In the event of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, the US is ready to take a leading role in monitoring a large buffer zone on Ukrainian territory as a protection for the country from Russia, writes NBC News, citing four people familiar with the plan being discussed by military representatives of Ukraine's allies, particularly the US.
The buffer zone will represent a large demilitarized area within present-day Ukraine, separating Russian and Ukrainian territories within the country, its borders yet to be defined. The United States will play a leading role in monitoring the buffer zone, using drones and satellites, as well as other intelligence capabilities, while coordinating its actions with other countries that will also conduct surveillance.
According to people familiar with the plan, the zone could be guarded by troops from one or several countries not part of NATO, such as Saudi Arabia or even Bangladesh. They say American troops will not be stationed on Ukrainian territory.
Putin opposed NATO involvement, so plans are being made to avoid using alliance forces, sources told NBC News. Instead, some guarantees will likely rely on troops from non-NATO countries. However, any plan is preliminary until Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agree to it.
On Thursday, a "coalition of the willing" gathered to formalize some aspects of the plan. The meeting was led by France and the United Kingdom, which are also expected to lead overall efforts to ensure Ukraine's security after the war ends.
As reported by one of the sources, discussions also included which Russian actions would trigger responses from Ukraine or monitoring forces, and which would be permitted.
Photo: TG Volodymyr Zelensky