The Financial Times reports that Western governments are weighing the idea of establishing at least three «defensive lines» as part of a possible settlement of the conflict in Ukraine.

According to the newspaper, a draft proposal envisions the creation of a demilitarized buffer zone, potentially monitored by neutral peacekeepers from a third country, with the arrangement requiring consent from both Moscow and Kiev.

Under this framework, Ukraine’s border security would be handled by its own armed forces, equipped and trained by NATO. Behind them, a European «deterrence force» would be stationed further back, forming what the plan describes as a third line of defense.