Multinational Ukraine force to hold first exercise in Poland

On Tuesday, London and Paris announced that 2,800 troops from ten European nations will conduct the inaugural exercise of a new multinational force in Poland. The Multinational Force – Ukraine (MNF-U), led by France and the UK, has no offensive mission and is slated to be deployed only after a ceasefire ends the war initiated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The force, established in 2025 with a headquarters in Paris, is not a NATO operation and has limited US involvement.

The exercise, known as Koalicja in Poland, is a critical milestone as it demonstrates the MNF-U's capability to be deployed swiftly once hostilities cease. It will involve troops from Belgium, Estonia, Germany, France, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the UK, focusing on air and land operations near the town of Nowa Deba, approximately 100km west of the Ukrainian border.

Additionally, a maritime simulation led by Turkey from Istanbul will evaluate readiness for mine-clearing operations in the Black Sea.

UK Defence Minister Wes Streeting emphasized the force's purpose as providing reassurance and supporting the rebuilding of Ukraine's armed forces, enhancing their ability to deter and, if necessary, defend against future Russian aggression. However, Moscow is expected to closely monitor the exercise as the war, which has now surpassed the five-year mark, continues without a decisive resolution.

General Armel Dirou, co-leading the exercise alongside Lieutenant General Tom Bateman, stressed that it is not a peacekeeping or ceasefire monitoring mission, nor a showcase of force, and will not involve heavy weaponry such as tanks. Instead, light equipment like drones will be utilized primarily for anti-drone and self-defence exercises.