British troops join major military exercise preparing for Ukraine peace in Poland

Exercise plans for postwar support

The November 9–22 exercise is the first of its kind for the Multinational Force Ukraine, the military branch of the Coalition of the Willing. The drill was agreed at a coalition summit in July.

British forces rehearse logistics

About 300 UK troops will take part. Soldiers from the Army’s 7 Brigade, known as the Desert Rats, will practise moving troops and essential supplies, including food and fuel.

RAF Typhoons and a Voyager refuelling aircraft will fly sorties overhead. The jets will rehearse how they could reassure commercial aviation if Ukrainian airspace reopens.

Eleven nations take part

The participating countries are Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the UK. Turkish forces in Istanbul will practise clearing maritime mines, with the aim of helping commercial shipping return to Ukrainian ports.

Officials describe force readiness

A statement said the force was ready to help Ukraine once fighting stops, and that the country’s security was tied to the UK’s. It also said the UK would continue to stand with Ukraine. The statement said the Multinational Force Ukraine would be increasingly prepared to support Ukraine after the fighting, helping the Ukrainian armed forces deter future aggression.