A landmark moment has been reached in the ongoing support for Ukraine, with Lieutenant General Tom Bateman assuming command of the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U) from his French predecessor. This significant development comes as the UK and France lead the 'Coalition of the Willing', a collective effort designed to prepare for deployment into Ukraine following the cessation of hostilities.
As the Prime Minister reaffirmed Britain's steadfast commitment to Ukraine, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP underscored the nation's leadership role alongside France in this international endeavour. The UK's unwavering support for Ukraine, both in the ongoing conflict and in preparing for future peace, remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
The MNF-U is tasked with two primary objectives: regeneration and reassurance. In the event of peace, the force will bolster the Armed Forces of Ukraine by providing essential training and replenishing equipment, thereby enhancing their capacity to deter any future Russian aggression. Furthermore, MNF-U patrols in Ukrainian skies and seas are designed to restore confidence, facilitating the resumption of commercial air travel, fostering economic recovery, and attracting vital international investment.
Lieutenant General Bateman brings a wealth of experience to this role, including previous command of the Standing Joint Force Headquarters and the 1st Division of the British Army. He expressed his privilege in assuming command, highlighting continued close collaboration with Ukrainian and international partners to prepare a force that will support a just and lasting peace.
The handover of command marks part of a planned rotation between the UK and France, underscoring their shared leadership of the MNF-U. A headquarters would be established in Kyiv as part of the force's operations, demonstrating the Coalition's commitment to ensuring any future peace in Ukraine is durable, credible, and underpinned by effective security arrangements.