How Experts Are Planning for Peace in Ukraine: A Detailed Insight

Experts have transitioned from theoretical discussions on cease-fires to actionable plans to monitor and enforce peace in Ukraine.

In the wake of growing hostilities between Ukraine and Russia, military and civilian experts dealing with peacekeeping have publicly unveiled their analysis of how a cease-fire might be effectively executed. Initially shrouded in discretion, these discussions began in Geneva as early as spring 2022. They culminated last week in a significant 31-page document detailing the complex methods necessary to monitor and enforce a cease-fire along a lengthy 700-mile front line.

Shared during a confidential gathering in Geneva, which included various foreign-policy experts from the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine, this paper is considered one of the most comprehensive frameworks proposed for a cease-fire in Ukraine. The transition of cease-fire discussions from an abstract debate to a pressing and practical challenge illustrates the evolving nature of the conflict.

Countries such as France and Britain have voiced intentions to deploy thousands of troops to Ukraine following a potential cessation of hostilities, although their roles remain unclear. Conversely, Russia has dismissed the idea of international forces on its borders, and U.S. President Trump has presented limited guarantees of military support for such a deployment.

Walter Kemp, a noted expert in European security and one of the architects of the Geneva paper, remarked, “A colossal cease-fire monitoring operation is imminent, yet there’s currently no strategic plan in place.” Trump's recent comments suggest he favors a rapid resolution and has taken steps to encourage Ukraine towards negotiations, including suspending military assistance while alleging that Russian President Vladimir Putin is amenable to a settlement—claims that lack corroborative evidence.