If a peace agreement is signed between Russia and Ukraine, the United States will take over control of a large buffer zone inside Ukraine, NBC News reports.
The buffer zone would be a large demilitarized zone inside Ukraine that would separate Russian and Ukrainian territory. The United States would monitor the zone using drones, satellites, and other technical means. Non-NATO forces, such as Saudi Arabia or Bangladesh, would operate the zone. No U.S. troops would be stationed in Ukraine.
For Putin, NATO involvement is a red line. That’s why planners will utilize non-NATO forces and bilateral agreements outside of NATO’s Article 5.
The plan was developed after Trump and Putin met in Alaska on August 15. However, any plan is preliminary until Putin, Zelensky, and Trump agree. France and Britain led a meeting of allies on Thursday to formalize the plan.
In addition to the buffer zone, Turkey would ensure the unimpeded flow of goods across the Black Sea. The United States is discussing a $100 billion arms deal with Ukraine.
