"Volunteer Alliance" Multinational Exercise Launched in Poland

Reference News Network reported on November 11 According to RIA Novosti on November 9, the "Volunteer Alliance" multinational exercise began on the 9th in Poland, aimed at preparing for the possible deployment of troops to Ukraine, and is expected to last until November 22.

It was reported that the exercise, codenamed "Alliance," is being held at a training ground in the southeastern Polish city of Nysa. The main purpose of the exercise is to test the allies' ability to jointly deploy forces on Ukrainian territory to ensure long-term security after the cessation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The UK Ministry of Defence issued a statement regarding the exercise, stating: "We are strengthening our preparations to maintain a lasting peace in Ukraine. Ukraine's security is our (security)."

Approximately 2,800 soldiers from 11 countries are participating in the exercise, primarily consisting of French and British troops. Germany, Spain, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Estonia, Lithuania, and host country Poland have also sent personnel. The United States is not participating.

The participating forces plan to practice the redeployment of personnel and equipment, logistical support, troop command, and coordination among the forces of various countries. Additionally, the exercise includes a separate maritime drill led by Turkey—participating forces plan to practice mine clearance procedures in Istanbul to ensure the safety of Black Sea trade routes.

According to the plan, the role of Western forces will focus on deterrence, ensuring air and maritime security, and restoring the strength of the Ukrainian armed forces.

German Chancellor Merz previously stated that a "Volunteer Alliance" representatives meeting will be held in Berlin in mid-November to coordinate further international assistance to Kyiv and strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

In the spring of 2024, Western countries began discussing the possibility of sending foreign troops to Ukraine, when French President Macron first publicly proposed this idea.

According to TASS on November 9, Alexander Stepanov, a military expert at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, believes that the "Volunteer Alliance" exercise is essentially creating a foothold for gathering forces and deploying multinational troops to Ukraine, and pushing the Russian border area towards nuclear armament.

Stepanov told TASS: "A foothold is forming on Polish territory for gathering forces and equipment, and practicing military logistics coordination, in order to deploy multinational troops to the territories controlled by the Kyiv regime in the future. Under the command of Paris and London, a multinational force primarily composed of Eastern European countries is being formed to subsequently establish NATO's military presence in Ukraine through these proxy tools."

Stepanov also stated that the UK is using fighter jets in the exercise, which is an indispensable means of projecting military threats. The F-35, "Rafale," and "Typhoon" fighters are platforms for precision weapons and various nuclear weapons. He believes that France and the UK are the main responsible parties for regional nuclear disorder and nuclear armament near the Russian border. (Translated by Wei Lianglei)