United KingdomRussia–Ukraine War
United KingdomUK and France prepare exercise for forces that could operate in post-war Ukraine
Exercise KOALICJA 26.2 is scheduled for 9–22 November with 2,800 personnel, Defense News reports. It will test the movement, protection and resupply of a future force, but does not constitute a decision to deploy it to Ukraine.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the planned exercise will test the transport, protection and resupply capabilities of forces whose task after hostilities end would be to help rebuild Ukraine’s armed forces. The statement was reported by US defence publication Defense News. According to the publication, exercise KOALICJA 26.2 is scheduled for 9–22 November 2026 under joint UK and French leadership.
Exercise planned in Poland, France and Turkey
According to Defense News, the exercise will involve 2,800 personnel from 11 countries, with no US troops. The publication says activities are planned in Poland, France and Turkey. These are details of the forthcoming exercise, not an account of activities already carried out.
The UK ministry says the exercise will focus on supporting the forces: moving them to the area of operations, protecting them and maintaining the necessary supplies. The aim is to prepare to support the Ukrainian army after the war, not to announce a combat mission against Russia.
Coordinating transport, protection and resupply is central to the exercise
In Flank’s assessment, the significance of the exercise will depend on how well national contingents can coordinate transport, protection and resupply using common procedures. This coordination would allow a multinational force to sustain operations, rather than merely deploy to the area.
The figure of 2,800 personnel refers to the exercise and should not be taken as the size of a future mission. The reported absence of US troops likewise does not define Washington’s position on a possible deployment. The multinational composition alone does not make the preparations a NATO operation.
No confirmation that the exercise has started on schedule
As of 9 November, there is no confirmation that the exercise has started on schedule. No final decision to deploy forces to Ukraine has been announced, nor have a timeframe, force size, mandate or rules of engagement been specified. Bulgarian participation has not been indicated.
The information may be updated as the exercise progresses and further official statements are issued.
Sources
1 independent report
Independent reporting
Defense News · defensenews.com
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