European Force Backing Ukraine to Hold Its First Exercise in Poland
About 2,800 troops from 10 European countries will take part in the first exercise of the new Multinational Force – Ukraine in southeast Poland this month. The force is to deploy only after a ceasefire is agreed.
Some 2,800 troops from 10 European countries will take part in the first exercise of a new multinational force designed to support Ukraine, London and Paris announced on Tuesday. The Multinational Force – Ukraine (MNF-U), led by France and the UK, is intended for deployment only once a ceasefire ends the war that began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The exercise
Called Koalicja (Polish for "Coalition"), the drill will run from November 9 to 22 in southeast Poland, around the town of Nowa Deba, roughly 100 kilometres west of the Ukrainian border. Troops from Belgium, Estonia, Germany, France, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the UK will take part. France is providing the largest contingent, 1,100 troops, while the UK is sending 300. French General Armel Dirou and British Lieutenant General Tom Bateman will co-lead it.
Separately, Turkey will lead a maritime simulation from Istanbul to test readiness for possible mine-clearing operations in the Black Sea. Turkish troops will not join the land exercise in Poland.
Purpose of the force
The MNF-U was set up in 2025 and already has an operational headquarters in Paris. It is not a NATO operation, and US involvement is limited. It aims to support Ukraine's armed forces, help secure Ukrainian airspace and allow economic activity to resume in the Black Sea. It has no offensive mission.
Bateman stressed that it is not a peacekeeping or ceasefire monitoring mission, saying its purpose is to provide reassurance and help regenerate Ukraine's armed forces. Dirou said the exercise is meant to prepare for deployment and work through logistical and cultural differences between national militaries, adding that it is not a show of force. Only light equipment such as drones is expected to be used for anti-drone and self-defence training, with no tanks.
The source notes that the scale and length of the exercise risk antagonising Russia, which still shows little appetite for peace.
