**France and UK Consider Deploying Troops to Ukraine**
Paris and London are thinking about how they can help Ukraine in potential peace talks with Russia. This includes sending French and British soldiers to monitor a ceasefire along the contact line, according to a senior NATO official.
These discussions are happening in individual capitals, not within the formal NATO structure. The aim is to prepare for different scenarios, making sure European countries are ready to help Kyiv if the new US administration asks for more involvement.
**France and UK May Lead Military Coalition**
French and British talks about leading a military coalition in Ukraine have become more active. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said that France will support Ukraine as long as necessary because it’s a matter of European security.
Barrot also stated that if Russian forces breach Ukraine’s front line, France might consider deploying troops to assist Kyiv. This idea was first raised by French President Emmanuel Macron in February and revisited in May.
**European Leaders Have Different Views**
There is disagreement among European leaders on how best to support Ukraine against Russia’s aggression. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur thinks Ukraine needs more investment in its military production capabilities, not foreign troops on the battlefield.
**Russia Discusses “Image of Victory” Against Ukraine**
The Russian presidential administration held a seminar for vice-governors to discuss an “image of victory” in the war against Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that separate talks with Russia do not strengthen Ukraine and may even improve Putin‘s standing.
**Recent Developments**
* German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Kyiv on December 2, promising to deliver €650 million worth of arms.
* Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned the violent crackdown by Georgian authorities against pro-EU protesters.
* A Russian drone attack in Ternopil caused a fire and casualties.
* Over 220 protesters were detained in Georgia.
**Key Facts**
* Ukraine has received over 300,000 service members trained by instructors.
* Ukrainian military intelligence believes that drones used by Russia have low accuracy due to outdated technology.
* Some North Korean soldiers deployed to fight for Russia have been killed, according to President Zelensky.