British troops allowed to fire back at Russian forces in Ukraine

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 11:30 · Archive

British troops would be allowed to return fire if attacked by Russian forces while serving as peacekeepers in Ukraine after a ceasefire.

Western officials have said British troops and their European allies would be allowed to return fire if attacked by Russian forces while potentially stationed as peacekeepers in Ukraine after a ceasefire. An official familiar with the plans stated: 'Clearly we will protect our forces against any aggression', though emphasised that western troops would engage in a manner that was 'defensive in nature'.

The Anglo-French led stabilisation force, expected to be almost exclusively European, would not rely on US systems or technology such as Starlink. This comes as the UK and France rehearse rapid deployment capabilities through Exercise Koalicja, taking place this month in Poland. The exercise involves 2,800 soldiers, sailors and aviators from 11 countries. Britain is contributing 300 troops from the 7th Light Mechanised Brigade, whilst France is supplying 1,500 from its 1st Division.

Lieutenant General Tom Bateman, commander of the force, said the UK, France and other European countries were committed to providing 'robust and binding security guarantees for Ukraine following a cessation of hostilities'. The exercise aims to demonstrate 'military preparedness, rapid deployment capabilities and ability to operate effectively', testing plans developed over more than a year.

The Daily Mail notes that any threat to peacekeeping forces would more likely come from drones than direct gunfire, since such a deployment would only occur after peace had been established. The peacekeeping mission, formally named the Multinational Force Ukraine, would operate under Ukraine's invitation after the war ends.

How it is being reported

• British troops will be allowed to fire on Russian forces if they come under attack while peacekeeping in Ukraine, Western officials revealWestern troops deployed to Ukraine could return fire in self-defence if confronted by Moscow's forces, though any such threat would more likely come from drones than direct gunfire.Daily Mail · 3 Nov, 10:07
• UK and European peacekeepers in Ukraine would be allowed to fire back at RussiansWestern officials say possible Anglo-French force would also not rely on US systems or technology such as Starlink British troops and their European allies would be allowed to fire back if attacked by Russians when potentially stationed as peacekeepers in Ukraine after a ceasefire, western officials said. The Anglo-French led stabilisation force would also not rely on US systems or technology, such as Elon Musk’s Starlink, and is expected to be almost exclusively European if deployed. Continue reading...The Guardian · 3 Nov, 05:00
• British troops will be allowed to fire at Russian forces if attacked during multinational missionBritish troops will be allowed to fire back at Russian forces if attacked as part of a multinational mission to secure any future peace in Ukraine, Western officials have said.Sky News · 3 Nov, 01:55

In this story: UK · France · Russia · Ukraine · Poland · United States

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