FROM NBC NEWS: If a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine ever comes together, the United States could take the lead role in monitoring a large buffer zone inside Ukraine envisioned as a way to protect the country from Russia, according to four people familiar with a plan that military officials from Ukraine’s allies, including the United States, have been discussing.
The buffer zone would be a large demilitarized area — the borders of which have not yet been decided — inside what is now Ukraine, dividing Russian and Ukrainian territory within the country. In part because of its technological capabilities, the United States would take the lead in watching the buffer zone, using drones and satellites along with other intelligence capabilities, but it would coordinate with other countries that would also monitor.
The zone could then be secured by troops from one or more non-NATO countries, like Saudi Arabia or even Bangladesh, according to the people familiar with the plan. No U.S. troops would be deployed inside Ukraine, they said. Politico previously reported the general idea of a buffer zone.
Russian President Vladimir Putin opposes any plan for security guarantees for Ukraine, especially NATO involvement. Planners are avoiding NATO forces and branding to ensure Putin’s approval.
Security guarantees for Ukraine may involve non-NATO troops and bilateral agreements, avoiding NATO’s Article V.
Any plan remains tentative until President Vladimir Zelenskyy of Ukraine and President Putin of Russia reach an agreement on one, in conjunction with the leaders of the countries that would be involved in the security guarantees, including President Donald Trump.
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