Poland Rehearsal Tests How European Troops Prepare for a Possible Postwar Ukraine Mission

Poland exercise prepares forces

The British and French defence ministries said the activities are intended to prepare for helping Ukraine reopen its skies. The exercise had been planned earlier this year and is taking place amid warnings from several European countries, including Poland, about Russian covert activity, sabotage, espionage and drone incursions.

Possible role after a ceasefire

The proposed force is linked to the Coalition of the Willing, a group of 37 nations supporting Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for strong security guarantees from Western allies, including the United States, if a peace agreement is reached.

Lt. Gen. Tom Bateman, commander of Multinational Force-Ukraine, said the force could help strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces, provide reassurance for reopening its skies and clear mines in the Black Sea. All European countries involved say they would send troops only after hostilities end.

Security risks and divisions

A French official, speaking anonymously because of sensitive military details, said NATO could have offered security guarantees, but the United States and Germany rejected that option. France and Britain therefore pursued a separate European proposal for countries willing to assist Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said foreign troops in Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets.” Arnold said any deployment would need to protect itself, and warned that this could involve confronting Russian aircraft, drones or missiles, with a risk of escalation.

Peace and political uncertainty

U.S.-brokered peace talks stalled earlier this year, and disagreements over territory and security guarantees remain despite signals from Ukraine and Russia that talks could resume. Arnold said the United States was “basically supporting Russia against Ukraine,” and suggested a lasting ceasefire could remain distant.

Political uncertainty in France is another obstacle. President Emmanuel Macron cannot seek a third consecutive term, protests are putting pressure on his government, and the party of far-left rival Jean-Luc Mélenchon opposes deploying the force.