European nations prepare first Ukraine support military exercise in Poland

European nations will conduct a military exercise in Poland this month to test a new multinational force designed to support Ukraine if a peace deal is reached. France 24 and BBC News both reported that Britain and France are leading the operation, named the Multinational Force, Ukraine. France 24 noted that the exercise will run in southeastern Poland from November 9 to 22. [1][2]

The size of the force taking part differs slightly across reports. France 24 reported that around 2,800 troops from 10 European countries will participate. BBC News reported that nearly 3,000 military personnel from 12 European nations are taking part in the exercise. [1][2]

Western officials stressed that the force has no offensive mission and will not take part in combat operations. France 24 and BBC News both reported that the military personnel will only deploy to Ukrainian territory after a ceasefire or peace deal is agreed to end the war sparked by Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. [1][2]

The peacekeeping initiative was set up in 2025 as part of long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer originally announced the coalition initiative on March 2, 2025. A broader coalition of 34 countries has pledged support for Ukraine through troops or other contributions once a comprehensive peace agreement is signed. [1][2][6]