Does the creation of a demilitarized zone threaten Ukraine's security? Military expert explains

The idea of establishing demilitarized zones along the front line poses serious threats to Ukraine, as Russia could take advantage of a pause to swiftly occupy such a zone before Ukrainian forces have time to react. This was stated by Head of the Center for Military and Legal Studies and serviceman of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces, Oleksandr Musienko, during a broadcast on «KYIV24.»

According to the expert, in conflicts of such intensity, there is no such thing as a «vacuum"— any territory left uncontrolled will eventually be occupied by someone. Even the presence of third-party peacekeeping forces does not guarantee security, he emphasized. Musienko cited the example of Lebanon, where the Israeli army freely crossed zones controlled by UN peacekeepers without any response from them.

In Ukraine’s case, this would create additional dangers for frontline cities such as Nikopol, Kherson, and other settlements already under constant shelling. Furthermore, Musienko notes that Russia would bear no responsibility for potential violations of any agreements.