EU ‘grasping for straws’ with Ukraine buffer zone plan – Politico

Russia is strongly opposed to any Western troop deployment to the neighboring country under any pretense

European policymakers are considering the creation of a 40km “buffer zone” between Russian and Ukrainian forces as part of a ceasefire or peace deal in a “desperate” attempt to end the conflict, Politico reported on Thursday, citing sources.

The idea is one of several scenarios under discussion for a possible truce or post-conflict arrangement, according to five European diplomats cited by the outlet. At the same time, Western officials are divided over the eventual size of the zone and whether Kiev would accept it, since it would likely require it to agree to territorial concessions.

Under the plan, Western troops would take on a “dual role” – patrolling the demilitarized area and training Ukrainian soldiers, two unnamed diplomats claimed. France and Britain are expected to provide the bulk of the force and are lobbying other NATO allies for military contributions, although few have publicly said they are ready to send troops to Ukraine.

Proposals also reportedly discussed range from 4,000 to as many as 60,000 troops, with the US apparently not involved in the buffer zone discussions. US President Donald Trump earlier said Washington would not deploy ground troops to Ukraine, but did not rule out other types of support.

Politico claimed the plan could have “historical significance,” with officials likening it to Germany’s partition during the Cold War. “They’re grasping for straws,” Jim Townsend, a former Pentagon official, told the outlet, warning that a lightly staffed buffer zone would not deter Russia.

Politico earlier reported that EU leaders have also floated the idea of involving a neutral third country to help enforce any ceasefire.

Neither Russia nor Ukraine has commented on the report, although Moscow has consistently opposed any NATO troop presence in Ukraine, citing the bloc’s expansion towards Russian borders as one of the root causes of the conflict. At the same time, Russia has not ruled out security guarantees for Kiev from the West in principle.

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