France and the UK are developing plans to build a “reliance force” that will rely on U.S.-backed Western air forces to implement any ceasefire agreement in Ukraine and to prevent potential Russian aggression.
Western officials say the plans are still fleshed out and it plays a bigger role in the Western Air Force than previously proposed proposals, such as European leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, which has the potential to involve Soldiers deployed to Ukraine in large numbers.
Instead, they rely on Western armies to have a clear advantage over Russia: the Air Force. Instead, at least initially, the Army will be used to protect major Ukrainian sites such as ports and nuclear power plants.
Western officials say the goal is to build an overwhelming deterrent that actually prevents Russia from breaking any ceasefire agreement, thus creating conditions for the country to last forever peace.
"Areas where we have a significant advantage over Russia are in the air and in the ability to blatantly abuse the ceasefire," said a Western official. "It is a punitive approach that can punish Russia's words." However, the officials added Say, “The whole idea is that the challenge is not coming.”
Senior U.S. and Russian diplomats reached agreement at a meeting in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to negotiate a settlement to the end of the war.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will visit Donald Trump in Washington next week, where he will discuss Europe's proposals and how it blends with the products the United States is ready to offer Integrated. In recent days, the U.S. president has shocked European allies by his harsh criticism of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which has led to fears that the negotiations will benefit Russia.
Starmer said on Monday that European military contributions to the implementation of the Ukrainian ceasefire all require what he calls the "U.S. backstage."
"U.S. security assurance is the only effective way to prevent Russia from attacking Ukraine again," Starmer said.
Officials stressed that the plan needs to be fleshed out and could eventually involve large land forces deployed (even if not in Ukraine) and then on its western border.
"Local forces need to prepare for combat to stop it," a second Western official said. A third official said some capitals were already discussing the outline of their proposal with NATO military leaders.
Ukrainian missions can be led by the Franco-British Cormation group, commanded by Northwood, the British headquarters in London or the French headquarters of Fort Mont-Valérien outside Paris. Other European countries may also contribute.
“Discussions with several countries are still ongoing,” the fourth Western official said. "Depending on the country, different ways of action are envisioned and the role of air force is played."
Elysée declined to comment.
European Council President António Costa briefed the ongoing dialogue according to officials.
Laura Dubois in Brussels and Paris Laira Abd