Demilitarized Zone Discourse in the Ukrainian Conflict
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The topic of a demilitarized zone has recently been tossed around as a potential solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ukraine previously championed a 30-kilometer-wide buffer zone as a means to de-escalate tensions[1][3]. However, this notion soon morphed into a narrower buffer, as per the suggestion of US Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg. Kellogg proposed a 15-kilometer-wide zone, with shared control by Ukraine and Russia[5].
The Ukrainian Leadership's Stance
President Volodymyr Zelensky has shown wariness and reservations towards the 15-kilometer buffer zone proposal. He fears that such a zone could result in the relinquishing of control over strategic locations. For instance, by withdrawing 15 kilometers from key urban centers like Kherson, Kharkiv, and Sumy, these cities would remain exposed to enemy artillery fire, given the extended range of modern artillery[5].
In essence, some areas might appear to be at peace, but they would continue to be vulnerable to violence. President Zelensky has asserted that discussing demilitarized zones prematurely does little to address the fundamental concerns of security and territorial control within Ukraine[5]. As a result, while there has been a dialogue surrounding demilitarized zones, the specifics of their implementation remain unsettled and disputed.
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/10/ukraine-president-volodymyr-zelensky-putin-calls-russia-an-aggressor-country.html[3] https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/28/europe/ukraine-zelensky-putin-call-intl-hnk/index.html[5] https://www.euromaidanpress.com/2022/03/14/zelensky-reports-that-roam-working-with-russia-and-trump-on-demilitarized-zone-in-eastern-ukraine/
- The leadership of Ukraine, particularly President Volodymyr Zelensky, has expressed reservations about the proposal for a 15-kilometer demilitarized zone due to concerns over relinquishing control over strategic locations.
- If Ukraine were to withdraw 15 kilometers from key urban centers like Kherson, Kharkiv, and Sumy, these cities could remain exposed to enemy artillery fire due to the extended range of modern artillery.
- Keir Starmer, the UK's Labour Party leader, has discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, including its implications for international politics and war-and-conflicts, as well as potential developments such as the export of weapons.
- The implementation details of demilitarized zones, such as their width and control mechanism, are still unsettled and disputed in the ongoing discussions surrounding the Ukrainian conflict.
