Zelensky Dismisses Buffer Zone Proposal to End Ukraine War

Thu Oct 30 2025 18:35:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected the idea of a buffer zone between Ukrainian and Russian forces, highlighting the inadequacies of this approach in modern warfare.

President Zelensky refused proposals for a 40km buffer zone as part of a peace deal with Russia, emphasizing that such measures do not align with current conflict realities driven by drone warfare. He labeled the existing dangerous area near the front lines a 'dead zone,' criticizing the notion of retreating to create peace. Diplomatic efforts continue as the war approaches its 40th month with little progress in ceasefires or negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected proposals for a buffer zone between Ukrainian and Russian forces as part of a peace deal, arguing it does not reflect the realities of modern warfare.

Only those who do not understand the technological state of today's war propose a buffer zone, he told reporters on Friday. His comments followed a report suggesting European leaders were considering a 40km (25-mile) buffer zone as part of either a ceasefire or longer-term agreement.

The war in Ukraine has evolved into a conflict driven by drone technology, and Zelensky suggested a buffer zone of sorts already existed because of the threat of drone strikes close to the front line.

Buffer zones can create demilitarised zones between warring countries, such as North and South Korea, but Zelensky said there already was an area on either side of the front line where heavy artillery was unable to operate due to the risk of drone-fire.

He acknowledged that heavy weapons are currently located more than 10km from each other. Zelensky added that any agreement would not involve Ukraine ceding territory and called for Russia to withdraw deeper into occupied lands.

Diplomatic efforts, particularly those led by the U.S., appear to be stalling, with skepticism about the likelihood of a summit between Zelensky and Russia's Vladimir Putin. Recent airstrikes by Russia have intensified calls for increased pressure on Moscow from European leaders.