Could Ukraine Be Divided Like Berlin? A Controversial U.S. Proposal Explained
April 2025 — Retired U.S. General Keith Kellogg, former national security adviser under President Donald Trump and now special envoy to Ukraine, has suggested a contentious ceasefire plan that echoes the division of Berlin after World War II.
A New Berlin Wall in Ukraine?
Kellogg’s proposal involves creating a demilitarized zone (DMZ) along the Dnipro River, effectively splitting Ukraine into two zones of influence. The eastern region, currently under Russian control, would remain so, while Western nations would oversee the west — all without direct U.S. troop involvement.
European Troops, No U.S. Boots
The plan calls for British and French troops to act as a “reassurance force” west of the river, offering stability without risking U.S. escalation. However, many critics see the plan as an implicit surrender of Ukrainian sovereignty and a de facto acceptance of Russia's territorial gains.
Ukraine Rejects the Idea
President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected the concept, stressing that any peace must be based on full Russian withdrawal and the restoration of Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. The Ukrainian government sees the plan as legitimizing invasion through diplomatic means.
Allies Respond with More Support
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s allies have pledged a record €21 billion in military aid, as announced during a recent meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels. The UK committed £4.5 billion for 2025, and Germany pledged over £9.5 billion through 2029.
A Dangerous Precedent?
Kellogg’s plan has sparked intense debate among policymakers and analysts. While some view it as a pragmatic way to halt bloodshed, others warn it rewards aggression and undermines international law.
As the war continues, the challenge remains: finding a path to peace that ensures both justice and sovereignty for Ukraine — without repeating the mistakes of 20th-century geopolitics.
Sources: News Agencies