Security guarantees for Ukraine may include a demilitarized zone, which will be patrolled by the troops of a third country, the presence of which Moscow and Kiev agree. It is reported by the Financial Times newspaper, citing sources.
This proposal is put forward by the "coalition of the willing."
At the same time, the "coalition" assumes that its troops can be deployed deep in Ukraine as a third line of defense.
Between the demilitarized zone and the third line, they see a laying in the form of Ukrainian troops, which they call a "shield." This "shield" will be prepared and armed by NATO.Today, Russia is categorically opposed to the deployment of any Western troops on Ukraine. At the same time, Washington does not want to give Kiev direct security guarantees, promising only to help the "coalition of willing" with intelligence and air support, the FT notes with reference to European and Ukrainian officials.
According to the officials, American colleagues told them that the United States was ready to provide "strategic means of support," including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, command and control facilities, as well as air defense systems, which, however, should be deployed under the auspices of Europe, not the United States.
Washington has not officially confirmed consent to such a scheme, the Strana newspaper notes.