukraine and Russia along the front line.

« According to five anonymous European diplomats cited by Politico, this proposal is among the most favored for a post-war or ceasefire scenario. However, the exact width of the zone is still under discussion, and Kyiv’s acceptance is uncertain. »

Comparisons and Concerns

Some diplomats hesitate to compare this buffer zone to the border between North and South Korea. They instead liken it to the division of Germany during the Cold War.

« Russia has mentioned creating its own buffer zones along the Russo-Ukrainian borders, which could increase the distance between artillery and drones from both sides. »

The number of troops needed to patrol the zone is estimated between 4,000 and 60,000, with no formal commitments. NATO is already preparing a rapid reaction force of 300,000 troops, and any peacekeeping force would patrol the zone and train Ukrainian forces.

« French and British troops would form the core of the foreign military presence. »

Western Support and Armament

Washington has approved a potential sale of cruise missiles to Ukraine worth approximately $825 million, including 3,350 ERAM missiles, GPS guidance kits, and electronic warfare systems.

Zelensky also announced that Kyiv had received $1.5 billion from European allies for purchasing American weapons, including support equipment and technical assistance.

Zelensky’s Rejection

The Ukrainian president rejects the official buffer zone:

“Only those who do not understand the technological stage of modern war can make such a proposal.”

He adds that a separation already exists:

“Our heavy weapons are ten kilometers apart, because everything can be targeted by drones. This buffer zone – I call it a dead zone, others call it a gray zone – already exists.”

Establishing the zone would imply surrendering part of Ukrainian territory, which Kyiv refuses:

“If Russia wants to move further away from our army, it can retreat deeply into the territories it already occupies.”

Recent Russian Attacks

This week, two major attacks occurred:

• Over 500 Russian drones neutralized

• 45 missiles, including 6 ballistic and 32 cruise missiles

Zelensky stresses that without international pressure, the war will not end.

Diplomacy and Prospects

Zelensky is counting on the China summit to advance a ceasefire. He has spoken with Indian Prime Minister Modi and has the support of Turkey and the UAE. Meetings also took place in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with Switzerland serving as a neutral negotiation platform.

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