Military units from allies supporting Ukraine, operating under French and British leadership, will take part in a major military exercise in Poland this month to test their ability to deploy and operate as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U).
The exercise, named Koalicja ("alliance" in Polish), will run from 9 to 22 November and marks the first large-scale field test of the multinational force.
According to a joint statement from France and the United Kingdom, approximately 2,800 military personnel from ten countries will participate.
The countries involved are:
- Belgium
- Britain
- France
- Germany
- Estonia
- Spain
- Lithuania
- The Netherlands
- Poland
- Sweden
First field test for MNF-U
The exercise will be conducted within the framework of the MNF-U, a force established in March 2025 and declared operational during the summer of 2026.
For the first time, participating units will test their ability to deploy, coordinate and conduct operations in realistic field conditions.
Potential future role in Ukraine
The force is intended, in principle, to be deployed following any future ceasefire agreement in Ukraine.
Its stated purpose would be to help Ukraine deter and defend against any renewed Russian military offensive after a cessation of hostilities.
Exercise Koalicja is therefore being viewed as an important test of the force's operational readiness and multinational coordination capabilities ahead of any potential future mission.
Source: ANA-MPA
