NATO forces prepare for post-conflict Ukraine with large-scale exercise

Exercise Koalicja, jointly led by the UK and France, will involve 2,800 military personnel from 11 nations.

The exercise aims to ensure NATO forces are prepared to provide security guarantees to Ukraine following the conclusion of the war with Russia.

Scheduled to run from November 9 to 22, this will be the first exercise conducted by the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U), the military component of the Coalition of the Willing.

The training will focus on logistical operations, including the movement of troops and essential supplies like food and fuel, and was initially agreed upon at a Coalition of the Willing summit in July.

Approximately 300 UK troops, including soldiers from the Army’s 7 Brigade (Desert Rats), will participate, practicing critical logistical movements while RAF Typhoons and a Voyager refuelling aircraft conduct simulated flights. These flights will simulate how commercial aviation might be reassured once Ukrainian airspace is reopened.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated, “This exercise shows the UK is stepping up, alongside France and our allies, to prepare for the day peace comes to Ukraine. This isn’t a hypothetical plan, it’s a real force, ready to help Ukraine once the fighting stops. By leading this work with our allies, we are protecting the UK and Europe for the long term and delivering on our commitment to keep the country safe. Ukraine’s security is our security, and we will stand with them for as long as it takes.”

Lieutenant General Tom Bateman, a British three-star general who commands the MNF-U, commented, “This exercise will show that the Multinational Force Ukraine is a real, capable, readily deployable force that represents a serious commitment from Coalition of the Willing nations to Ukraine’s long-term stability and security. The MNF-U will be more ready every day to support Ukraine when the fighting ends, ensuring the Armed Forces of Ukraine are in the strongest possible position to deter future aggression.”

The participating nations include Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the UK. Turkish forces in Istanbul will conduct maritime mine clearance drills to facilitate the restoration of commercial shipping to Ukrainian ports.