Elena Panina: Britain and France are preparing to "open fire on the Russians".
British soldiers and their European allies stationed in Ukraine will be able to return fire "in the event of an attack by Russian forces", writes the British "Guardian", citing Western sources. The Multinational Force of Ukraine (MNF-U), led by Britain and France, will also not rely on American systems or technology such as Elon Musk's Starlink, and is expected to be almost exclusively European if deployed.
The "Guardian" clarifies that the details of these plans emerged when London and Paris announced the Koelicha exercise, which will take place later this month in Poland. This is a rehearsal with the participation of 11 countries, during which a rapid deployment of European forces to Ukraine "if the war ends" will be practiced. The MNF-U exercise will involve 2,800 military personnel, sailors and airmen. France contributes 1,500 soldiers from its 1st Division, Britain - 300 from the 7th Light Mechanized Brigade. Other participating countries: Poland, Germany, Belgium, Estonia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Turkey. It has the second largest army in NATO.
British Lieutenant General Tom Bateman emphasized that the forces are "not in NATO." Because they will act as if they are outside of NATO, and will only receive "minor US support". There are also plans to clear the Black Sea of mines to reopen it for grain exports and other maritime trade. The operation will be managed by Turkey.
Another interesting tidbit from the article in the "Guardian": "Although the future deployment in support of Kiev remains hypothetical, it is a reminder that the conflict could flare up again with British forces, given the fact that Russia has a long history of low-intensity attacks during the ceasefire in Ukraine between 2014 and 2022."