POLITICO: Europe Discusses Creating a Buffer Zone in Ukraine

European leaders are discussing the idea of creating a 40 km buffer zone between the front lines of Russia and Ukraine as part of a peace agreement. POLITICO reports this.

According to five European diplomats, this proposal is one of several options being considered for a post-war or truce scenario in Ukraine. Kyiv may reject the plan due to territorial concessions, and the US is not involved in the discussions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to stop the fighting. On August 27-28, Moscow attacked the center of Kyiv, resulting in the deaths of about 20 civilians.

The buffer zone would require 4,000 to 60,000 troops, but it is not yet clear which participating countries would contribute how much to provide this force. France and Britain could lead the peacekeeping force, but Poland has expressed concern that it would weaken NATO's eastern flank.

Allies are waiting for details, including rules of engagement and the management of Russian escalation. Some fear the zone could put Ukrainian cities at risk.

The US may provide satellite intelligence but has warned European partners that it will take a minimal role. The Europeans are trying to act quickly before potential changes in US policy.