Switzerland Presents Ceasefire Plan for Ukraine: Key Points.

Drawing the Line: 'Swiss Army Knife' Options for Achieving a Sustainable Ceasefire in Ukraine

The Geneva Center for Security and Policy (GCSP) has presented a document that contains a plan to achieve a sustainable ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. This document, developed by a group of international experts led by Dr. Walter Kemp and Ambassador Thomas Greminger, is titled 'Drawing the Line: 'Swiss Army Knife' Options for Achieving a Sustainable Ceasefire in Ukraine.'

The document, published in late February 2025, includes a detailed set of tools and recommendations. GCSP describes its approach as 'Swiss Army Knife options,' indicating that it is a versatile toolkit intended to assist the conflict parties and the international community.

Key Elements of the Ceasefire Plan

The plan envisions an agreement on a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia with the possible involvement of a mediator. The central element of the plan is the establishment of a clear ceasefire line, which will serve as the basis for the withdrawal of troops.

Arms Limitation Zones

• 7.5 km from the ceasefire line for all troops
• 50 km from the ceasefire line for artillery of 100 mm caliber and above
• 75 km from the ceasefire line for reactive rocket system (RRLS)
• 150 km from the ceasefire line for RRLS 'Tornado-S', 'Hurricane', 'Tornado' and tactical missile systems 'Tochka-U'

The document recommends creating a buffer zone approximately 10-15 km wide, which should be free of military forces and weapons. In this zone, the use of drones is prohibited except for those used by international monitors.

Key Implementation Mechanisms

Joint Military Coordination Commission (JMCC)

One of the key mechanisms for implementing the plan is the Joint Military Coordination Commission, which will ensure military contacts and coordination between the parties for the exchange of information and mutual accountability.

International Monitoring and Verification Mission

The plan includes the deployment of an international mission made up of about 15,000 personnel divided into sectors (approximately 5-6 from each side of the ceasefire line).

The mission composition includes:

• 2000 lightly armed observers
• 5000 personnel in rapid response units
• 2400 observers at fixed points
• 600 verifiers
• 2400-2500 police officers
• 2400-2500 civilian observers

Additional Aspects of the Plan

De-mining

The plan places great emphasis on de-mining. Ukraine is one of the most mined countries in the world, with approximately 140,000 sq. km of potentially contaminated territory. According to World Bank estimates, de-mining will require approximately $34.6 billion.

Humanitarian Corridors

The document emphasizes the importance of creating humanitarian corridors for the reunification of separated families, refugees, and internally displaced persons.

Political Settlement

The plan envisions the conclusion of a legally binding agreement that will include reaffirmation of the principles of the UN Charter, prohibition against the threat of force, and recognition of Ukraine's sovereignty.

Sequence of Steps

The document proposes the following sequence of actions:

Appointment of envoys, establishment of a Contact Group, or opening diplomatic channels

Confidence-building measures and dialogue between the parties

Increasing technical knowledge about ceasefires

Agreements on regulation and violence reduction

Establishment of Joint Military Coordination Commission

Agreement on immediate ceasefire

Decision of the 'mother organization' regarding the deployment of the international mission

De-mining of the security zone

Deployment of international monitoring and verification mission

Using the mission to create conditions for broader political settlement.