Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected proposals for a buffer zone between Ukrainian and Russian forces as part of a peace deal, arguing it does not reflect the realities of modern warfare.
Only those who do not understand the technological state of today's war propose a buffer zone, he told reporters on Friday.
His comments followed a report suggesting European leaders were considering a 40km (25-mile) buffer zone as part of either a ceasefire or longer-term agreement.
The war in Ukraine has evolved into a conflict driven by drone technology, and Zelensky suggested a buffer zone of sorts already existed due to the threat of drone strikes near the front line.
Buffer zones can create demilitarised regions between warring countries, such as North and South Korea, and physical boundaries like the Iron Curtain. According to a report by Politico, European diplomats mentioned the need for a strip of land in Ukraine to be blocked off between the two forces.
However, Zelensky countered that there is already an area on both sides of the front line where heavy artillery is unable to operate due to the risk of drone fire. Today, our heavy weapons are located at a distance of over 10km from each other, because everything is hit by drones, he stated.
He referred to this area as a 'dead zone' or 'grey zone', indicating it already exists as a natural buffer. Zelensky also rejected the notion that Ukraine would have to forfeit any territory within such a zone, asserting, If Russia wants to have a greater distance from us, they can retreat deep into the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
Adding to the current climate, Zelensky remarked that Russia was not prepared for genuine diplomacy but seemed to be exploring ways to delay the conclusion of the war.
Despite ongoing discussions for a peace initiative led by the US, Zelensky's chief of staff acknowledged the challenges posed by Russia's reluctance to engage seriously in talks.
With European leaders emphasizing the need for security guarantees for Ukraine, the outlook for a peaceful resolution remains uncertain, and as the conflict continues, Zelensky’s firm stance on territorial integrity remains steadfast.
