European Nations Rehearse Potential Military Deployment for Ukraine Peace

Military forces from 12 European countries are preparing to conduct a multinational training exercise in Poland, designed to test the logistics and operational capacity required for a potential deployment to Ukraine should a peace deal be reached. Running from 9 to 22 November, the mission, known as Exercise Koalicja, will involve approximately 2,800 personnel operating across land, sea, and air. A British paratrooper takes part in a previous Nato training exercise less than 50km (31 miles) from the Russian border in Finland. Nearly 3,000 military personnel from 12 European nations will take part in the rehearsal in neighbouring Poland this month.

Led by Britain and France, the exercise focuses on the movement, protection, and supply of forces in a post-conflict environment. The UK is committing 300 troops and two RAF Typhoons to the operation. A key component of the rehearsal involves testing command and control structures to ensure seamless cooperation between diverse national forces.

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting described the mission as a genuine effort to prepare for a future peace. 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, commander of the Multi National Force – Ukraine (MNF-U), echoed this sentiment, calling it a serious commitment to Ukraine’s long-term stability. Plans for a reassurance force for Ukraine were set out last year as one of the long-term security guarantees being proposed by European nations.

Western officials emphasized that any hypothetical force deployed to Ukraine would not engage in offensive combat, peacekeeping, or ceasefire monitoring. Instead, the objective would be to reassure the nation and assist in rebuilding its armed forces. The mission would also not operate under NATO command, and the United States, while involved in discussions, is not contributing troops to the effort.

Russia has consistently opposed the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin has previously declared that such forces would be considered “legitimate targets.” While Western officials confirmed the force would be capable of defending itself, they declined to detail specific rules of engagement if troops were attacked. Though they say the force would be able to defend itself.

The logistical scope of the rehearsal includes specialized scenarios, such as fighter jets simulating the protection of commercial aircraft to prepare for the eventual reopening of Ukrainian skies. Additionally, Turkey is slated to lead maritime efforts, with the ultimate goal of clearing naval mines to restore Black Sea trade routes.

Alongside the UK, participating nations include France, Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey. Despite the ongoing rehearsals, officials acknowledged that the final structure, size, and composition of a potential deployment remain undecided and will ultimately depend on the specific circumstances of a cessation of hostilities and the political decisions of individual participating countries.

Experts have previously noted that securing Ukraine could potentially require tens of thousands of personnel.

Furthermore, questions remain regarding how Western troops might integrate with the battle-hardened Ukrainian military, which has already demonstrated significant expertise in modern drone warfare. Amid these preparations, Russia has shown no indication of a willingness to end the war, leaving the future of such a deployment entirely contingent on a yet-to-be-seen peace settlement. Ukrainian troops take part in urban warfare training at a military base in England in 2023.