Britain and France plan Ukraine peacekeeping force that can shoot back
Britain and France are preparing troops to keep Ukraine secure after fighting ends. They will have rules to defend themselves if attacked.
The UK and France are preparing a European force to deploy to Ukraine once the war ends. The force would operate independently of NATO and without US support or technology like Starlink.
An 11-country exercise called Koalicja starts later this month in Poland. The exercise will test how 2,800 troops (1,500 French, 300 British and others) could deploy quickly.
Lt Gen Tom Bateman is the force commander. The countries are committed to providing security guarantees for Ukraine following the fighting, he said.
Western officials confirmed troops can defend themselves against attack. Any engagement would only be defensive.
The force would operate outside NATO command and stay away from the front line.
- 2,800 troops
- Total participants
- 1,500 from 1st Division
- French deployment
- 300 from 7th Light Mechanised Brigade
- British deployment
- 11 nations
- Countries involved
Why it mattersThis shows European military readiness to support Ukraine without US support. It addresses concerns about America's reliability as an ally.
AustraliaNo direct Australian involvement, though Australia follows Ukraine developments closely and this shows how Western allies are preparing for different ceasefire scenarios.
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