UK to lead multinational military training exercise to prepare for peace in Ukraine

Hundreds of British troops, RAF jets and forces from 11 nations will rehearse how to secure lasting peace in Ukraine when the fighting ends in a major exercise in Poland this month.

The UK and France will jointly lead Exercise Koalicja, the first major exercise run by the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U). MNF-U is the military arm of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of nations who have pledged strengthened military, economic and diplomatic support to Ukraine.

The exercise runs from 9 November to 22 November and will test how to move, protect and supply a force that would help rebuild Ukraine’s Armed Forces once the fighting ends.

300 UK personnel are among the 2,800 troops taking part on land, in the air and at sea. Soldiers from the British Army’s 7 Brigade (the ‘Desert Rats’) will rehearse crucial logistical movements, while RAF Typhoons and a Voyager refuelling aircraft will fly sorties overhead. The jets will simulate how they would reassure commercial air travel once Ukraine’s skies reopen.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP said:

This exercise shows the UK is stepping up, alongside France and our allies, to prepare for the day peace comes to Ukraine. This isn’t a hypothetical plan, it’s a real force, ready to help Ukraine once the fighting stops.

By leading this work with our allies, we are protecting the UK and Europe for the long term and delivering on our commitment to keep the country safe. Ukraine’s security is our security, and we will stand with them for as long as it takes.