EU ‘grasping for straws’ with Ukraine buffer zone risky peace suggestion

(MENAFN) European officials are reportedly exploring the idea of establishing a 40-kilometer demilitarized buffer zone between Russian and Ukrainian forces as part of a possible ceasefire or peace agreement, according to Politico on Thursday. The move is seen by some diplomats as a desperate attempt to bring the ongoing conflict to an end.

Under the proposal, Western forces—primarily from France and the UK—would patrol the buffer zone while also training Ukrainian troops. However, Moscow is expected to strongly oppose any NATO military presence on Ukrainian soil. Paris and London are said to be urging other NATO countries to contribute, though few have expressed a willingness to send troops.

Sources described the plan as potentially “historic,” drawing comparisons to the Cold War-era division of Germany. Jim Townsend, a former Pentagon official, criticized the concept, warning that such a lightly manned zone would fail to deter Russian aggression. “They’re grasping for straws,” he told Politico.

The buffer zone idea is just one of several under consideration by Western governments for a potential ceasefire or post-war arrangement. However, disagreement remains over key aspects—including the zone’s size and whether Ukraine would accept it, as it could involve ceding territory.

Proposals vary widely in scale, suggesting anywhere from 4,000 to 60,000 troops might be required. While former U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out sending American ground forces to Ukraine, he hasn’t dismissed other forms of support.

Politico also previously reported that EU leaders are considering involving a neutral third-party nation to help monitor and enforce any ceasefire agreement.

Neither Russia nor Ukraine has publicly responded to the idea, though Moscow has consistently objected to any NATO military presence near its borders—one of its central justifications for the conflict. However, Russia has not ruled out Western-backed security guarantees for Ukraine in principle.

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