European armies prepare for a post-peace treaty mission in Ukraine without the Americans

In Poland, a joint military exercise involving twelve European countries is being prepared, led by the UK and France, to train for a potential multinational mission in Ukraine following a peace agreement. Nearly three thousand soldiers will participate in the November exercise. Western officials emphasize that any European forces sent to Ukraine under NATO command would not engage in combat or peacekeeping missions, but rather provide security guarantees and assist in reorganizing Ukraine's armed forces. The US participated in discussions but did not endorse the mission. Other participating countries include Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey, which will lead a maritime mission aimed at mine clearance in the Black Sea. Russia has previously expressed opposition to the presence of Western troops in Ukraine, labeling them as "legitimate targets."