Bloomberg: Europe warns US Ukraine peace deal could be Russian “Trojan horse”

European officials are raising alarms over a US-mediated peace plan in Ukraine, warning that it could be exploited by Russia as a “Trojan horse” to regain territory in the war-torn Donbas region. The concerns come as Kyiv, Washington, and Moscow edge closer to an accord after nearly four years of conflict.

The US plan under discussion involves creating a demilitarized zone in contested areas, but officials warn that Moscow could use this as cover to deploy covert forces and carry out hybrid tactics, including false flag operations, to undermine security guarantees and justify a new invasion, Bloomberg reports.

Nearly four years into the war, control over territory remains a central sticking point. Russia is reportedly demanding that Ukrainian forces withdraw from parts of Donetsk and Luhansk — including areas Moscow does not currently control — while Kyiv refuses to concede land. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested the possibility of turning Donbas into a “free economic zone” with special administration or holding a referendum to resolve territorial disputes.

Officials caution that any withdrawal of Ukrainian troops could give Russia opportunities to manipulate the situation. Former British national security adviser Peter Ricketts warned that Putin could “create incidents as pretexts — such as protecting Russian speakers, to move in,” leaving the rest of Ukraine exposed to further attacks.

The details of who would police a demilitarized zone remain unclear. US negotiators have floated options ranging from special administration to recognizing parts of Donbas as de facto Russian, along with Crimea. Western officials view Kremlin suggestions, such as deploying Russian national guard or police instead of troops, as unworkable.

Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and other European leaders in Berlin, while national security advisors from Ukraine, Europe, and the US review the draft plans. Kyiv has consistently sought strong security guarantees resembling NATO’s Article 5, emphasizing, as Zelenskyy put it, that Ukrainians need clarity on what partners would do if Russia launches another war.

By Vugar Khalilov