In a bid to address the ongoing turmoil between Ukraine and Russia, US special envoy General Keith Kellogg has suggested a model reminiscent of the post-World War II division of Berlin. He envisions dividing Ukraine into distinct zones of control, with British and French troops offering a reassuring presence in the western regions, while Russian forces maintain their grip in the eastern areas. A demilitarised zone, paired with Ukrainian troops, would serve as a buffer between these forces, emulating the historical divisions of Berlin where zones were designated for various Allied powers.
However, Kellogg later took to social media to clarify his remarks, stating they had been misinterpreted. He reaffirmed that his discussion centered on establishing a post-ceasefire resiliency force to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty rather than advocating for a partition of the nation itself. He aimed to frame his comments within the context of potential zones of responsibility for allied forces in the absence of US troops, stressing that he did not suggest partitioning Ukraine itself.
Despite Kellogg’s proposals, President Volodymyr Zelensky remains resolutely opposed to any territorial concessions to Russia. His administration continues to reject ceasefire or peace negotiations that would necessitate land give-ups. Furthermore, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deemed it “unrealistic” to anticipate a return to pre-2014 borders, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the prospect of NATO peacekeepers being accepted by the Kremlin under any condition.
In parallel diplomatic efforts, US envoy Steve Witkoff spent four hours meeting with Vladimir Putin, spurred by President Trump to galvanise ceasefire discussions. Notably, however, no Ukrainian officials participated in these negotiations despite Zelensky’s persistent demands for inclusion. On the ground, the situation remains troubling, with Russia intensifying its drone strikes across Ukraine, resulting in injuries and property damage in the capital and other areas.
Kellogg’s proposal also outlines the potential for the Dnipro river to serve as a demarcation line post-ceasefire, a significant element whose ramifications require further exploration. Moreover, Kellogg mentioned US backing for fresh elections in Ukraine, possibly aimed at drawing Putin back to the negotiation table in light of his past criticisms of Zelensky’s legitimacy. As tensions escalate, the quest for a collective resolution hinges on the commitment of all parties to seek common ground and forge a sustainable peace.
General Keith Kellogg proposes dividing Ukraine into zones of control akin to post-war Berlin, with British and French troops in the west and Russian forces in the east. He later clarified his remarks to indicate support for Ukraine’s sovereignty rather than advocating for its partition. President Zelensky firmly rejects territorial concessions, while the ground remains tense due to ongoing Russian drone attacks. Kellogg’s ideas, including using the Dnipro river as a boundary, seek to facilitate dialogue and stability in Ukraine’s future.
The proposal by General Kellogg reflects a complex and evolving landscape regarding the Ukrainian conflict, suggesting a nuanced approach reminiscent of post-war divisions. Despite calls for discussions, the entrenched positions of both Ukraine and Russia highlight an impasse, requiring thoughtful diplomacy to navigate towards peace. Ultimately, cooperation among allies and the acceptance of varied perspectives are paramount for fostering stability in the region.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
