Britain and France will lead a military exercise to test the ability of a multinational force to be deployed in Ukraine after a peace agreement is reached.
This month, nearly 3,000 military personnel from 12 European countries will participate in this exercise in neighboring Poland. The plan to provide reassurance to Ukraine was proposed last year and is one of the long-term security measures suggested by European countries.
But as for how such a force would operate in reality, there are still more questions than answers. Western officials have emphasized that any troops sent to Ukraine will not participate in offensive operations, nor will they be involved in peacekeeping or ceasefire monitoring tasks.
Officials stated that its existence was intended to 'provide comfort to Ukraine' and to help rebuild its armed forces.
It is reported that the United States participated in the related discussions, but did not participate in this mission.
Russia has expressed its opposition to the stationing of foreign troops in Ukraine. Last year, Russian President Putin stated that these troops would become 'legitimate targets of attack'.
Western officials refused to clarify what their rules of engagement would be if international forces were attacked in Ukraine. However, they stated that these forces would be able to defend themselves.
British Defense Secretary Vince Sturgeon said that the exercise shows that the UK, France, and their allies are stepping up preparations to ‘meet the day when Ukraine achieves peace’. He stated: ‘This is not a hypothetical plan, but a real force ready to assist Ukraine after the battle ends.’
British "Multinational Force-Ukraine" commander Lieutenant General Tom Bates said that this exercise is an important step in turning political commitments into credible military preparations. He noted that this is a "real, capable force that can be deployed at any time, representing the serious commitment of the countries in the 'Will Alliance' to Ukraine's long-term stability and security."
The “Alliance Exercise” will take place from November 9th to 22nd, focusing on how a unit is mobilized, protected, and supplied within Ukraine. The exercise will also test the unit’s command and control capabilities, ensuring that troops from different countries can work together effectively.
Approximately 2,800 military personnel will participate in land, sea, and air exercises. Among them, the UK will send 300 soldiers and two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets. The fighter jets will simulate how to provide reassurance to civil aircraft after the reopening of Ukrainian airspace.
Turkey has agreed to lead the maritime mission, with the ultimate goal of clearing mines and restoring trade in the Black Sea.
In addition to the UK, participating troops will also come from France, Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey.
However, Western officials are unable to explain what the composition and form of the troops that may be deployed in Ukraine will be if the fighting stops. Officials acknowledge that the commitments and contributions of various countries will depend on specific circumstances and their own political decisions.
