British troops will be allowed to fire back at Russians if they are attacked while peacekeeping in Ukraine, officials say
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.British soldiers wade through a river on the Falkland Islands in October, as Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed British troops would be permitted to fire back if Russia attacks them during the Poland exercise.
The Anglo-French-led Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U) would not rely on US systems or technology, including Elon Musk's Starlink, and is expected to be almost exclusively European if deployed. Around 2,800 troops from 12 nations will rehearse rapid deployment in Poland from November 9-22 under Exercise Koalicja, with Britain contributing 300 soldiers from the Desert Rats' 7 Brigade. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'This isn't a hypothetical plan — it's a real force, ready to help Ukraine once the fighting stops.' Russia has already warned that foreign troops stationed in Ukraine would be 'legitimate targets.'
Any threat to British troops would more likely come from drone attacks than direct gunfire, officials say.
The Kremlin confirmed today that Russia will hold three-way peace talks with Ukraine and the US this month.
Some experts warn the postwar mission may never take place, citing ongoing fighting and uncertain American support.
