UK and France to Lead First Major Drill for Post-Ceasefire Ukraine Force

Britain and France will lead around 2,800 troops from 11 countries in the first major exercise of the multinational force they are preparing to deploy to Ukraine if the fighting stops and Kyiv requests its help. The main drill will take place Nov. 9–22 near Nowa Dęba in southeastern Poland, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Exercise Koalicja, Polish for “coalition,” will test a practical question for Ukraine’s allies: How quickly can units from different armies leave their home bases, move troops and equipment across borders and arrive ready to operate under a single commander? The 2,800 personnel will be spread across the training area in Poland, the force headquarters in Paris and a maritime command in Istanbul. JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Poland’s role in the drill reflects the one it is prepared to take on after a ceasefire. Warsaw would coordinate the movement of allied troops through Polish territory but would keep its own soldiers out of Ukraine, the Polish Defense Ministry said. Britain and France have gone further. In January, they signed a declaration of intent with Ukraine that envisages military hubs on Ukrainian soil after a ceasefire. No ceasefire agreement is in place. What the troops will rehearse France will contribute about 1,100 troops and Britain will send 300, including soldiers from the British Army’s 7th Brigade, known as the Desert Rats. British Lt. Gen. Tom Bateman commands the Multinational Force Ukraine, the military arm of the Coalition of the Willing. He and French Gen. Armel Dirou will oversee the exercise, Kyiv Post reported. Other Topics of Interest Meloni Urges Single EU Voice in Ukraine Talks, Warns of ‘Irrelevance’ Italy’s prime minister demands a single EU negotiator with a clear mandate, as European Council chief António Costa agrees to discuss the issue. On the ground, commanders will practice moving units into position, protecting them on arrival and keeping them supplied. Poland will host contingents from Britain, France and other participating nations. The full roster also includes Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Turkey. In the air, Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters and a Voyager refueling aircraft will fly missions simulating how allied aircraft could help protect civilian flights if Ukraine reopens its skies. At sea, Turkish officers in Istanbul will coordinate a planning exercise on clearing naval mines from approaches to Ukrainian ports so merchant ships can pass safely, according to the British Defense Ministry. What allies have pledged to Ukraine Britain and France launched the coalition in 2025. Under the plan agreed with Kyiv, a multinational force could help train Ukrainian troops, replenish equipment and rebuild units after hostilities end. Bateman has said that ceasefire monitoring and offensive operations fall outside the force’s intended mission. “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 in announcing the exercise. The political commitments vary by country. London and Paris have set out plans for hubs where equipment could be stored and protected. Britain has also pledged a parliamentary vote on sending troops. Germany has said it could contribute forces on neighboring NATO territory, while Italy has ruled out deploying troops inside Ukraine. 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.