**Ukraine Partitioned: A Proposal for Peace**
In an interview with The Times, Keith Kellogg, US President Donald Trump‘s Special Envoy for Ukraine, suggested that the country could be partitioned into separate zones as part of a peace deal with Russia. This proposal has sparked controversy and raised questions about the potential consequences of such a plan.
**A Partitioned Ukraine**
Kellogg proposed creating a “reassurance force” led by the UK and France in western Ukraine, while Ukrainian troops would be concentrated east of the Dnipro river. A demilitarized zone would also be established near the current line of control, with territories currently under occupation controlled by Russian forces. This plan bears some resemblance to postwar Berlin, where the city was divided into separate zones controlled by the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union.
**A DMZ as a Buffer**
Kellogg suggested creating an 18-mile demilitarized zone in eastern Ukraine along the current front line. This buffer would act as a monitoring area between Russian and Western troops. While this plan may not be considered provocative by Russia, it’s unclear whether Moscow will accept such a proposal.
**Expecting Ceasefire Violations**
Kellogg acknowledged that Russia may still reject the proposal, and he also expected ceasefire conditions to be violated. He noted that the US would not commit ground troops to the reassurance force in Ukraine, but warned France and the UK against relying on US support for the “coalition of the willing.”
**Divided Approaches**
Kellogg’s comments mark a significant departure from another senior US official, Steve Witkoff, who has proposed giving Russia control of four occupied Ukrainian regions as a means to achieve a ceasefire. This differing approach highlights the challenges in finding a unified solution to the Ukraine crisis.
**Consequences and Concerns**
The proposal to partition Ukraine raises concerns about the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. While President Volodymyr Zelensky has maintained that Kyiv will never recognize occupied territories as legally Russian, Kellogg’s plan would involve leaving these regions under Russian control. The comparison to postwar Berlin may also be seen as insensitive by Ukraine, which has a functioning democratic government.
**A Complex Peace Deal**
The path forward for a peace deal in Ukraine remains uncertain. As the international community grapples with this proposal, it’s essential to consider the potential consequences and implications for all parties involved.
Read More @ {{domain}}