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Britain and France are to lead 2,800 European troops in Poland drills rehearsing a peace force for post-war Ukraine

A RAF Voyager tanker and Typhoon jets, which the RAF plans to fly on sorties simulating how they would reassure commercial aviation once Ukrainian airspace reopens.
A RAF Voyager tanker and Typhoon jets, which the RAF plans to fly on sorties simulating how they would reassure commercial aviation once Ukrainian airspace reopens.

The Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U), led jointly by Britain and France, will stage its first exercise — codenamed Koalicja — across southeast Poland from 9 to 22 November, drawing troops from ten nations. Western officials have confirmed that troops will be authorised to return fire in self-defence if attacked by Russian forces during any future peacekeeping deployment.

The 2,800-strong force includes 1,100 French troops and 300 from Britain's 7 Brigade, with Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden also taking part.

MNF-U carries no offensive mandate and would only deploy once a ceasefire is in place; officials say any Russian threat is more likely to come from long-range drones than direct confrontation.

UK Defence Minister Wes Streeting called it 'a real force, ready to help Ukraine once the fighting stops' as Russia confirmed separate three-way peace talks with Ukraine and the US this month.

MoreDaily MailBritish troops will be allowed to fire on Russian forces if they come under attack while peacekeeping in Ukraine, Western officials revealThe New Voice of UkraineBritain, France to lead 2,800 troops in Poland drills for postwar Ukraine - The New Voice of UkraineAOL.comBritish troops 'allowed to fire back at Russians' as fears of attack soar - AOL.comAfricanewsThousands of troops from Europe to rehearse post-war Ukraine deployment in Poland
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