UK and France to Lead 11-Nation Exercise Rehearsing a Post-War Force for Ukraine

What happened

The UK and France will jointly run Exercise Koalicja in Poland, according to the UK government, making it the first major drill staged by the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U) ^[1]. That force serves as the military arm of the Coalition of the Willing ^[1]. Between 9 November and 22 November, units will practise getting a force into place, keeping it safe and keeping it supplied, with the eventual job of helping rebuild Ukraine's military after a ceasefire ^[1].

About 300 UK personnel form part of a 2,800-strong contingent spread across land, sea and air ^[1]. Troops from 7 Brigade, known as the 'Desert Rats', will work on logistics, and RAF Typhoons plus a Voyager tanker will fly overhead ^[1].

How it affects Americans

The release does not mention the United States, which is not among the 11 participating nations ^[1]. Our read: Washington gains a clearer view of what European allies would field on their own after a ceasefire. Headquarters for the force is due to relocate from Paris to London this year ^[1].

The Veil Press view

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said, "This isn't a hypothetical plan, it's a real force, ready to help Ukraine once the fighting stops" ^[1]. Our read: a rehearsal is a useful step, but the claim will be judged by readiness when a ceasefire actually arrives, and the government says deployment would come only after hostilities stop and only if Kyiv's government asks ^[1].

What we know

Confirmed

• Participants are Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye and the UK ^[1].
• Lieutenant General Tom Bateman, a British three-star officer, commands MNF-U ^[1].
• Peacekeeping and ceasefire monitoring are outside its remit ^[1].
• In Istanbul, Turkish forces will set up the naval element and test mine clearance so merchant ships can return to Ukrainian ports ^[1].
• The UK says defence spending will reach 2.7% of GDP from 2027-2028 ^[1].

Still being reported

• Costs of the exercise and troop numbers for nations other than the UK were not given in the release ^[1].