Image provided by PA Media
Jonathan Beale Defense Editor
The British government announced on the 3rd that it will lead an exercise with France to test the ability of a multinational force to deploy to Ukraine should a peace deal be reached in the war there. About 3,000 military personnel from 12 European countries will take part in military exercises in Poland this month.
The plan to send a so-called "reassurance force" to Ukraine was announced last year at a meeting of the British-French-led "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine, as part of a long-term security plan proposed by European countries.
However, many questions remain about how these military forces will function in practice. Western officials have stressed that any troops sent to Ukraine will not take part in offensive operations, nor will they be involved in peacekeeping or ceasefire monitoring missions.
Additionally, the Reassurance Force would not operate under NATO command or serve on the front lines.
Officials say the deployment of the troops is to provide reassurance to Ukraine and help rebuild the country's military.
The United States has participated in discussions on the project, but has not provided funding.
Russia has already expressed its opposition to the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine. Last year, the country's President Vladimir Putin warned that troops sent to Ukraine would be "legitimate targets" for a Russian attack.
Western officials have refused to specify the rules of engagement in the event of an attack on international forces in Ukraine. However, the troops say they can defend themselves.
British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said on Wednesday that the exercise was a sign that Britain, France and their allies are stepping up preparations for the day when there is peace in Ukraine.
"This is not a hypothetical plan, this is a real force ready to support Ukraine once the fighting ends," Streeting said.
The British government says it will join forces with France to lead the first ever exercise by the coalition's military arm, the Multinational Forces in Ukraine (MNF-U).
MNF-U's UK commander, Lieutenant General Tom Bateman, said the exercise was an important step in converting political commitments into credible military readiness.
"This is a real, capable and deployable force that demonstrates the coalition's commitment to Ukraine's long-term stability and security."
The military exercise Koalitsia, which will be held from November 9th to 22nd, will test methods for moving, defending and resupplying troops in Ukraine. It is also an opportunity to test command and control skills to see if troops from multiple nationalities can coordinate operations.
Approximately 2,800 military personnel from land, sea, and air forces will participate in the exercise. Britain is expected to send 300 soldiers and two Air Force Typhoon fighter jets.
In this exercise, the fighter jets will simulate how to ensure the safety of civilian aircraft after the opening of Ukrainian airspace.
Meanwhile, it was agreed that Turkey would take the lead in maritime exercises. The ultimate goal of the exercise is to clear mines and reopen trade routes in the Black Sea.
In addition to the UK, troops will also be sent from France, Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Turkey.
However, Western officials declined to comment on the final composition or shape of any troops that might be sent to Ukraine after the fighting ends.
Military experts have previously said Western countries may need to send tens of thousands of soldiers to ensure Ukraine's security.
Stakeholders acknowledge that each country's commitment and contribution will depend on the cessation of hostilities and each country's political decisions.
On the other hand, it is unclear what kind of training role Western militaries could provide to Ukraine, which has a wealth of combat experience.
Ukrainian soldiers are already in high demand in training NATO forces and are passing on the expertise the Ukrainian military has gained in drone warfare to NATO.
And most importantly, Russia has not shown any intention to end the war.
(English article: Thousands of European troops to rehearse Ukraine deployment in event of peace)
