🚨 NEW: Western officials say British troops will be able to fire back if they're attacked by Russia in Ukraine after a ceasefire
It comes as thousands of European troops head to Poland for "Exercise Koalicja" to rehearse plans for a UK and French-led multinational force that would enter Ukraine after a peace deal to help rebuild its military and protect its skies and seas
The UK's role in the exercise will involve:
- 300 British troops taking part across land, air and sea
- RAF Typhoon jets flying sorties alongside a Voyager refuelling aircraft to practise missions to reassure commercial airlines when Ukrainian airspace reopens
- Soldiers from the British Army's 7 Brigade (the 'Desert Rats') practising the movement of troops, equipment and supplies
- Tests of counter-drone capabilities and other measures to prepare against a "full spectrum of threats" from Russia
The force will be commanded by British Lieutenant General Tom Bateman and the exercise will run from 9-22 November, involving 2,800 troops from 11 nations