Poland is preparing to host the first military exercises of a multinational force led by France and Britain, with the participation of 2,800 soldiers from ten European countries, with the aim of testing its readiness to support Ukraine after reaching a ceasefire with Russia. The exercises include land and air operations, as well as a Turkish-led naval simulation in the Black Sea.

Published on: 03/11/2026 - 03:36

London and Paris announced on Tuesday that the first exercises of the "Multinational Force-Ukraine" will take place between November 9 and 22 in southeastern Poland, near the Ukrainian border.

Forces from ten European countries, most of them from France, participate in it as part of preparations for the deployment of a force aimed at supporting Ukraine after the end of hostilities.

This force was established in 2025 under French-British leadership, and is based in Paris as its operational headquarters, without being affiliated with NATO, while American participation in it is limited to a limited scope.

Its tasks do not include any offensive operations, as its role is limited to supporting the Ukrainian forces, ensuring security in the Ukrainian airspace, and helping to resume economic activity in the Black Sea, with its deployment starting only after a ceasefire agreement is reached.

Read also: The war in Ukraine: Zelensky calls for freezing the battle lines, and Moscow considers the European approach lacking substance.

According to a joint statement published by the French Ministry of Defense, the maneuvers aim to test the speed and efficiency of deploying forces on land, sea and air to support Ukraine once the fighting stops.

Forces from Belgium, Estonia, Germany, France, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom will participate in the ground and air operations near the town of Nova Demba, located about 100 kilometers west of the Ukrainian border.

As for the maritime aspect, Türkiye will lead a simulation from Istanbul to test readiness to carry out possible demining operations in the Black Sea. The statement explained that Turkish forces will not participate in the ground exercises scheduled in Poland.

These exercises come in light of the continuation of the war that began with the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, amid fears that the size and duration of the maneuvers will provoke Moscow, which has not yet shown a desire to accept peace.

France 24/AFP

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