The United States could play a leading role in monitoring a proposed buffer zone between Ukraine and Russia if a peace deal is finalized, according to a report by NBC News.
The buffer zone, intended to protect Ukraine from further Russian attacks, would be a large demilitarized area, potentially secured by troops from one or more non-NATO countries, including Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh, the report said, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The report comes amid growing skepticism from former President Donald Trump about the prospects of brokering an immediate end to the conflict or arranging a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump hosted Putin in Alaska last month for a high-profile summit, but there has been no public indication that Moscow is willing to soften its demands or participate in such a meeting.
Reuters has not independently confirmed NBC News’ report, and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside normal business hours.
If implemented, the deployment of Bangladeshi troops to a Ukraine-Russia buffer zone would mark a significant role for Dhaka in international peacekeeping efforts amid the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.
