World

European Nations Prepare 3,000‑Strong Force for Ukraine in Case of Peace Deal

By Today News Hours Editorial Desk

Britain and France will lead a multinational exercise in Poland to test the ability of a 3,000‑person force from 12 European countries to deploy to Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached. The rehearsal, part of plans announced last year for a reassurance force, will run from 9 to 22 November. The force is intended to provide reassurance and help rebuild Ukraine’s armed forces, not to conduct offensive operations, peacekeeping or ceasefire monitoring, and will not be under NATO command or positioned on the front line. The United States has been involved in discussions but is not contributing to the mission. Russia has opposed foreign troops in Ukraine and warned that such forces would be “legitimate targets.” Western officials have not defined rules of engagement for any potential attacks on the force, though they say it would be able to defend itself. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the exercise demonstrates Britain, France and their allies are preparing for a day when peace comes to Ukraine. Lt Gen Tom Bateman, commander of the Multi National Force – Ukraine, described the exercise as a step toward translating political commitments into credible military readiness. The exercise will test movement, protection, supply, and command and control of the multinational force. About 2,800 personnel will participate across land, sea and air, including 300 UK troops and two RAF Typhoons that will simulate reassuring commercial aircraft once Ukraine’s skies can be reopened. Turkey will lead the maritime mission, aiming to clear mines and restore trade in the Black Sea. Other contributing countries include France, Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey. Western officials could not comment on the final composition of a force that might be deployed if fighting stops. Military experts have suggested that Western nations might need to send tens of thousands of troops to guarantee Ukraine’s security, but commitments will depend on the circumstances of a cessation of hostilities and individual nations’ political decisions. Ukrainian soldiers are already training NATO forces, sharing expertise in drone warfare, but it is unclear what training role Western forces could provide to battle‑hardened Ukraine. Russia has shown no sign of wanting to end its war.