Thousands of European troops to rehearse Ukraine deployment in event of peace
Britain and France are to lead a military exercise to test a multinational force's ability to deploy to Ukraine, if there is a peace deal.
TL;DR
- A military exercise involving nearly 3,000 personnel from 12 European nations will take place in Poland.
- The exercise, led by Britain and France, will test the deployment of a multinational force to Ukraine post-peace deal.
- The force's role would be reassurance and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces, not offensive or peacekeeping missions.
- The US is involved in discussions but not contributing troops.
- Russia has previously stated that foreign troops in Ukraine would be legitimate targets.
- The exercise will rehearse troop movement, protection, supply, and command and control.
- Turkey will lead the maritime mission, aiming to clear mines and resume Black Sea trade.
- Countries participating include the UK, France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Belgium, Estonia, Lithuania, and the Netherlands.
- The final composition and shape of a potential deployed force remain unclear.
- Officials acknowledge that contributions will depend on the circumstances of a ceasefire and national decisions.