The possibility of establishing a 40-kilometer-wide demilitarized zone along the line of contact is being discussed as part of potential ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine. Similar ideas were considered in the past, such as under the Minsk Agreements, which involved the withdrawal of heavy weaponry. Currently, the main issue remains the lack of agreement from the Russian side to start ceasefire talks.
Sources say the US and Europe are considering different peace scenarios, but the idea of a strictly regulated demilitarized zone is met with skepticism. Key Ukrainian regions including Kharkiv, Sumy, and Donetsk could be affected by such a zone, raising concerns about the security and defense of major cities. The issue also relates to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, where a safety zone is under discussion.
The Ukrainian delegation's visit to the US is not expected to result in specific decisions but is seen as America's attempt to assess Kyiv's willingness for compromise, including the possibility of territorial swaps. The Ukrainian position remains firm against such concessions, emphasizing that any discussions would only occur directly with the Russian president. Due to political and military risks, Ukraine rejects territorial compromise as too dangerous and unlikely to end the war.
The expert highlights the need to balance different directions in US policy toward Ukraine by engaging with other influential American officials. The commentary also notes Russia's interest in reaching agreements with the US to overcome international isolation and its use of intermediaries in negotiations.
Globally, President Putin aims not only to end the war on favorable terms for Russia, but also to gain influence over former US President Trump and the American administration, which could impact transatlantic relations and sanctions. The discussion emphasizes that these processes involve both security and economic interests, including cooperation in the Arctic and access to strategic resources.
