The United States and its allies are considering possible training for Ukrainian pilots as part of a long-term effort to potentially help Kyiv build a future Ukrainian air force.

Air Force Chief of Staff Charles “CQ” Brown acknowledged that discussions were underway, but didn’t confirm any decisions.He told Reuters:

You want to build a long-term plan on how do you build their air force and the air force that they’re going to need for the future.

With the West’s provision of anti-aircraft weaponry, Ukraine has been able to prevent Russia from using its far more advanced air force to establish dominance in the skies.But Ukraine has also sought to move away from its dependence on Russian aircraft by securing US fighter jets and training for its pilots on how to fly them. Ukraine’s air force has publicly flagged its hopes for F-15s and F-16s.

The European Union will set out emergency plans later today to reduce gas demand within months, warning countries that without deep cuts now they could struggle for fuel during winter if Russia cuts off deliveries.

Reuters reports:

Europe is racing to fill its gas storage ahead of winter and build a supply buffer in case Moscow further restricts supplies in retaliation for European support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. Russia’s Gazprom has already halted deliveries to some EU states.

The European Commission will urge countries to prepare for possible further cuts by slashing gas use. A draft of the EU plan, seen by Reuters, would propose a voluntary target for countries to cut their gas demand over the next eight months, which could be made legally binding in a supply emergency.

EU officials said the target would be for a 10-15% cut in gas use.

The proposal, which could change before it is published, would need approval from EU countries who are largely responsible for their own energy policies.

There has been resistance from some countries, including Poland, who feel their contingency plans do not need a boost from Brussels.