US President-elect Donald Trump is considering a proposal for European and British forces to establish a buffer zone stretching over 1,000 kilometers (800 miles) between Russian and Ukrainian forces, The Telegraph reports, citing sources close to Trump.
The buffer zone strategy is reportedly one of several options under consideration as Trump continues to claim he could end Russia's war on Ukraine within 24 hours, though he has not publicly detailed how.
The proposed peace plan would freeze the current frontlines and require Ukraine to postpone NATO membership aspirations for 20 years. Under the proposal, the United States would provide weapons but neither troops nor funding for the buffer zone's enforcement.
The proposal emerges amid mixed signals from key players. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has warned that appeasing Russia would amount to "suicide" for Europe, while Russian President Putin has expressed readiness to engage in talks with Trump over resolving the conflict.
Read more:
- Trump rules out Pompeo and his $ 500 billion Ukraine peace plan from new cabinet
- Reuters: Trump team disavows advisor’s stance on Ukraine territorial concessions for peace
- BBC: Trump advisor demands “realistic vision for peace” from Ukraine, says “Crimea is gone”
- Zelenskyy unveils 5-point ”Victory Plan” to Ukrainian Parliament
- NATO won’t invite Ukraine to alliance in short term despite Zelenskyy’s “victory plan” push
