2,800 troops set for Poland drill to test Ukraine force deployment

Military personnel from 12 European nations will conduct a two-week rehearsal in Poland starting Nov 9. The exercise, named Koalicja, is designed to test the logistics of deploying a multinational force to Ukraine if a peace deal is reached. Approximately 2,800 service members will participate in the drill, which runs through Nov 22.

The force, known as the Multi National Force Ukraine, is intended to provide reassurance and assist in rebuilding Ukrainian armed forces. It is not a peacekeeping mission nor an offensive unit. Western officials state that the troops would not operate under North Atlantic Treaty Organization command or hold the front line.

The United States is involved in discussions but is not contributing troops to this specific mission. Russia has opposed foreign troops in Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin describing them as legitimate targets last year. Western officials have not defined specific rules of engagement but confirmed the force would be able to defend itself.

The drill focuses on moving, protecting, and supplying troops. It will also test command and control structures to ensure units from different countries can operate together. The United Kingdom will contribute 300 troops and two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets. These aircraft will simulate reassuring commercial traffic once Ukrainian airspace reopens.

Turkey will lead the maritime component of the exercise. The long-term goal of this element is to clear mines and resume trade in the Black Sea. Other participating nations include France, Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and Sweden.

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the exercise proves the plan is not hypothetical. He stated, "This is not a hypothetical plan, it's a real force, ready to help Ukraine once the fighting stops." Lt Gen Tom Bateman, the UK commander of the Multi National Force Ukraine, described the drill as a step in translating political commitments into military readiness.

Officials acknowledged that the final composition of any deployed force depends on political decisions and the circumstances of a ceasefire. Military experts have previously suggested tens of thousands of troops might be needed for security guarantees. It remains unclear how Western forces would train Ukrainian soldiers, who are currently teaching North Atlantic Treaty Organization troops drone warfare.