France and UK launch first Ukraine support exercise in Poland

France and the United Kingdom will lead the first exercise of the Multinational Force for Ukraine in Poland. Around 2,800 troops from ten countries will take part in the drill named Koalicja between November 9 and 22.

The participating countries are Belgium, Estonia, Germany, France, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. France will send the largest contingent with 1,100 troops, while Britain will deploy 300 soldiers.

“This isn't a hypothetical plan, it's a real force, ready to help Ukraine once the fighting stops.”

The exercise will be held around Nowa Deba in southeast Poland, about 100 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. It will test how quickly and efficiently several nations can deploy land, sea and air forces to support Ukraine after hostilities end.

The force was created in March 2025 and has an operational headquarters in Paris. It is not a NATO operation and has little involvement from the United States. Its mission is defensive and will begin only after a ceasefire is agreed.

Turkey will lead a separate simulation exercise to secure the Black Sea once fighting between Russia and Ukraine ends. The maritime component aims to protect Ukrainian agricultural exports and allow the reopening of airspace.

Peace talks to end the deadliest conflict in Europe since the Second World War have been stalled since February. Moscow has shown little appetite to settle for peace, raising the risk that the exercise could antagonise Russia.

British Lieutenant General Tom Bateman commands the force, while French General Armel Dirou will co-lead the exercise. Bateman said a just and lasting peace must rest on Ukraine's ability to defend its sovereignty and on credible security guarantees.