【By Observer Net, Chen Sijia】According to a report by the U.S. "Politico" website on August 28, several European officials revealed that European leaders are considering establishing a 40-kilometer buffer zone between the front lines of Ukraine and Russia to promote a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. European countries are also discussing the deployment of "peacekeeping forces," but no country has made any commitments yet.

Five European diplomats said that the buffer zone idea is one of several proposals put forward by the European military and diplomatic circles to end the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and there are still some differences among European officials regarding the scope of the buffer zone. Since the proposal may involve territorial concessions, it is unclear whether the Ukrainian government will accept it.

The United States does not seem to be involved in the discussion about the buffer zone proposal. A European official revealed that NATO held a video conference of defense ministers on the 25th, with participants including the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine and the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and Commander of the U.S. European Command Aleksandr Grinkewicz, but this meeting did not discuss the proposal for establishing a buffer zone.

The report stated that Europe's consideration of blocking part of the territory in Ukraine, forcing it to achieve a "fragile peace," indicates Europe's urgent desire to end the conflict that has lasted for three and a half years. However, the division of land carries profound historical significance, so European diplomats tend to compare the buffer zone proposal to the East-West division of Germany during the Cold War.

Russia had previously proposed the idea of a buffer zone, and President Putin and Russian officials have stated that Russia is seeking to establish a buffer zone along the Ukraine-Russia border, but have not disclosed specific details of the proposal.

On August 18, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with European leaders and U.S. President Trump. Visual China

European countries are also discussing the issue of "peacekeeping forces." European officials said that countries are considering deploying 4,000 to 60,000 soldiers in Ukraine, but no country has made any commitments yet. Two European diplomats disclosed that if the buffer zone proposal is implemented, the "peacekeeping forces" will have dual tasks: patrolling the demilitarized zone and training the Ukrainian army.

According to these officials, French and British troops may form the core of the "peacekeeping forces," and the two countries are lobbying other allies to provide military assets. However, European countries have different views on the "peacekeeping forces," with Estonia tending to send part of its forces, while Poland and Germany have clearly stated that they do not intend to send troops.

"Politico" pointed out that neighboring European countries of Russia generally worry that the deployment of ground forces could lead to an increase in NATO's defensive capabilities. Eastern NATO countries like Poland believe that if more troops are moved to Ukraine, their own countries would be more vulnerable to attacks.

A European official said that at present, NATO countries are waiting for key details, including the rules of engagement for NATO forces, how to respond to escalating situations, and whether third-country forces need to patrol the area if Russia opposes NATO's deployment of forces in the buffer zone. The official added, "Each country is pushing as quickly as possible for security guarantees to prevent Trump from changing his mind and no longer pushing Putin to resolve through negotiations."

The U.S. government has ruled out the possibility of sending American troops. U.S. President Trump previously emphasized that the United States will not send ground forces to Ukraine and will ensure Ukraine's protection through other means.

The report said that NATO member states are discussing providing satellite intelligence and air support with the United States, but it is expected that the United States will not make more investments. Pentagon officials have informed European countries that the United States will only play a "minimum role" in Ukraine's security assurance.

European officials believe that the United States is the only NATO country with sufficient satellite resources to monitor Russia's compliance with the ceasefire agreement. "All countries are waiting for the Pentagon leaders to explain how much resources they are willing to invest. They let Europeans reveal their cards first, which is a bit like a dance," said one official.

Regarding the "peacekeeping forces" discussed by Europe, Russian President's press secretary Peskov said on August 27 that Russia will not accept the deployment of armies from NATO countries in Ukraine. Peskov said, "There is no such thing as 'European army'; it's just the armies of various countries, most of which are NATO members. The expansion of NATO military facilities is one of the root causes of the conflict. Therefore, we have a negative attitude towards these discussions."

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