Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed proposals for the creation of a buffer zone between Ukrainian and Russian forces as part of peace negotiations, saying such an arrangement does not reflect the realities of modern warfare.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Zelensky argued that drone technology has already created what he described as a “dead zone” along the front line, making any new buffer zone unnecessary.
“Today our heavy weapons are positioned more than 10 kilometres apart because everything is vulnerable to drones. This buffer already exists,” he stated.
Reports earlier suggested that European leaders were considering a 40-kilometre demilitarised strip as part of efforts to secure either a ceasefire or long-term peace deal. But Zelensky rejected the idea outright, warning that it could mean Ukraine losing territory to Russia.
“If Russia wants more distance from us, they should retreat deeper into the areas they are illegally occupying,” he said.
His remarks came as diplomatic efforts led by the United States and Europe appear to be stalling.
Hopes for a potential meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin have faded, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz saying Putin remains unwilling to engage in direct talks.
Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its attacks.
In one of the heaviest assaults since the war began, Moscow launched more than 600 drones and missiles on Kyiv on Thursday, killing at least 23 people and striking near EU offices in the city.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have condemned the escalation and pledged to increase pressure on Moscow.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also described the strikes on civilian areas as a deliberate attempt to undermine peace efforts.
Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, held fresh talks with US officials in New York, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.
He reiterated Ukraine’s support for US-led peace initiatives but said progress continues to be blocked by Russia.
European leaders are also working on providing Kyiv with stronger security guarantees, which could include commitments similar to NATO’s collective defence arrangement.
However, Moscow insists any deal must take account of what it calls Russia’s security interests, with its foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova dismissing Western proposals as “one-sided.”
The war, now in its 40th month, continues with no clear end in sight.