Any eventual peace settlement will require effective verification and monitoring mechanisms. Previous agreement failures demonstrate the need for concrete systems ensuring compliance rather than relying on good faith.
Verification systems must monitor various elements including ceasefire compliance, withdrawal timelines, and security arrangement implementation. Multiple components require different monitoring approaches and capabilities.
International organizations like the United Nations or OSCE could provide monitoring personnel. However, previous monitoring missions in Ukraine faced challenges including restricted access and limited enforcement capabilities.
Technology including satellites, drones, and sensors can supplement human monitors. Modern verification systems combine multiple information sources to provide comprehensive pictures of compliance.
European leaders emphasize that verification mechanisms must include consequences for violations. Monitoring systems without enforcement components may document violations but cannot prevent or punish them.