Keith Kellogg, U.S. national security advisor and special envoy for Ukraine under Donald Trump, has proposed the idea of creating allied zones of control in western Ukraine. In an interview published Saturday by The Times, Kellogg suggested British and French troops could form a “reassurance force” west of the Dnipro River, separated by a demilitarised zone (DMZ) from Russian-occupied areas. This suggestion comes as discussions continue among allied nations about how to support Ukraine post-ceasefire without directly involving U.S. military personnel.
Kellogg Suggests a Modern-Day Berlin-Like Arrangement
Kellogg, an 80-year-old retired lieutenant general and acting national security advisor, said that Ukraine is large enough to accommodate multiple allied forces. He drew a historical parallel, referencing the post-WWII division of Berlin into American, British, French, and Soviet zones.
“You could almost make it look like what happened with Berlin after World War II,” Kellogg told The Times. He explained that the Dnipro River could act as a natural barrier, minimizing the likelihood of confrontation with Russian forces.
He clarified on X (formerly Twitter), “The United States would not be providing troops. This is about creating zones of responsibility to support Ukraine’s sovereignty.”
‘Reassurance Force’ and Demilitarised Zones
Kellogg’s plan involves creating a “reassurance force” consisting of allied troops from the United Kingdom, France, Ukraine, and potentially other nations. These troops would operate west of the Dnipro, while a DMZ would provide a buffer from the Russian-held eastern regions.
“You look at a map and you create, for lack of a better term, a demilitarised zone,” Kellogg said. “You have a DMZ that you can monitor, and you’ve got this no-fire zone.”
He acknowledged the possibility of violations but emphasized that such zones could be effectively monitored with today’s technology.
Clarification: No Partition of Ukraine
Following the interview, Kellogg issued a public statement on X to clarify his remarks. “I was NOT referring to a partitioning of Ukraine,” he said. “I was speaking of a post-ceasefire resiliency force… referencing areas or zones of responsibility for an allied force (without U.S. troops).”
This clarification was necessary due to concerns that his remarks could be interpreted as supporting a territorial division of Ukraine, something firmly opposed by Kyiv and many of its allies.
UK and France Lead Coalition Talks
Britain and France are reportedly leading discussions among a 30-nation “coalition of the willing.” The coalition is exploring ways to deploy forces to Ukraine to maintain peace if a ceasefire is reached. This group aims to provide Ukraine with a degree of security reassurance, though no formal structure has been confirmed.
London and Paris are referring to the potential deployment as a “reassurance force,” not a combat unit. The size, scope, and mandate of such a force remain under discussion.
According to Kellogg, “The force wouldn’t be provocative to Russia. It’s a presence to maintain peace.”
Legal and Political Questions Remain
While allied countries discuss troop deployment, legal uncertainties persist. Under Ukrainian law, national elections are suspended during wartime. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s original five-year term ended in May 2024, prompting Russian President Vladimir Putin to question his legitimacy.
However, Ukraine’s opposition parties have agreed that elections should wait until after the conflict ends. “If you get to a ceasefire, you’re going to have elections,” Kellogg noted. “But that’s a call for the Ukrainian people in the Ukrainian parliament. Not ours.”
U.S.-Ukraine Relations Back on Track
Despite Kellogg’s stance against direct U.S. military involvement, he stressed that U.S.-Ukraine relations remain strong. He cited ongoing talks about turning a business agreement into a broader diplomatic partnership involving Ukraine’s mineral resources.
“This could be a bridge between diplomacy and development,” said Kellogg. “We are working on a deal that benefits both nations.”
War Continues in Eastern Ukraine
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 and has resulted in widespread destruction, displacement, and thousands of deaths. As of April 2025, fighting continues in key areas, including Donetsk, Luhansk, and southern regions.
Any proposal involving foreign troops or ceasefire zones is likely to face intense scrutiny from both Kyiv and Moscow. Russia has repeatedly warned against NATO’s military presence near its borders, which could complicate Kellogg’s vision.
Keith Kellogg’s proposal adds a new layer to the ongoing debate about Ukraine’s future and the international community’s role in supporting peace. While questions about deployment, oversight, and political outcomes remain, the concept of a multi-nation reassurance force may offer a framework for stability if a ceasefire is achieved.
