UK troops to join Poland drills preparing for post-ceasefire Ukraine support
Britain will send hundreds of troops to Poland next month for a multinational exercise rehearsing how European forces could support Ukraine after a ceasefire. The drills are intended to practise moving personnel and supplies, and to prepare for a potential peacekeeping presence that could deter renewed aggression.
At least 1,500 personnel from Britain, France and Germany are expected to take part. Wes Streeting said the exercise would also prepare for military training and post-war rebuilding, while Polish officials have backed the participation of European forces. The plans come amid renewed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil facilities and public disagreement between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky over the war and negotiations.
- British troops will rehearse a possible post-ceasefire role in Ukraine.
- At least 1,500 personnel from three countries are expected in Poland.
- The exercise will practise troop and supply movements.
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Ukraine has been at war with Russia since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. A ceasefire would pause the fighting, but would not by itself settle the conflict or guarantee that hostilities would not resume.
European countries have discussed how they might help Ukraine after a ceasefire, including training its forces, supporting reconstruction and providing a possible peacekeeping presence. Britain, France, Germany and Poland are among the countries involved in these discussions; any forces sent would have to move people and supplies across Europe and operate with agreement on their role.
The plans matter because European governments are considering how to support Ukraine and help deter renewed attacks if the fighting stops. The details, including whether a ceasefire is reached and what any international force would do, remain uncertain.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Rehearsing a possible post-ceasefire role could help European forces move people and supplies quickly, coordinate with allies and prepare for training and rebuilding. Supporters may argue that a credible peacekeeping presence could deter renewed aggression and reassure Ukraine, while planning in advance makes any agreed settlement more viable.
The case against
Critics may argue that preparing for a military presence before a ceasefire is agreed risks raising tensions or making negotiations harder, especially if Russia views the drills as a threat. They may also question whether European forces could credibly deter renewed fighting without a clear mandate, broad agreement and sustained political and military commitment.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Hundreds of British troops to head to Poland to rehearse Ukraine mission”.