First-Ever Drills for Post-Ceasefire Ukraine Deployment to Involve 2,800 European Troops

Nearly 2,800 European troops will take part in a major military exercise in Poland this month, rehearsing the deployment of a multinational force intended to help secure Ukraine against future Russian aggression once a ceasefire is reached. The exercise, called Koalicja (“Coalition” in Polish), will run from Nov. 9 to 22 near Nowa Dęba in southeastern Poland, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Ukrainian border, according to announcements by Britain and France on Tuesday, Nov. 3.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Led by France and Britain, the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U) was established in 2025 as the military component of the Coalition of the Willing, a European-led initiative preparing security guarantees for Ukraine following a potential ceasefire. The force is not a NATO operation and would deploy to Ukraine only after fighting ends and at Kyiv’s request. “This isn’t a hypothetical plan, it’s a real force, ready to help Ukraine once the fighting stops,” British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said. European troops to test readiness for Ukraine deployment France will contribute the largest contingent, with approximately 1,100 troops, while Britain will deploy 300 personnel, along with Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager refueling aircraft. The exercise will involve forces from Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Britain. The troops will rehearse transporting military personnel and supplies, coordinating multinational command structures and conducting air defense and counter-drone operations. Other Topics of Interest Slovakia Joins Effort to Bring Back Unlawfully Deported Ukrainian Children Bratislava had previously drawn scrutiny after Slovakia emerged as the only EU member state not to endorse the Toronto Pledge on unlawfully deported Ukrainian children. Turkey will separately lead a maritime simulation from Istanbul, preparing for potential mine-clearing operations in the Black Sea to help restore safe commercial shipping to Ukrainian ports. According to AFP, the exercise will primarily involve light military equipment, including drones, rather than heavy weapons or tanks. French General Armel Dirou and British Lieutenant General Tom Bateman will oversee the exercise, testing how quickly forces from different European militaries can operate together. Bateman emphasized that the mission would not conduct offensive operations or monitor a ceasefire. “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,” he said. Europe prepares security guarantees despite uncertain ceasefire The planned multinational force aims to help rebuild Ukraine’s armed forces, strengthen security in Ukrainian airspace and support the reopening of commercial shipping routes in the Black Sea. Its deployment would form part of broader European efforts to prevent Russia from launching another invasion after a potential peace agreement. The mission’s headquarters, currently in Paris, are expected to move to London later this year. The exercise comes as Russia continues its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with no ceasefire agreement in place and Moscow remaining opposed to the deployment of Western troops on Ukrainian territory. Despite the uncertainty, European governments are moving ahead with military preparations to ensure participating forces could deploy if an agreement is reached. The US is not contributing troops to the exercise but continues discussions with Ukraine and European allies on future security guarantees, including Washington’s potential role in a post-ceasefire arrangement. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.