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The United States would spearhead surveillance of a proposed demilitarized buffer zone inside Ukraine under a security framework being developed by military officials from Kyiv's allies, according to four people familiar with the discussions speaking to NBC.
The buffer zone would create a large demilitarized area within Ukrainian territory, separating Russian and Ukrainian forces, though its exact boundaries remain undetermined. American technological capabilities would anchor the monitoring effort through drones, satellites and other intelligence assets, coordinated with other allied nations.
Non-NATO countries such as Saudi Arabia or Bangladesh could provide troops to secure the zone, while no U.S. ground forces would be deployed inside Ukraine, the sources said.
Under the emerging peace framework, Türkiye would assume responsibility for ensuring unimpeded flow of goods and services on the Black Sea through maritime surveillance and enforcement operations in the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits.
The assignment builds on Türkiye's previous involvement in securing Ukraine's economic lifelines during the conflict. Shortly after Russia's 2022 invasion, Türkiye played a crucial part in establishing the maritime corridor that enabled Ukrainian grain exports to reach global markets.
Alongside the proposed buffer zone, guaranteeing Russia cannot choke off Ukraine's economy represents a fundamental component of the security arrangements. Türkiye's control of the strategic waterways connecting the Black Sea to international shipping lanes positions the country as a key player in preventing economic warfare.
The framework deliberately avoids NATO involvement to address Russian President Vladimir Putin's objections to the alliance's presence. Any agreement requires consent from Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders of countries providing security guarantees, including President Donald Trump.
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Türkiye's role in monitoring the Bosporus and Dardanelles reflects the straits' importance to regional stability and global trade. The narrow waterways serve as the sole maritime passage between the Black Sea and Mediterranean, making Turkish cooperation essential for any comprehensive Ukraine peace settlement.
However, Putin rejected foreign military presence in Ukraine on Friday, stating such deployments would constitute "one of the primary reasons for drawing Ukraine into NATO." The Russian leader's position creates additional complications for implementation of the broader security framework being developed by Ukraine's allies.
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