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 demilitarised zones between warring countries, like the one separating North and South Korea. According to a report in Politico, European diplomats had proposed a strip of land in Ukraine to be blocked off between the two forces.
However, Zelensky stated there already was an area on either side of the front line where heavy artillery was unable to operate due to the risk of drone attacks.
Today, our heavy weapons are located at a distance of more than 10km from each other, because everything is hit by drones, he noted, referring to what he called a 'dead zone' or 'grey zone' that already exists.
The proposal could also mean Ukraine would have to concede some territory within the zone, which Zelensky rejected outright: If Russia wants to have a greater distance from us, they can retreat deep into the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
Zelensky also claimed that Russia was not ready for genuine diplomacy but was instead looking for ways to delay the resolution of the war.
A US-led diplomatic effort to end Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine seems to be losing momentum, as a high-stakes meeting involving US President Donald Trump recently raised hopes for a summit between Zelensky and Russia's Vladimir Putin, hopes which now appear increasingly distant.
As tensions rise further, Zelensky's chief of staff discussed US peace initiatives with American officials, asserting that despite Ukraine being open to peace proposals, they have consistently been stalled by Russia. European leaders are emphasizing the need for robust security guarantees for Ukraine as talks continue.
