UK to lead major wargames to prepare for 'peace' in Ukraine

UK to lead major wargames to prepare for 'peace' in Ukraine As war rages on between Ukraine and Russia British troops prepare to take part in major wargames in Europe to make ready to help post-conflict Ukraine Hundreds of British troops and RAF jets will take part in a major multinational wargame in Poland to prepare for potential peace in Ukraine, defence chiefs say. The UK and France will jointly lead Exercise Koalicja, involving 2,800 troops from 11 nations, aimed at ensuring Europe is ready to provide Ukraine with security guarantees once the war is over. It will be led by Lieutenant General Tom Bateman, Commander of the Multinational Force-Ukraine - MNFU - and he has a deputy, French Brigadier General Armel Dirou. He said the MNFU is not be a ‘peace-keeping’ entity but he explained: “Its purpose is to provide reassurance and support the regeneration of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, strengthening their ability to deter and, if necessary, defend against future Russian aggression. “It is taking place in sovereign nations with their full consent. It is a planned MNF-U readiness exercise focused on the practical requirements of a potential future deployment. The reason we are undertaking this work now is practical. If progress is made towards peace, we must be ready to act. The planning, coordination and preparation required to deploy a multinational force cannot only begin once hostilities have ended.” Running from November 9 to 22, it will be the first major military exercise conducted by the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U), the military arm of the Coalition of the Willing. The drill will simulate moving troops and supplies such as food and fuel, and was agreed at a Coalition of the Willing summit in July. Some 300 UK troops will take part, with soldiers from the Army's 7 Brigade, known as the ‘Desert Rats,’ rehearsing crucial logistical movements as RAF Typhoons and a Voyager refuelling aircraft fly sorties overhead. These troops received their nickname in the 1940’s during World War Two from their official emblem and mascot the jerboa, a tiny desert rodent which lives in North Africa. It originates from the division's commander, Major-General Michael O’Moore Creagh who saw a local pet jerboa and was inspired by how the animal survived in the harsh desert. The British jets taking part in the exercise will simulate how they would reassure commercial aviation once Ukrainian airspace reopens. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: "This exercise shows the UK is stepping up, alongside France and our allies, to prepare for the day peace comes to Ukraine. This isn't a hypothetical plan, it's a real force, ready to help Ukraine once the fighting stops. "By leading this work with our allies, we are protecting the UK and Europe for the long term and delivering on our commitment to keep the country safe. Ukraine's security is our security, and we will stand with them for as long as it takes." British three-star general Lieutenant General Tom Bateman, who commands the MNF-U, said: "This exercise will show that the Multinational Force Ukraine is a real, capable, readily deployable force that represents a serious commitment from Coalition of the Willing nations to Ukraine's long-term stability and security. "The MNF-U will be more ready every day to support Ukraine when the fighting ends, ensuring the Armed Forces of Ukraine are in the strongest possible position to deter future aggression." The participating nations are Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the UK. Turkish forces in Istanbul will rehearse maritime mine clearance to help restore commercial shipping to Ukrainian ports.