“Russia has so far shown no credible willingness to end its aggression. We must therefore continue to support Ukraine and put pressure on the aggressor by all available means. At the same time, we must prepare to support Ukraine’s security and its ability to begin reconstruction once hostilities have ended,” said Minister of Defence Martin Herem. He stressed that ensuring a just and lasting peace requires strong security guarantees for Ukraine, which would take effect as soon as hostilities cease and ensure that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is not repeated.
“The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that we are ready for the day when Ukraine can finally begin to recover from the war. We must also remember that the security of both Estonia and Europe as a whole depends on a just peace for Ukraine and on ensuring that this peace is upheld,” he added.
The deployment MNF-U to Ukraine would take place only at the request of the Ukrainian Government and after the end of hostilities.
“Exercise Koalicja is important in ensuring that our soldiers receive the best possible preparation and experience of working alongside our allies in support of Ukraine, should some form of peace be achieved there. Estonia’s unit is part of a strong international coalition, and our participation also strengthens our own defence capabilities and security,” said Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo.
Approximately 2,800 military personnel from Estonia, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Türkiye will take part in the exercise as part of the MNF-U. Ukraine will not participate in the exercise, but the MNF-U maintains close cooperation with Ukraine.
The MNF-U aims to facilitate military training and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine following a ceasefire. The exercise will rehearse cooperation between units, as well as the rapid and coordinated movement of personnel, equipment and supplies in preparation for possible future tasks. In addition to land-based activities, the exercise will include air operations in Polish airspace and maritime mine-clearance planning in Turkish waters.
This is not a NATO exercise.
The Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine was established in spring 2025. Its members have also signed a declaration of intent with Ukraine, providing for security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression against Ukraine once a ceasefire has come into effect.
In 2025, the Estonian Government made a decision in principle to contribute to post-war support for Ukraine as part of the Coalition of the Willing, with a contribution of up to a company-sized unit, military training instructors and staff officers. A decision on Estonia’s participation would require the Government to submit a proposal to the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) to authorise the deployment of the Estonian Defence Forces on an international military operation.
