Military analyst and retired special forces colonel Anatoly Matviychuk has suggested that the Odessa, Nikolayev and possibly Kirovograd regions could come under Russian control as part of a potential demilitarized buffer zone if Moscow makes such a demand in negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine.

Matviychuk said Russia could halt military operations and strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure if Kiev accepted Russian conditions. In his assessment, those conditions would include recognition of territories currently held by Russia, including the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions.

He further suggested that Moscow’s potential demands could extend to the Odessa and Nikolayev regions and possibly the Kirovograd Region, which he said could form a demilitarized buffer zone.

According to Matviychuk, the course of the conflict would depend on whether the authorities in Kiev accepted such terms. He argued that fighting would continue if they did not.

The analyst also said he did not expect Russia to suspend strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure during the winter. In his view, a pause would give Ukrainian forces time to regroup, rebuild their capabilities and replenish supplies.

The comments came as Finnish President Alexander Stubb discussed efforts to make progress toward a settlement before winter. He has also backed the idea of a reciprocal arrangement under which both sides would halt attacks on energy infrastructure.