According to five European diplomats who talked to the portal, This is one of several scenarios considered in the context of a weapon suspension. However, there is no consent as to the depth of the zone, a It is not clear whether Kyiv will accept the plan, because this may be associated with territorial concessions. The United States does not participate in conversations about the buffer zone.
Read also: “Rather” there will be no Zelanski meeting with Putin. The latest arrangements
Europe is considering creating a buffer zone in Ukraine. Experts warn
The portal emphasizes that the mere considering of such a solution indicates the desperation of NATO allies in search of an exit from the war, which has been going on for nearly four years. Russia does not want to end it – on Thursday, Moscow fired on Kiev, killing at least 21 people and damaging the EU representation.
Expert Jim Towsend, a former Pentagon official, assessed that the Russians were not afraid of Europeans. – If they think that several British and French observers will stop them from entering Ukraine, they are wrong – he emphasized.
Significant The number of soldiers needed to patrol the zone also raises doubts – according to officials, it can be from 4,000. up to even 60 thousand people. So far, however, no obligations have been made, and President Donald Trump withdrew from the potential presence of American troops. NATO is already struggling with the preparation of a 300-thousand strength to defend the eastern flank, and in the event of the creation of the zone, soldiers would perform a double function: patrol the demilitarized zone and train Ukrainian soldiers.
Read also: F-16 disaster before Airshow in Radom. The Ministry of National Defense decided on the event
French and British forces would be the core of foreign troops, and these countries urge other allies to provide military resources. However, the possibility of removing attention from the defense of the eastern flank of the Alliance arouses anxiety. Poland and Germany announced that they would not send their troops, while Estonia declared limited support. Most of his strength would come from the Ukrainian army.
Experts warn that The buffer zone may expose Ukrainian cities at a further risk of attack or re -invasion of Russia. NATO members conduct consultations with American officials on satellite intelligence and air support, although the US role in ensuring a security guarantee for Ukraine would be minimal.
– Everyone is waiting for the political management of the pentagon to explain how much they want to get involved, and it allows Europeans to show their cards One of the European officials said Politico. – It's a bit like a dance.
