France and the United Kingdom are ready to send their troops to Ukraine even without a UN or EU mandate after a ceasefire is concluded, the Telegram channel “DW Glavnoye” reported on December 31, citing the publication Die Welt.
It is noted that the size of such a mission could range from 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers, and it would be organized as an observer operation of “multinational forces” to ensure the implementation of the peace agreement.
According to sources cited by Die Welt, the project of such an observer mission foresees that French and British troops would be able, if necessary, to open fire to support the ceasefire.
In addition, the participation of military forces from other unnamed European countries is being discussed. It is assumed that the “multinational forces” would ensure Ukraine’s security from the sea and air, as well as from the territory of neighboring countries. Die Welt does not name them, but suggests that Turkey could play a major role in the observer mission — especially in the waters of the Black Sea.