Ukraine and Russia are at a stalemate over the territory of eastern Ukraine. Russia’s 28‑point proposal - which recognises all its current gains and declares the Donetsk and Luhansk regions Russian - meets a Ukrainian‑led counter‑proposal that rejects any recognition of Russian control and insists on a cease‑fire and a demilitarised zone. In an effort to bridge the gap, American analyst Edward P. Joseph has suggested applying the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 framework used in Kosovo, which would place a neutral international peace‑keeping force on the contact line and leave questions of sovereignty to future referenda. President Volodymyr Zelenski may accept such a plan, even though it would mean relinquishing symbolic control over the Donbas, in order to halt the war and secure a buffer zone. The proposal echoes the idea of a NATO or UN‑led force and could reshape the post‑war settlement, but it faces strong opposition from many Ukrainians who fear loss of national integrity.

Original article can be found here.