First Coalition of the Willing military exercises to support Ukraine kick off in Poland
The first military exercises by the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine begin in Poland on Monday 9 November, involving 2,800 military personnel from eleven countries.
Source: German news network RND, quoting German news agency dpa, as reported by European Pravda
Details: The defence ministries of France and the UK said that the purpose of the exercise is to test how lasting peace can be secured after the war ends. These two countries are leading Exercise Koalicja 2026 ("Coalition 2026"), which will run until 22 November.
The Ministry of Defence in Warsaw reported that Poland is the main host of the exercise.
The Coalition of the Willing was established at the beginning of 2025 to support Ukraine and the decision to form a multinational force was made in December that year at a summit on Ukraine in Berlin.
The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) will take part in the exercise by providing approximately ten staff officers, in-flight refuelling aircraft and logistical support. The UK, according to its own government's statements, will deploy around 300 military personnel and several fighter jets. The French armed forces reported they will provide approximately 1,000 soldiers and deploy short-range surveillance drones as well as counter-drone systems.
British sources said that the exercise will simulate troop deployment and the transport of resources such as food and fuel.
Participating countries also include Belgium, Estonia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden. In total, the Coalition of the Willing comprises around 35 nations.
Background:
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has invited President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Berlin on 19 November.
- On 17 November, a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (also known as the Ramstein format) will be held at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
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