Peace plan for Ukraine faces Russian resistance and global debate
A group of civilian and military experts, operating under the auspices of a Swiss think tank, has developed a peacekeeping mission plan for Ukraine. According to the New York Times, the goal is to implement a ceasefire. France and the United Kingdom have expressed willingness to send their troops, but the details of their tasks remain unclear.
Russia has not shown any acceptance of the presence of the peacekeeping mission, and President Trump has yet to offer U.S. support for these forces. Walter Kemp, a European security specialist, emphasises that the planned operation to oversee the ceasefire will be among the largest in history. The document was developed in collaboration with the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.
One of the main challenges is the length of the border between Russia and Ukraine, which is over 1,100 kilometres, approximately five times the demilitarised zone between South Korea and North Korea. Another issue is the technological advancement of the weapons on both sides.
Proposals and recommendations
The report contains specific recommendations:
- A buffer zone at least 10 kilometres wide.
- Patrolling by 5,000 police officers and civilian officials.
- 10,000 troops responsible for security.
- A mission under the aegis of the UN or a similar organisation.
An international monitoring team would cooperate with a Ukrainian-Russian commission, dealing with, among other things, the release of prisoners and mine removal.
Scepticism about the truce
The New York Times notes that the impact of a ceasefire on negotiations is unclear. Samuel Charap from RAND Corporation emphasises that creating a peacekeeping mission is challenging and unprecedented. Janis Kluge from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs warns against the illusion of a truce, doubting Russia's consent to Ukraine's independence.
Experts stress that no peacekeeping mission will stop Putin if he decides on a new invasion.
