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Lieutenant General Tom Bateman assumes command of the force designated to deploy to Ukraine once hostilities cease, succeeding his French predecessor.
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The transition coincides with the Coalition of the Willing preparing exercises to rehearse the force’s deployment.
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The handover ceremony took place at the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U) operational headquarters in Paris.
A senior British officer has taken command of the multinational force slated to deploy to Ukraine following a cessation of hostilities.
At a ceremony in Paris, Lieutenant General Tom Bateman assumed leadership of the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U) from his French counterpart. The handover occurred at the force’s operational headquarters in Paris, following the Prime Minister’s reaffirmation this week of Britain’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine and its joint leadership of the Coalition of the Willing alongside France.
Last week, the UK, France, and other Coalition leaders confirmed that the MNF-U will conduct exercises in the coming months to demonstrate the force’s readiness to act once fighting ends.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP said:
The frontline in Ukraine is the frontline for our freedom and democracy. Our commitment to supporting Ukraine – both in the fight now, and in preparation to secure the peace we want to see – remains steadfast and will not waver. We are proud to take command of this multinational force, which demonstrates the leading role we will continue to play in supporting our Ukrainian friends.
Lieutenant General Bateman is a distinguished officer who has already displayed military leadership on a national and international level. His command will help strengthen our efforts to support Ukraine’s future security.
In the event of peace, the MNF-U will help reassure Ukraine by enabling safer skies and seas and regenerating Ukrainian land forces. As part of this mission, a headquarters would also be established in Kyiv.
Lieutenant General Tom Bateman’s military career spans over 30 years, including service as Commander of the Standing Joint Force Headquarters—a rapidly deployable headquarters for UK Armed Forces capable of responding to crises worldwide. He has also served as Commander of the 1st Division of the British Army.
Lieutenant General Tom Bateman CBE said:
It is a privilege to assume command of the MNF‑U here at its Operational Headquarters in Paris. Building on the excellent work of my predecessor and his multinational team, we will continue to work closely with our Ukrainian and international partners to prepare a force that will help support a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
At a time of continued Russian aggression against Ukraine, our work demonstrates the enduring commitment of participating nations to Ukraine’s long-term security, sovereignty and stability. I am honoured to work side by side with the new French Deputy Commander to provide continued British and French leadership to this important Multinational Force which has been declared ‘Ready to Operate’ at the recent Coalition of the Willing summit.
The handover marks a planned rotation between the UK and France as part of both nations’ joint leadership of the MNF-U.
The force’s twin aims are regeneration and reassurance. It will strengthen the Armed Forces of Ukraine by providing training and replenishing equipment, positioning troops to deter further Russian aggression.
MNF-U patrols in the skies and seas will give Ukraine the reassurance needed to restore commercial air travel, rebuild a thriving economy, and attract international investment.
Against a backdrop of continuing Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, Coalition of the Willing partners remain committed to ensuring that any future peace is durable, credible, and underpinned by effective security arrangements.
The MNF-U will build on the outcomes 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.
