Zelensky Rejects Peace Deal Buffer Zone: Zelensky Slams Buffer Zone Idea as “Outdated” in Bid to End Ukraine War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly dismissed proposals for a buffer zone between Ukrainian and Russian forces as a potential solution to end the ongoing war. Speaking to reporters on Friday, he argued that such an idea fails to grasp the complexities of modern warfare, particularly the role of advanced technology in the conflict.
“Only those who do not understand the technological state of today’s war propose a buffer zone,” Zelensky said, emphasizing that the realities on the ground make the concept outdated.
The idea of a buffer zone emerged from discussions among European leaders, who, according to a report, were exploring a 40km (25-mile) demilitarized strip of land in Ukraine as part of a ceasefire or long-term peace agreement. However, Zelensky’s rejection underscores the challenges of finding a diplomatic resolution to a war that has now stretched beyond 40 months.
The Role of Technology in Modern Warfare
The war in Ukraine has transformed into a conflict heavily reliant on drone technology. Zelensky pointed out that the threat of drone strikes has already created a de facto buffer zone near the front lines. He described an area on both sides of the conflict line where heavy artillery cannot operate safely 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,” Zelensky explained. He referred to this area as a “dead zone” or “grey zone,” suggesting that the proposed buffer zone already exists in practice.
Historically, buffer zones have been used to separate warring parties, such as the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea or the Iron Curtain that divided the Soviet bloc from the West after World War II. However, Zelensky argued that applying this model to Ukraine ignores the unique dynamics of the current conflict.
Territorial Concerns and Diplomatic Stumbles
A significant sticking point in the buffer zone proposal is the possibility that Ukraine would have to cede territory within the zone to Russia. Zelensky firmly rejected this idea, stating, “If Russia wants to have a greater distance from us, they can retreat deep into the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.” His stance reflects Ukraine’s determination to protect its sovereignty and resist concessions to Russia.
Zelensky also accused Russia of being unprepared for genuine diplomacy, suggesting that Moscow is seeking ways to prolong the conflict rather than end it. This comes as a U.S.-led diplomatic push to halt Russia’s invasion appears to be losing steam. Hopes for a high-level summit between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin were raised after a meeting last week involving U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders. However, those prospects now seem increasingly unlikely.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz dampened expectations further, stating that a summit was “obviously not” going to happen, citing Putin’s apparent unwillingness to engage. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this sentiment, warning that if Putin failed to meet a Monday deadline for talks, it would demonstrate that he had misled Trump.
Escalating Violence and International Outrage
The urgency of finding a resolution has been heightened by recent Russian attacks. In the early hours of Thursday, Russia launched 629 drones and missiles at Kyiv, killing 23 people in one of the deadliest aerial assaults of the war. The attack, which saw two missiles land near the European Union’s offices in central Kyiv, sparked widespread condemnation from European leaders.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described Russia’s actions as a “deliberate escalation” that undermines peace efforts. She condemned the targeting of civilians and infrastructure, calling for stronger measures to counter Russia’s aggression.
Following talks in Toulon, France, Macron and Merz vowed to increase pressure on Russia, noting Putin’s lack of interest in ending the war. Merz warned that the conflict could persist for “many more months,” highlighting the growing pessimism about a swift resolution.
Ukraine’s Push for Security Guarantees
Amid stalled peace efforts, Ukraine is seeking robust security guarantees from its Western allies. On Friday, Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, met with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance in New York. Yermak welcomed U.S. peace initiatives but noted that Russia has consistently blocked progress.
European leaders are also working on commitments to bolster Ukraine’s security in the event of a deal with Russia. Kallas emphasized that any guarantees must be “robust and credible.” Zelensky expressed hope that discussions would continue next week, focusing on “NATO-like” protections to ensure Ukraine’s safety.
However, Russia has dismissed Western proposals as “one-sided.” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova argued that any security guarantees must consider Russia’s interests, accusing the West of attempting to contain Moscow rather than seeking a balanced solution.
A Long Road Ahead
As the war continues, Zelensky’s rejection of the buffer zone proposal highlights the deep challenges in reaching a peace agreement. The combination of technological warfare, territorial disputes, and Russia’s apparent reluctance to negotiate has left diplomatic efforts in limbo. Meanwhile, the intensification of Russian attacks has only deepened the resolve of Ukraine and its allies to seek a solution that ensures lasting security.
With no clear end in sight, the international community faces the daunting task of balancing military support for Ukraine with diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. For now, Zelensky’s focus remains on protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty while pushing for stronger commitments from the West to counter Russia’s aggression.
