Thousands of European troops to rehearse Ukraine deployment in event of peace

Britain and France are to lead a military exercise to test a multinational force's ability to deploy to Ukraine, if there is a peace deal.

Nearly 3,000 military personnel from 12 European nations will take part in the rehearsal in neighbouring Poland this month.

Plans for a reassurance force for Ukraine were set out last year as one of the long-term security guarantees being proposed by European nations.

But there are still more questions than answers as to how such a military force might work in practice. Western officials stress that any force sent to Ukraine would not take part in offensive operations or be involved in peacekeeping or ceasefire monitoring missions.

Nor would they be operating under the command of Nato or on the front line.

Officials say their presence would be to provide reassurance to Ukraine and to help rebuild its armed forces.

The US has been involved in discussions, but is not contributing to the mission.

Russia has already voiced opposition to foreign troops being stationed in Ukraine and, last year, President Vladimir Putin said they would be "legitimate targets".

Kaynak: BBC News World RSS (Açık Basın / Haber Servisi)