As the U.S. and Russia push ahead – so far without Ukraine at the table – on talks to end the war, political and military leaders in Europe are fleshing out details of a plan for European forces to help ensure Moscow does not attack again.

In the shadow of imminent defeat, European powers have unveiled their most audacious military initiative since the end of World War II. As Russia tightens its grip on Ukraine, Britain and France are preparing to cross a line that could potentially reshape the continent's security landscape forever.

Daily Telegraph revealed a plan to deploy up to 30,000 European soldiers in Ukraine following a potential ceasefire with Russia. The mission is expected to be supported by the U.S. Possible ground forces would be backed by British and French air forces,

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa has said that until recently, the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine had been seen as a joint NATO mission, but there is reason to anticipate an alternative European proposal.