Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed creating demilitarized zones (DMZ) in parts of the Donbas region and around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This initiative comes as Ukraine seeks to solidify its position in ongoing conflicts with Russia and faces pressures for a ceasefire.
Demilitarized Zones in Ukraine: A Path to Peace?
During a recent briefing, Zelenskyy outlined a 20-point peace plan, signaling Ukraine’s most significant territorial concession in the conflict with Russia. This plan was formulated through discussions between Ukrainian and US negotiators over the weekend.
Details of the Proposal
- Location of Proposed DMZs: The DMZs are intended for areas in the Donbas, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, currently under varying degrees of Russian control.
- Zaporizhzhia Plant Security: The second DMZ is proposed around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe.
Zelenskyy emphasized that these zones would be established only if Russia agrees to keep its military forces out of these areas. He mentioned that a national referendum would be needed for any plan that requires Ukraine to withdraw its troops.
Key Components of the 20-Point Peace Plan
- NATO Membership: Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO remains contentious. Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s decision not to amend its constitution to prohibit NATO membership.
- Territorial Concessions: Any decisions regarding territorial changes must go through a national referendum, emphasizing the constitutional barriers to altering Ukraine’s borders unilaterally.
- Presidential Elections: Zelenskyy indicated that elections would be postponed until after a peace agreement is signed, amid ongoing international pressure for electoral legitimacy.
Past Examples of Demilitarized Zones
Demilitarized zones have been established globally to mitigate conflict. Examples include:
- Korean Demilitarized Zone: This zone separates North and South Korea over a 4km buffer zone since the 1953 armistice.
- UN Observer Force in Golan Heights: Established in 1974, this DMZ monitors the division between Israeli-occupied territory and Syrian-held land.
- Sinai Peninsula: DMZs were created as part of the 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty, with international peacekeeping oversight.
The Effectiveness of DMZs
Historically, DMZs show mixed results. The Korean DMZ has largely prevented large-scale conflict, while other zones, like those in the Golan Heights, have seen violations. The effectiveness of a proposed DMZ in Ukraine may rely heavily on mutual agreement and compliance from both parties involved.
As peace discussions continue, the international community watches closely. The ability of both sides to agree on and adhere to these proposed demilitarized zones could significantly influence the trajectory of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
