In brief
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the idea of a buffer zone as part of a peace agreement with Russia, emphasizing that the concept does not align with the current realities of warfare, particularly the role of drone technology. He accused those proposing the zone of lacking understanding of modern military dynamics, mentioning that a 'dead zone' already exists due to the threat posed by drones. Furthermore, Zelensky criticized the notion that Ukraine would relinquish territory in any peace deal.
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 close to the front line.Buffer zones can create demilitarized zones between warring countries, such as North and South Korea, and physical boundaries such as the Iron Curtain - which separated the Soviet bloc and the West following World War Two. According to a report in Politico, European diplomats said the proposal among military and civilian officials was for a strip of land in Ukraine to be blocked off between the two forces. But Zelensky said there already was an area on either side of the front line where heavy artillery could not operate due to the risk of drone-fire.'Our heavy weapons are located at a distance of more than 10km from each other, because everything is hit by drones,' he said. 'This buffer - I call it a 'dead zone', some call it a 'grey zone' - it already exists.'He added that any such deal could also mean Ukraine giving up some territory within the zone, which he flatly rejected: 'If Russia wants to have a greater distance from us, they can retreat deep into the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.' Zelensky indicated that Russia was not ready for diplomacy but seeking means to postpone the war's conclusion.A US-led diplomatic offensive to end Russia's full-scale war, which has now lasted more than 40 months, appears to be losing momentum. A high-stakes meeting last week between US President Donald Trump, Zelensky, and European leaders raised hopes of a possible summit between the Ukrainian leader and Russia's Vladimir Putin. However, those hopes are looking increasingly remote, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicating that there would 'obviously not' be a meeting, as Putin seemed unwilling to take part.On Friday, Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak discussed US peace moves with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, along with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. European leaders are working on providing Ukraine with security guarantees if a deal with Russia can be reached. However, the prospects for peace remain bleak amidst ongoing assaults, notably a recent drone and missile attack on Kyiv that resulted in numerous casualties.
