First 'coalition of the willing' exercises to take place in Poland this autumn as Tusk warns of prolonged war
The first joint exercises of the 'coalition of the willing' will be held in Poland this autumn, as Warsaw also declares it is ready to host a permanent presence of allied forces.
Autumn exercises in Poland
After a summit of roughly 25 to 35 countries in Paris, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that the first joint military exercises of the 'coalition of the willing' supporting Ukraine will take place on Polish soil in the autumn of 2026. Tusk stated the drills will involve French and British troops predominantly, with Poland acting as both host and participant.
The exercises are meant to prepare the entire coalition gathered today in Paris for real security guarantees for Ukraine, but also for the region.
French President Emmanuel Macron had previewed the plan a day earlier, on 13 July 2026, framing it as a demonstration of readiness 'on land, in the air and at sea.' The coalition aims to establish a multi-national European-led force, backed by the United States, to help secure Ukraine after the war with Russia ends.
Preparing for a permanent allied footprint
In Warsaw the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz declared Poland's readiness for a permanent stationing of allied forces, naming French and British troops as specific examples. He linked the commitment directly to Poland's growing responsibility for NATO's eastern flank.
We already have an allied presence today and we are ready for a permanent presence of, for example, French or British troops.
Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that allied soldiers from the UK, Croatia, Romania, the United States, and Norway are already stationed in Poland. Tusk separately informed leaders that Poland will prepare logistical and financial conditions not just for American forces, but for other European allies as well. The country currently hosts an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 US troops on a rotational basis and continues to pursue their permanent deployment.
A new anti-ballistic defence coalition
On 13 July, nine European countries, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, signed a joint declaration with Ukraine to pool industrial potential, scientific research, and operational experience for anti-ballistic missile defence. Poland was not among the initial signatories. Asked about the omission, Tusk explained the coalition is industry-driven and that Polish defence firms are currently analysing their capacity.
If a ready industrial offer comes from Polish companies, we will join this coalition.
The prime minister also confirmed that Poland does not currently plan to donate Patriot missiles to Ukraine, though he emphasised his personal opposition to what he called 'anti-Ukrainian bidding' in domestic politics.
- President Macron first mentions planned joint exercises in Paris
- Prime Minister Tusk confirms exercises will be held in Poland in the autumn
- Defence Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz states Poland is ready for permanent allied troop presence
- First coalition military exercises take place in Poland
Diplomatic pessimism on a ceasefire
Speaking to reporters in Paris, Tusk relayed a sober assessment of the conflict's trajectory. After 'quite detailed' talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and a longer exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he said a near-term ceasefire or peace deal appears unlikely because of what he described as Russia's completely rigid stance.
At this moment it seems improbable that in the nearest future, in some short perspective, a ceasefire or peace agreement will be reached, due to the absolutely rigid position of Russia and Vladimir Putin.
Everyone expects an escalation of Russian actions right now, Tusk added, and it is 'quite probable' that Moscow will try to prolong the war at least until winter. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz used the Paris gathering to renew a call for Vladimir Putin to negotiate, stating Ukraine and European partners are open to peace talks supported by Europe and the United States. Tusk emphasised that Poland is preparing 'in every possible dimension', border protection, a drone coalition, joint exercises, and US declarations on presence, to ensure any escalation does not reach Polish territory.
Political tensions over Ukraine support
Tusk also addressed domestic pushback against aid to Ukraine, sharply criticising a proposal from Law and Justice politician Przemysław Czarnek that the EU should halt funding for Ukraine's armament and reconstruction. The prime minister called the idea 'murderous politics' and a dangerous auction of anti-Ukrainian sentiment.
As long as I am prime minister, Poland will actively participate, within its capabilities and without violating our security, in helping Ukraine in the war with Russia.
He also condemned an attack on a teenage Ukrainian girl on a bus in Bielsko-Biała, calling it a disgusting incident that should never have occurred, and credited the former Polish government's immediate aid to Ukraine after the full-scale invasion as the one decision he fully endorses.
