Ukraine, 'British and French paratroopers prepare for operation'. Zelensky ready to meet Putin
The Telegraph reported that over 600 soldiers from the UK's 16th Air Assault Brigade conducted a simulated raid together with the French 11th Parachute Brigade
British and French paratroopers have completed final preparations for a possible peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. They could be deployed if the country reaches a peace agreement with Russia. This is written by Rbc-Ukraine, quoting the Telegraph.
According to the report, the exercises in Brittany took place on 24 February and marked the final phase of preparations for the deployment of paratroopers to any NATO country. The training is part of the Orion exercise, which will end on 3 March. The activity followed statements by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that Britain and France would lead a peacekeeping force in Ukraine if a ceasefire agreement was reached between Kiev and Moscow.
The Telegraph reported that over 600 soldiers of the UK's 16th Air Assault Brigade conducted a simulated raid together with the French 11th Parachute Brigade. The composition of the units that might be deployed in Ukraine has not been disclosed. However, the 16th Air Assault Brigade is among the high readiness British forces capable of rapid NATO deployment. The British Ministry of Defence said that around 2,000 British and French troops are taking part in the Orion exercise, a scenario focused on supporting a Nato ally facing insurgency and invasion threats. The nine-day airborne exercise began on 24 February.
Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was ready to meet with Vladimir Putin and do anything to achieve peace. In an interview with Sky News, the Ukrainian president said that the US has the power to end the war, but must put more pressure on Moscow. 'The US is still stronger than they think. And I really believe that. They can really put pressure on Putin. They can stop this war."
"Now I think we have a chance. It depends on these months, whether we have a chance to end the war before the autumn. Before the elections, important and influential elections in the United States. If it is possible to achieve peace, we will have it, now we have this window,' he added referring to the mid-term elections in the US. Zelensky finally urged the Washington administration to tighten sanctions against the families of Russian leaders and to provide Ukraine with more advanced weapons, arguing that only more pressure would force Moscow to take the negotiations seriously.
