Overview
- Military experts from the British and French forces, working with Brussels, have drawn up plans to deploy a multinational force if a ceasefire takes hold, according to Die Welt.
- The concept foresees sending 10,000 to 15,000 European troops within the first six months to monitor compliance on the ground.
- France and the UK are reported to be ready to participate on a Ukrainian invitation even without UN or EU mandates, with provisions for ground-force enforcement if required.
- Air and maritime surveillance would be provided from Ukraine’s neighboring states, with Turkey identified for a potential Black Sea monitoring role.
- EU diplomats are preparing a 20th sanctions package for February that targets individuals involved in child abductions and considers measures on Russian uranium and Rosatom, which face resistance from some member states.