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European force to hold first Ukraine support exercise in Poland
France 24 • • world
Key Points:
- Approximately 2,800 troops from 10 European countries will participate in the first exercise of the Multinational Force – Ukraine (MNF-U) in Poland from November 9 to 22, aimed at supporting Ukraine post-ceasefire.
- The MNF-U, led by France and the UK and established in 2025, is not a NATO operation and focuses on non-offensive support, including security in Ukrainian skies and enabling economic activity in the Black Sea.
- The exercise, named Koalicja, will involve air and land operations near the Ukrainian border, with the largest troop contributions from France (1,100) and the UK (300), and a separate maritime simulation led by Turkey.
- The force is intended to assist Ukraine in rebuilding and defending its armed forces after hostilities end, emphasizing coordination and logistical readiness without deploying heavy weaponry or tanks.
- While the exercise aims to demonstrate rapid multinational deployment capabilities, it risks provoking Russia, which remains resistant to peace despite the prolonged conflict.
