Nearly 3,000 European troops drill Ukraine peace mission
Britain, France and 10 other European nations are rehearsing deployment of a multinational force to stabilise Ukraine once fighting stops.
Some 2,800 military personnel from 12 European countries will practise deploying to Ukraine this month in Poland. The exercise, called Koalicja, runs from 9 to 22 November and tests how troops from different nations can move, protect supplies and command troops together.
Britain will send 300 personnel plus fighter jets. Turkey will lead efforts to eventually clear mines in the Black Sea.
Western officials say any force sent to Ukraine would rebuild its armed forces and provide security reassurance. It would not fight battles or manage ceasefires.
The force would not operate under NATO command or be stationed on the front line. Russia has already opposed foreign troops in Ukraine.
President Putin called them potential targets. The plan reflects long-term security guarantees European nations are proposing to Ukraine.
- Nearly 3,000
- Total personnel
- 12 European nations
- Countries participating
- 9-22 November
- Exercise dates
- 300 personnel plus fighter jets
- British contingent
Why it mattersIf Russia and Ukraine reach a peace deal, Europe needs a credible way to keep Ukraine secure without NATO directly fighting Russia.
AustraliaNo direct Australian involvement yet. Australia would only be affected if invited to join the mission or if the conflict reignites and broadens into a wider conflict.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
