Media: The EU discusses the creation of a buffer zone in Ukraine

European leaders consider the possibility of creating a 40-kilometer buffer zone in Ukraine between Ukrainian and Russian troops, which can be one of the components of a potential peace agreement. Politico writes about this, referring to five European diplomats.

The publication reported that this zone was discussed as an option for posting a post -war of conflict or Truce in Ukraine. However, there are significant disagreements between the countries about its depth, and there is no guarantee that Ukrainian authorities will agree with such territorial concessions. It is also mentioned that the United States still refused to participate in this discussion.

The very fact of consideration of the idea of ​​creating zoning in Ukrainian territory to ensure that the world indicates NATO’s poverty, those who set the article write. Former Pentagon official Jim Townsend has expressed pessimism about the effectiveness of the procedure and has noted that Russia has not seen European military forces as a serious threat.

Diplomats do not compare this Delimiting option with a smooth Korean demarcation line, but rather see an analogy during the German Cold War season. According to officials, the number of peacekeeping forces for the zone patching can vary from 4,000 to 60,000, but not a single country has taken place in its own obligations to form them. U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the American forces are not allowed to attract such missions.

In addition to the general discussions of the Demilitarized Zone, we are talking about NATO preparing for another call -creating a corps of up to 300,000 military personnel to protect the eastern alliance flank from a potential attack from Russia. According to the resources, any peacekeeping forces will have a double operation: patrolling the demilitarized zone and the simultaneous training of the Ukrainian military.

Among the other major aspects of current negotiations are the discussion of policies for applying force, conflict situations and the possible role of third countries in the event of the Kremlin’s negative reaction to the presence of NATO forces. France and Great Britain will probably develop the basis of foreign military contingent in the zone. At the same time, Poland and Germany have expressed objections for fear of increasing the risk of Russia’s attack in these countries.

European allies are talking to the United States about satellite intelligence and aviation support. American technological resources can be critical for monitoring the fulfillment of Moscow conditions. At the same time, Pentagon representatives noted European partners that the role of the United States in Ukrainian security guarantees was limited.

European governments expect to determine the position of the American Ministry of Defense on the size of their participation, while allowing NATO to take the initiative to these negotiations.