Recently, talks between the US and Ukraine have increasingly focused on the so-called "Korean model" for ending the war, which suggests establishing buffer and demilitarized zones along the frontline. Although this idea has circulated since the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, it has received renewed attention in the West.
The proposal involves creating two zones on Ukrainian territory: a fully demilitarized zone (without heavy weapons) and a zone where light weapons are allowed. The issues of who would control these areas and their legal status remain unresolved. US comparisons to Korea overlook the fundamental differences, notably that Ukraine’s conflict is an act of Russian aggression, not a civil war.
If implemented, the buffer zones present various challenges—control, security, and whether Russia would agree to such terms. According to the analyst, this scenario entrenches territorial division in Ukraine and does not resolve the core issue of sovereignty.
Security guarantees, akin to NATO’s Article 5, are also under discussion. The US and European allies could, in theory, pledge to respond to renewed Russian aggression, but the analyst questions the reliability of such guarantees in practice. There are also debates about reducing the size of Ukraine’s armed forces: the US encourages trimming to 600,000 troops, Europe suggests 800,000, and Russia opposes both. Kyiv seeks to maintain flexibility in other security services, such as the National Guard.
The possibility of Ukraine's EU accession by 2027 and Hungary's veto role are analyzed, alongside suggestions for placing the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant under US administration—a prospect Russia would likely reject. The question of reparations and the use of frozen Russian assets meets resistance in Europe.
The author concludes that these proposals reflect a Western vision but fail to account for Russia’s position. Doubts are expressed regarding the real feasibility of these plans and guarantees. Ultimately, the strongest guarantee for Ukraine remains the resilience of its Armed Forces and the determination of its citizens to defend their dignity and country.
