Berlin (Germany), Dec. 15 (LaPresse) – European countries have committed to providing Ukraine with a “multinational force for Ukraine” led by Europe, with support from the United States. “This force will contribute to the rebuilding of the Ukrainian armed forces, the security of Ukrainian airspace, and the safeguarding of its seas, including through operations within Ukraine,” reads a joint statement issued by Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the EU institutional leaders. The statement emphasizes the broad consensus among Europeans, Ukraine, and the United States. It also lists positions already agreed upon, such as that the Ukrainian army should eventually have a maximum strength of 800,000 troops. In addition, a “US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism” with international participation will be established. This mechanism aims to provide timely alerts on potential Russian attacks and to identify any ceasefire violations. Moscow considers the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine a threat.
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