The Multinational Force-Ukraine
The Multinational Force-Ukraine (MNF-U), the military component of the Coalition of the Willing, was formally established in January 2026 by the UK, France and Ukraine and has military commitments from 24 nations. Commanded by the UK and France from a joint headquarters in Paris, the force is designed to deploy at Ukraine’s invitation only after hostilities end and required conditions are met; it is not a peacekeeping force or connected to NATO. Its planned tasks include strengthening Ukraine’s armed forces and providing air and maritime support, while planning and readiness exercises continue, including Exercise KOALICJA 26.2 in Poland in November 2026.
The Multinational Force-Ukraine is the military component of the Coalition of the Willing. Planning for the force continues on an enduring basis.
The Coalition of the Willing (CotW) was established in March 2025 at the initiative of the UK and France, to strengthen support for Ukraine and put economic and diplomatic pressure on Russia.
Bringing together 35 nations, the coalition has demonstrated growing unity and a steadfast commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes to secure peace.
To date, it has delivered billions of pounds in military aid, equipment and training to Ukraine’s forces to ensure it can deter and defend against Russian aggression.
The Multinational Force-Ukraine (MNF-U) is the military component of the coalition, formally established in January 2026 when the leaders of the UK, France and Ukraine signed a Declaration of Intent.
It is commanded by the UK and France through an operational-level joint headquarters in Paris, which is due to rotate to the UK before the end of 2026. It has so far secured military commitments from 24 nations, and is staffed by personnel from across the coalition.
The MNF-U is not a peacekeeping or a ceasefire-monitoring force, nor is it connected to NATO.
It is a force designed to deploy at the invitation of the Government of Ukraine, and only once hostilities have ended and the necessary political and military conditions have been met.
Its main effort would be focussed on regenerating and strengthening Ukraine’s Armed Forces, putting its military in the strongest possible position to deter, and, if necessary, defend against future Russian aggression.
It would also provide a reassuring presence in the skies and seas around Ukraine, through coalition air sorties and additional mine clearance in the Black Sea.
This would help build confidence for the resumption of commercial air travel and maritime trade, helping Ukraine to rebuild its economy and attract international investment.
Taken together, these activities would contribute to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Planning for the force continues on an enduring basis, with readiness exercises testing the force’s military preparedness, rapid deployment capabilities and ability to operate effectively as one force.
This includes Exercise KOALICJA 26.2, which takes place in November 2026 in Poland to rehearse the logistical aspects of a future deployment.
Preparations now ensure that if and when the time comes, the MNF-U is ready to act.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-multinational-force-ukraine
