Ukraine Coalition: First Exercise — Germany Takes Part

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents Ukraine Coalition: First Exercise — Germany Takes Part.

Around 2,800 soldiers from 11 countries are deploying for the first military exercise of the “Coalition of the Willing.” The exercise, named “Koalicja 2026,” is set to begin later today in Poland, in the airspace over Romania and in the western Black Sea. It is scheduled to run until November 22. Germany is taking part with Bundeswehr personnel, no more than two A400M transport aircraft and logistical support.

This is not about a combat deployment that is already underway. The aim is to test how a multinational force could secure a lasting peace after the end of the war in Ukraine. The starting point is the decision made in December 2025 to form a force to secure a possible ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.

h2>2,800 Soldiers From 11 Countries Train for Their First Multinational Deployment

The first major test

With around 2,800 soldiers from 11 countries, “Koalicja 2026” is the coalition’s largest continuous exercise to date. It spans three operational areas: Poland, the airspace over Romania and the western Black Sea. The Turkish armed forces are taking part additionally through exercises in Istanbul.

The tasks stem from the force’s objective. Troop deployments, food and fuel supply, and the protection of civil aviation are all part of the exercise program. The coalition is therefore testing not only troop movements, but also the logistical and maritime aspects of a possible peacekeeping mission.

A possible ceasefire

The timing is important. A ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia has been described in reports as a possible scenario, not as an agreement that has already been reached. The fact that the coalition is now simulating troop movements and supply routes demonstrates the practical preparatory step behind this political objective.

French President Emmanuel Macron already declared the multinational force ready for deployment in mid-July and at the same time announced the first exercises in Ukraine’s neighboring countries. He said at the time that the exercises should show “that we are ready, determined and credible — on land, in the air and at sea.”

h2>Germany’s Contribution Is Concrete, While Its Final Size Remains Undecided

Up to two A400Ms

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Bundeswehr is providing up to two A400M transport aircraft for air-to-air refueling during the exercise, alongside about 10 staff officers. The aircraft are expected to operate from Germany. The Bundeswehr is therefore not only contributing personnel to the exercise, but is also providing logistical capacity to the other allies.

Germany is also supporting the deployment of troops to the exercise area through logistical services. This role fits the country’s function as a transit and transshipment hub for troop movements to the east.

p>The decision is still pending

However, concrete participation in the exercise does not mean that a decision has already been made about Germany’s long-term deployment. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in July that the federal government and the Bundestag would decide on the type and scope of Germany’s contribution. Germany had agreed to take part in the multinational force only after initial hesitation.

Two things can therefore be distinguished in the current report: For “Koalicja 2026,” Germany is providing Bundeswehr personnel, A400Ms and logistical support. How many additional soldiers, units or assets Germany would contribute for a possible future deployment has not been decided.

h2>Britain and France Are Sending the Largest Contingents

Around 1,000 French soldiers

The two European leading nations are participating considerably more heavily. According to the army, France is providing around 1,000 soldiers. Alongside short-range observation drones, France is also bringing in counter-drone systems. The French contingent therefore covers both reconnaissance and protection against drone-based attacks.

p>According to its own figures, Britain plans to send around 300 military personnel and several fighter jets. In addition to the European partners mentioned, Belgium, Estonia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden are also taking part in the exercise.

However, troop numbers alone say little about the division of responsibilities. France is providing by far the largest named contingent, with around 1,000 soldiers, while Britain is providing around 300 military personnel and fighter jets. Germany is chiefly supplying transport and support capacity through up to two A400Ms and around 10 staff officers. The sources do not say who will assume multinational command.

h2>Supply Lines, Air Traffic and Mine Clearance Are Being Practiced p>Troops and supply lines

According to British sources, the deployment of troops is the focus. The exercise will also simulate the transport of supplies such as food and fuel. The exercise area spanning several countries makes it possible to simulate deployments over long distances. Germany is supporting these movements through logistical services.

p>Fighter jets and civil aviation

The fighter jets are expected to practice how they could contribute to the safety of civil aviation following a reopening of Ukrainian airspace. During the exercise, the A400Ms are taking on a supporting role through air-to-air refueling. The maneuver thus links conceivable post-peace-deal missions with the concrete capabilities of the armed forces involved.

p>Mine clearance off Ukrainian ports

On the maritime side, the Turkish armed forces are to practice the clearance of naval mines in Istanbul. The aim is to assist with the reopening of Ukrainian seaports to commercial ships. The exercise therefore also reflects the maritime route — from mine clearance to safe access to Ukrainian ports.

h2>The “Coalition of the Willing” Comprises Around 35 Countries p>Since early 2025

p>The Coalition of the Willing was founded in early 2025 to support Ukraine. It now comprises around 35 countries. These countries supply Ukraine with weapons for its defensive fight against Russia or provide humanitarian or financial support. The exercise is therefore the first major military test of an already broadly established group.

The multinational force is a later stage in this development. In December 2025, the group decided to form a force to secure a possible ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. Following Macron’s announcement in July, the “Koalicja 2026” exercise is the first visible test of this planning.

h2>Moscow Rules Out a Deployment in Ukraine p>Russia’s security caveat

p>The reaction from Moscow is unequivocal. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said a deployment in Ukraine would be “de facto a military intervention and the deliberate creation of additional threats to Russia’s security.” According to her, all military units in Ukraine would be viewed by the Russian armed forces as legitimate targets, with all the resulting risks and consequences.

Even in the event of a ceasefire, a deployment of the multinational force in Ukraine would be out of the question for Moscow. This shows the political distance between the European planning and the Russian position. “Koalicja 2026” is nevertheless not practicing a deployment that has already begun, but the ability to move troops, secure airspace and sea routes and maintain supply lines.

Ukraine’s allies are building a force to secure a possible ceasefire with Russia. It is now training for the first time — with Germany taking part.