EXPLAINERNews|Russia-Ukraine warUkraine accepts demilitarised zone to end Russia war, but do DMZs work?The latest proposal involves DMZs in the Donbas and Zaporizhzhia. But DMZs have a mixed track record globally.
## Ukrainian Peace Plan and Demilitarised Zones
Ukrainian Peace Plan and Demilitarised Zones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to establish a demilitarised zone (DMZ) in parts of the Donbas region under Ukrainian control, contingent upon Russian agreement to refrain from military presence in this area.
Zelenskyy's proposal includes a potential second DMZ near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, currently under Russian control. These proposals are integral to a 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine, which has received backing from the United States.
The plan was presented during a briefing, highlighting key negotiation points developed by representatives from Washington and Kyiv.
Ukraine’s NATO membership: Russia opposes Ukraine's NATO membership, a stance supported by the U.S. The Ukrainian government maintains its intent to join NATO, despite external pressure to adopt a neutral stance. Territorial concessions: Any withdrawal of Ukrainian troops would require approval through a national referendum, as per the Ukrainian constitution, which prohibits unilateral border changes. Elections: Presidential elections in Ukraine would occur post-peace agreement. The absence of elections during the conflict has been a point of contention. Demilitarised zones: Areas vacated by Ukrainian forces could become DMZs or free trade zones, as discussed with U.S. negotiators.
Proposed Demilitarised Zones in Ukraine
Russia demands control over Donetsk and Luhansk, but the proposal suggests transforming these regions into DMZs if both parties agree. In Zaporizhzhia, the region surrounding the nuclear plant could also become a DMZ. However, governance details and resource management remain uncertain.
As of now, Russia has not issued a formal response to the peace plan. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Russia is still developing its position.
Zelenskyy's proposal includes a potential second DMZ near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, currently under Russian control.
Examples of Demilitarised Zones Worldwide
This 4km-wide buffer zone separates North and South Korea, established in 1953 following an armistice.
UN Disengagement Observer Force Zone in the Golan Heights
Established in 1974, this DMZ separates Israeli-occupied territory from Syrian-controlled areas, monitored by UN peacekeepers.
Part of the 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty, these zones are monitored by an international peacekeeping force.
An autonomous region of Finland, the Aland Islands have been demilitarised since 1921.
The 1959 Antarctic Treaty designated Antarctica as a demilitarised zone for peaceful purposes and scientific research.
The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute led to a provisional DMZ around the Preah Vihear Temple, ruled by the International Court of Justice in 1962.
DMZs have facilitated peace in some regions, such as the Korean Peninsula, while other areas, like the Golan Heights and Sinai Peninsula, have experienced violations. The success of DMZs varies based on enforcement and geopolitical dynamics.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.