The United States is considering taking a "leading role" in overseeing a buffer zone on Ukrainian territory if Moscow and Kyiv reach a peace agreement, NBC News reported, citing sources familiar with discussions among Ukraine’s Western partners.
The proposal envisions the zone as a barrier against potential Russian aggression. According to the network, it would take the form of a demilitarized strip separating Russian and Ukrainian forces inside Ukraine, though its exact boundaries have not yet been defined.
The United States would likely use satellites and drones for surveillance, working in coordination with allies who would also take part in monitoring.
Under the plan, security of the buffer zone could be assigned to military units from non-NATO countries such as Saudi Arabia or Bangladesh. Direct involvement of American troops on Ukrainian soil is not foreseen.
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As NBC News notes, the concept emerged after the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska. It is being considered as a potential component of future security guarantees for Ukraine. However, sources stress that any plan will remain on paper until both Putin and Zelensky agree to it.
According to the network’s interlocutors, a central role in shaping the guarantees could be assigned to non-NATO countries. Involving Alliance forces—or even hinting at such involvement—is viewed by Moscow as unacceptable.