UK assumes leadership of Ukraine peacekeeping coalition

The United Kingdom has assumed command from France of the multinational coalition that could deploy peacekeeping forces to Ukraine if the conflict comes to an end, the UK Ministry of Defence said.

The handover ceremony took place at the coalition's headquarters in Paris, where French command was transferred to British Lieutenant General Tom Bateman, Caliber.Az reports, Russian media.

Bateman has served in the British Armed Forces for more than 30 years.

He previously commanded the Standing Joint Force Headquarters, responsible for rapid crisis response operations worldwide, and also led the British Army's 1st Division.

According to the Ministry of Defence, if peace is achieved, the multinational force for Ukraine would help ensure the safe use of Ukraine's airspace and maritime domain while supporting the restoration of the operational capabilities of the country's ground forces.

As part of the mission, a headquarters will also be established in Kyiv.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov