Britain and France are spearheading a military exercise, codenamed Koalicja, designed to rehearse the deployment of a multinational force to Ukraine should a peace deal be reached. The exercise, taking place in Poland from November 9-22, will involve approximately 2,800 military personnel from 12 European nations.
The rehearsal aims to test the ability of the force to move, protect, and supply troops within Ukraine, as well as to evaluate command and control structures to ensure interoperability between different national contingents. The UK is contributing 300 troops and two RAF Typhoons, which will simulate reassuring commercial aircraft in a post-conflict scenario. Turkey will lead the maritime component, focusing on clearing mines to facilitate the resumption of Black Sea trade.
Western officials emphasize that any deployed force would not engage in offensive operations, peacekeeping, or ceasefire monitoring. Instead, its role would be to provide reassurance to Ukraine and assist in rebuilding its armed forces. The United States is involved in discussions but is not contributing personnel to the mission.
Russia has previously stated its opposition to foreign troops in Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin calling them "legitimate targets." While Western officials have not specified rules of engagement should international troops come under attack, they assert the force would be capable of self-defense.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated the exercise demonstrates a stepping up of preparations for peace in Ukraine, calling it "a real force, ready to help Ukraine once the fighting stops." Lt Gen Tom Bateman, commander of the UK's Multi National Force – Ukraine (MNF-U), described the exercise as a crucial step in translating political commitments into military readiness, representing a "serious commitment from Coalition of the Willing nations to Ukraine's long-term stability and security."
Nations participating in the exercise include Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey, alongside the UK. However, officials acknowledge that the final composition and shape of any deployed force will depend on the circumstances of a cessation of hostilities and individual nations' political decisions. The prospect of Western forces training a battle-hardened Ukrainian military also remains unclear, especially given Ukraine's current role in training NATO forces in drone warfare. Russia has thus far shown no indication of ending its military operations.