France and the United Kingdom are deploying 2,800 troops to Poland to test the deployment of a force in Ukraine after a ceasefire

The Koalijca military exercise will take place from November 9 to 22 in Nowa Dęba, southeastern Poland, with the participation of approximately 2,800 troops from ten countries. The maneuvers aim to test the ability of the “Coalition of the Willing,” made up of 36 countries and led by France and the United Kingdom, to deploy a force to Ukraine after the war ends.

It is the alliance’s first major practical exercise since it was launched in February 2025. The troops will assess the command system, logistical procedures, and the transport of troops and equipment across Europe, as well as communications interoperability. Ukrainian troops will also participate, while countering drones will be one of the key components.

Poland will contribute 500 troops and will test its role as a logistics base for potential operations. In Romania, air exercises are planned involving fighter, transport, refueling, and intelligence-gathering aircraft, while the maritime component will be simulated from Turkey. NATO has been informed but will not participate.

The coalition is not intended to carry out a peacekeeping mission or combat operations, but rather to “reassure” Ukraine and support the rebuilding of its military capability. The potential MNF-U force could reach 20,000 troops, but the role of the United States and the way a potential ceasefire line would be monitored remain unclear. Russia is closely watching the exercise.