British and French Paratroopers Prepare for Possible Ukraine Peacekeeping Mission

British and French paratroopers have made their final preparations before a possible peacekeeping mission to Ukraine, The Telegraph reported on February 26.

Coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion, joint military exercises are currently underway in Brittany. The nine-day operation, designated Exercise Orion, involves approximately 2,000 personnel and functions as the ultimate readiness evaluation for rapid NATO deployments worldwide.

The UK Ministry of Defence outlined the mission parameters as a test to “support a NATO ally tackling an insurgency and the threat of invasion.” The maneuvers are coordinated from a French command center at the Orleans-Bricy airbase.

Initial phases at the St Cyr-Coëtquidan proving grounds featured covert insertions by British Pathfinders and the French Groupe Commando Parachutiste. Their primary objective was neutralizing simulated enemy anti-aircraft systems and designating landing zones, as reported by The Telegraph. Subsequently, over 600 troops from the UK’s 16 Air Assault Brigade—specifically the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Brigade—deployed alongside two French battlegroups from the 11e Brigade Parachutiste.

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“This exercise also allows us to test new structures and equipment, particularly in the areas of hybrid communication networks and drone integration. The ability to innovate and adapt quickly is now a key factor in retaining superiority on the battlefield,” French commander General Renaud Rondet underscored.

On his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the United Kingdom and France stand ready to deploy military contingents to Ukraine, with each nation committing 5,000 personnel. While the troop pledges are secured, the exact deployment zones for these forces are still under negotiation.

Speaking to AFP on February 22, Zelenskyy detailed that the combined allied force of 10,000 troops translates to one full brigade from each country.

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“France and Britain can provide about 10,000, that is, allocate a brigade each. Brigades vary, and in our understanding, up to 5,000 is one brigade. When we signed our declaration with all the participants of the Coalition of the Willing, we understand that these two countries are already ready to provide a brigade each,” the President said.

Earlier, British Defense Secretary John Healey established a definitive timeline for European security, stating that “2026 must be the year this terrible war ends.”

In an op-ed published by The Telegraph ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, Healey detailed a strategic pivot focused on “securing the peace.” This new framework explicitly includes the historic deployment of British Armed Forces directly onto Ukrainian territory.

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