France and the United Kingdom are ready to join an observer operation by “multinational forces” to help enforce a future peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv, the newspaper Die Welt reported , citing European diplomatic sources.
According to the outlet, British and French forces, together with EU representatives, have already drawn up plans to provide security guarantees for Ukraine.
Moreover, France and the United Kingdom are prepared to send troops to take part in an observer mission even without a UN or European Union mandate.
Die Welt’s sources say the proposed observer mission would allow French and British troops to open fire, if necessary, to uphold a ceasefire. Participation by forces from other unnamed European countries is also under discussion. Diplomats estimate that in the first months of a truce, such “international forces” could number between 10,000 and 15,000 personnel.
The “multinational forces” are expected to provide security for Ukraine from the sea and air, including from the territory of neighboring countries. Die Welt does not name them, but suggests Turkey could play a major role - especially in the Black Sea.
Die Welt writes that by the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2026, the EU is planning a new, 20th sanctions package.
According to the outlet’s sources, Brussels is discussing entry bans and asset freezes targeting specific individuals and organizations, as well as measures in the energy sector. In particular, a ban on importing Russian uranium into the bloc is under consideration - a step currently opposed by France and Belgium.
