Western troops deployed to Ukraine following a ceasefire could be authorized to open fire on Russian forces, according to The Guardian. An unnamed European official told the newspaper that any international contingent sent to Ukraine would be prepared to defend its personnel.

The proposed peacekeeping force would consist of British and other European troops, with Britain and France forming the core of the deployment. The Guardian reports that the Anglo-French contingent is being designed to operate without relying on American systems or technologies, including the Starlink satellite communications network.

Preparations include the Koalitsiya military exercises scheduled for late November in Poland. The drills will bring together 2,800 troops from 11 countries to rehearse the rapid deployment of European forces to Ukraine after the conflict ends. France will contribute its 1st Division, while Britain will send its 7th Light Mechanised Brigade.

Lieutenant General Tom Bateman said London and Paris remain committed to providing Ukraine with credible and binding security guarantees once hostilities cease. He confirmed that plans for deploying a European military contingent have been under development for more than a year.

Bateman also emphasized that the proposed peacekeeping mission would not operate under NATO command. Instead, the European troops would be deployed and conduct their activities independently of the alliance’s structures.