British troops to take part in major Ukraine-facing wargame next month

The wargame was agreed at a coalition of the willing summit in July (Zoe Head-Thomas/PA) PA Wire Nick Lester 2 minutes ago British troops are set to take part in a major wargame in Poland, as US President Donald Trump split from allies by refusing to say whether Russia’s President Vladimir Putin started the Ukraine war.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting announced that UK forces will take part in a “major exercise” while making his first visit to the US in the role.

Britain’s troops will join those from France and Germany in a drill which is aimed at ensuring Nato forces are ready to provide Ukraine with security guarantees once the war is over.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting (second from left) warned in Washington that if Moscow’s aggression was rewarded ‘the consequences will not remain confined to Ukraine or to my continent’ (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) AP The US president has meanwhile placed himself at loggerheads with the UK and other allies over the conflict by refusing to say President Putin sparked the Ukraine war.

Mr Trump also denied the US was responsible for the disruption to Kyiv’s access to the vital Starlink satellite communications system, leaving the country exposed to attack.

Speaking in Washington DC, Mr Streeting said: “Ukraine is the front line for freedom everywhere, and it’s absolutely vital that they prevail against Putin’s aggression.

“We’re planning for the peace and freedom we want to see through our leadership of the coalition of the willing.

“Next month thousands of personnel will take part in a major exercise in Poland to ensure we are ready to support the military training and post-war rebuilding that Ukraine will need.”

At least 1,500 troops from Britain, France and Germany will take part in the exercise next month, according to The Times, alongside Polish forces.

The wargame will simulate moving troops and supplies such as food and fuel, and was agreed at a coalition of the willing summit in July.

Britain and most other Nato members have been clear in blaming and condemning the Kremlin for the Ukraine conflict, triggered by Mr Putin ordering the invasion of the neighbouring nation in 2022.

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