France and the United Kingdom are laying the groundwork for deploying their military forces to Ukraine, according to Germany’s Die Welt, which cites unnamed sources in Paris and London.

The sources say both countries are prepared to send ground troops to monitor compliance with a ceasefire if such an agreement is reached. London and Paris, the report notes, are ready to move as soon as they receive an invitation from the authorities in Kiev, without waiting for authorization from either the United Nations or the European Union. The deployment under discussion would go far beyond symbolic observers, involving a full-fledged military force with the authority to use force if required.

Die Welt reports that European planners are considering an initial contingent of between 10,000 and 15,000 ground troops for the first six months, depending on commitments made by participating countries. These forces would be tasked with enforcing the ceasefire on the ground.

According to the publication, detailed plans for the deployment have already been drafted and approved by French and British military leadership. The same plans envisage neighboring countries taking responsibility for monitoring the ceasefire in the air and at sea, with Turkey expected to play a key role in this effort.

Earlier, Vladimir Zelensky announced meetings of the so-called «coalition of the willing» scheduled for January 3 and 6, 2026. He also spoke about the possible presence of U.S. peacekeepers in Ukraine, although no official confirmation has come from Washington.

Russia, for its part, has repeatedly and sharply opposed the deployment of troops from NATO countries in the conflict zone.