Ukraine's allies are building a force to secure a possible ceasefire with Russia. Now it is practicing for the first time – with German participation.
Two A400M aircraft will be used to refuel fighter jets during the exercise. (Archive image) Photo: Stefan Sauer/dpa
Warsaw. Around 2,800 soldiers from eleven countries are taking part in the first military maneuver of the “Coalition of the Willing” to support Ukraine. The exercise, called “Koalicja 2026” (Coalition 2026) in Poland, in the airspace over Romania and in the western Black Sea, is scheduled to start later today and run until November 22nd. With the participation of the Bundeswehr, the aim is to test how lasting peace could be secured after the end of the Ukraine war.
What is the “Coalition of the Willing”?
It was founded in early 2025 to support Ukraine. Today it includes around 35 countries that provide Ukraine with weapons for its defense against Russia or provide humanitarian or financial assistance. In December 2025, the group decided to form a multinational force to secure a possible ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.
How far is the development of the multinational force?
French President Emmanuel Macron declared it operational in mid-July and at the same time surprisingly announced the first maneuvers in Ukraine's neighboring countries for the fall. They should show “that we are ready, determined and credible - on land, in the air and at sea,” Macron said at the time.
Germany only agreed to participate after initial hesitation. But that says nothing about what German participation in the multinational force will ultimately look like. “The federal government and the German Bundestag will also decide on the type and extent of the German contribution,” said Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) in July.
How is the Bundeswehr participating in the maneuver?
According to the Defense Ministry, the Bundeswehr will provide around ten staff officers and “up to two” A400M transport aircraft for aerial refueling for the exercise. The aircraft will operate from Germany. In addition, the relocation of troops by Germany to the training area will be supported with “logistical services,” it said. Germany is considered a hub for troop deployments to the east.
The two leading nations are significantly more involved. According to its own statements, Great Britain wants to send around 300 military personnel and several fighter jets. According to the army, France is involved with around 1,000 soldiers and will use short-range observation drones as well as drone defense systems. Belgium, Estonia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden are also involved.
What is being practiced?
According to British information, the maneuver will simulate the relocation of soldiers and the transport of supplies such as food and fuel. The fighter jets used are intended to practice how they could contribute to the safety of civil aviation after the reopening of Ukrainian airspace. Turkish armed forces in Istanbul are also said to be practicing clearing sea mines in order to help merchant ships be able to call at Ukrainian seaports again.
How does Moscow react to the troops?
Moscow criticizes the establishment of the multinational force. Even in the event of a ceasefire, deployment to Ukraine is out of the question. The deployment in Ukraine would be “de facto a military intervention and the deliberate creation of additional threats to Russia’s security,” says Russian Foreign Office spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. “Any military units in Ukraine are considered by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation as legitimate targets with all the ensuing risks and consequences.”
