A senior British officer has taken command of the multinational force that would deploy to Ukraine after hostilities end. Lieutenant General Tom Bateman has assumed the role, taking over from his French predecessor during a special handover ceremony at the operation headquarters in Paris. The handover ceremony marks a significant development in the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, with the Prime Minister reaffirming Britain’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine and leadership of the Coalition of the Willing alongside France.
The Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U) is set to conduct exercises in the coming months to demonstrate its ability to act once hostilities have ceased. The UK, France, and other Coalition of the Willing leaders confirmed the plans, which aim to show the force’s readiness to support Ukraine’s future security. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated that the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine remains steadfast and will not waver, with the country proud to take command of the multinational force.
Lieutenant General Bateman is a distinguished officer with over 30 years of military experience, including as Commander of the Standing Joint Force Headquarters and Commander of the 1st Division of the British Army. He has taken over command of the MNF-U, which will help reassure Ukraine by enabling safer Ukrainian skies and seas and regenerating Ukrainian Land forces. A headquarters would also be established in Kyiv as part of the efforts.
The MNF-U’s twin aims are regeneration and reassurance, with the force set to strengthen the Armed Forces of Ukraine by providing training and replenishing equipment. The force’s patrols in the skies and seas will give Ukraine the reassurance it needs to restore commercial air travel, rebuild a thriving economy, and attract international investment. Against the backdrop of continuing Russian aggression, the Coalition of the Willing partners remain committed to ensuring a durable and credible peace underpinned by effective security arrangements.
The handover is a planned rotation between the UK and France, as part of both nations’ joint leadership of the MNF-U. The force will build on the results of the recent Coalition of the Willing leaders’ meeting, which further strengthened the resolve of Ukraine’s partners to achieve a long-lasting peace that secures Ukraine’s future in the European family. The UK’s assumption of command marks a significant step forward in the multinational effort to support Ukraine’s future security and stability.
