Kellogg Proposes Divided Control Zones for Allied Forces in Ukraine

Keith Kellogg, the Special Envoy to Ukraine under U.S. President Donald Trump, proposed in an interview with The Times, published on Saturday, that British and French forces could establish controlled zones within Ukraine. He suggested these forces could oversee areas west of the Dnipro River as part of a «reassurance force,» which would include a demilitarized zone separating their territories from Russian-held regions in the east.

Kellogg likened this situation to the post-World War II division of Berlin, indicating zones for Russian, French, British, and American forces. He later emphasized on social media that U.S. troops would not be involved.

«You’d be located west of the Dnipro, a significant barrier,» Kellogg noted, explaining that this positioning would ensure the force would «not provoke» Russia.

He proposed establishing a demilitarized zone along the existing frontlines in eastern Ukraine, according to The Times.

The 80-year-old retired lieutenant general, who briefly served as national security advisor during Trump’s initial term, asserted that Ukraine has enough space for multiple armies to enforce a ceasefire without incidents.

To prevent any engagements between British, French, Ukrainian, and allied forces and Russian troops, Kellogg stressed the importance of a buffer zone.

«If you look at a map, you can create, for lack of a better term, a demilitarized zone (DMZ),» he explained.

“You would have a DMZ that can be monitored alongside a no-fire zone,” Kellogg added, while acknowledging that violations could occur but asserting that monitoring would be manageable.

Since Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Kellogg acknowledged that Russian President Vladimir Putin «may not agree» with the proposed plan.

He later clarified his comments, stating on social media that he was discussing a post-ceasefire «resiliency force» meant to support Ukraine’s sovereignty, referring to zones of responsibility for allied forces without U.S. involvement, and not suggesting a division of Ukraine.

The UK and France are leading discussions among a coalition of 30 nations regarding the potential deployment of forces in Ukraine in support of any ceasefire arrangement Trump might negotiate. Both countries see this deployment as a «reassurance force» designed to provide Ukraine with some security assurance.

However, many uncertainties persist, including the force’s size, contributor nations, mission parameters, and whether the U.S. would support such an initiative.

Putin, who has been in power for 25 years and secured consecutive electoral victories under flawed conditions, has raised doubts about Volodymyr Zelensky’s «legitimacy» as president, especially after Zelensky’s initial five-year term concludes in May 2024.

Ukrainian law mandates the suspension of elections during significant military conflicts, and Zelensky’s political rivals have consistently argued that elections should not occur until after hostilities cease.

Kellogg stated, «If a ceasefire is established, elections will follow.»

“I believe Zelensky is likely to be open to that once a ceasefire is in place and there’s some resolution. However, it is ultimately a decision for the Ukrainian populace and parliament, not for us to dictate,” he remarked.

He also indicated that U.S.-Ukraine relations have improved, highlighting resumed discussions regarding a potential agreement on Ukraine’s mineral resources.

Kellogg mentioned that officials would work on transforming a «business deal» into a «diplomatic agreement» in the forthcoming days.