The US President’s Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has proposed the establishment of a demilitarized zone under joint Ukrainian-Russian control. He believes that a ceasefire “in place” will allow the parties to maintain control over the territory they currently hold.
“The Ukrainians should recognize that these lands that they fought for will remain with the Russians for now, but the situation may change over time,” he said, referring to historical examples of the Baltic countries after World War II and the unification of Germany.
According to Kellogg, Ukraine is prepared to create a 30-kilometer demilitarized zone with each side withdrawing its troops 15 kilometers from the current position. This zone will be overseen by troops deployed by the coalition of the willing, which will facilitate monitoring of violations. Trump’s special envoy is convinced that a 30-day ceasefire could be crucial.
“If we can hold it, we can continue it. After a pause in hostilities, it is very difficult to resume the conflict, and I do not believe that they will fight again,” he stressed.
Kellogg also emphasized that Putin is the main obstacle now, because Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia has not.