World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Coalition of the Willing plans first major military exercise in Poland
The 36-nation Coalition of the Willing plans its first large-scale exercise in southeastern Poland from November 9 to 22.
The alliance is led by France and the United Kingdom and aims to prepare a force for Ukraine's future security.
Nearly 2,800 troops from 10 countries are expected to take part, with France and the UK providing the largest contributions.
The exercise will test whether the coalition can mobilize and deploy in Ukraine if the fighting between Kyiv and Russia ends.
Its proposed force is meant to deter Moscow from restarting hostilities.
The United States is not part of the initiative, and its role in Ukraine's future security guarantees remains uncertain.
The exercise is intended to show the alliance can act, but it is not described as a display of tanks and missiles.
Around 2,800 troops from 10 European countries are due to take part in the first exercise of a multinational force supporting Ukraine.
The Koalicja exercise is scheduled for November 9 to 22 in southeastern Poland, near the Ukrainian border.
Led by France and Britain, the force is intended to support Ukraine after a ceasefire and is not designed for offensive operations.
The exercise will test how quickly participating countries can deploy and coordinate land, air and maritime capabilities.
Only light equipment is expected in Poland, and no tanks are planned.
- Who
- Around 2,800 troops from 10 European countries, with France and Britain leading the force.
- What
- They will hold the first exercise of the Multinational Force-Ukraine, known as Koalicja. It will test the force’s ability to deploy in support of Ukraine.
- When
- November 9 to 22.
- Where
- In southeastern Poland, including around Nowa Deba, near the Ukrainian border.
- Why
- To test deployment and coordination for a potential mission supporting Ukraine after a ceasefire.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Multinational Force-Ukraine was set up and established an operational headquarters in Paris.
London and Paris announced that the force would hold its first exercise in Poland.
The Koalicja exercise is scheduled to take place in southeastern Poland.
- Participating troops
- Around 2,800
- Participating countries in exercise
- 10 European countries
- Exercise dates
- November 9–22
- Exercise location
- Nowa Deba, southeastern Poland
- Largest national contingent
- France, 1,100 troops
- British contingent
- 300 soldiers
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What people are saying
The exercise will allow the testing of the speed and efficiency at which several nations can deploy forces on land, sea and air to support Ukraine once hostilities have finished
This isn’t a hypothetical plan, it’s a real force, ready to help Ukraine once the fighting stops
It is not designed for offensive operations. Its purpose is to provide reassurance and support the regeneration of Ukraine’s armed forces, strengthening their ability to deter and, if necessary, defend against future Russian aggression
This is not a show of force. We are not going to flex our muscles