Hundreds of British 'Desert Rats' are to rehearse a postwar Ukraine mission in Poland despite Putin branding such troops 'legitimate targets'
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 UK and France are to lead Exercise Koalicja from November 9 to 22, with 2,800 troops from 11 nations rehearsing rapid deployment to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting declared: 'This isn't a hypothetical plan — it's a real force, ready to help Ukraine once the fighting stops.' Experts warn the mission faces serious challenges, including the ongoing war and uncertain American support.
British troops will be prepared to defend against 'the full spectrum of threats', including Russian counter-drone attacks, officials said.
The White House has so far offered only intelligence and logistics backing, resisting any commitment to protect the force if Russia strikes it.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced working-level Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations, mediated by Washington, are to begin next week.
