Germany has officially confirmed its participation in the first multinational military exercises to be held in Poland. These maneuvers are part of a new "coalition of the willing" initiative created to support Ukraine and ensure security guarantees in the region. This was announced on Wednesday, July 15, by Stefan Kornelius, the official spokesperson for the German government.
Earlier, German media reported that Berlin would refuse to participate in the first phase of the exercises. However, the German government has adjusted its position. Kornelius clarified to the DPA agency that the cabinet is currently working out in detail the format and scale of the participation of German specialists in the upcoming events.
Objectives and format of the maneuvers
The initiative to hold the exercises was agreed upon at a meeting of Ukraine's allies in Paris on July 13. The coalition includes around 35 countries. The main goal of creating multinational forces is to prepare for a scenario in which Ukraine and Russia reach an agreement on a ceasefire. In this case, international forces must ensure compliance with the ceasefire and security regime.
The first maneuvers will take place on the territory of Poland — one of Ukraine's closest neighbors. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk explained that the exercises are intended to pave the way for "concrete security guarantees." Among the countries that have already confirmed their participation, he named France and the United Kingdom.
It is important to note the specifics of the upcoming events. These are command and staff training exercises. This means that participants will practice decision-making algorithms, logistics, and troop movement routes. As a rule, at this stage, there is no actual movement of military equipment or soldiers across the terrain.
Position of Berlin and Paris
The idea of creating multinational forces under European leadership was put forward as early as December at the Ukraine summit in Berlin. French President Emmanuel Macron stated at the meeting in Paris that the forces are already ready for deployment.
At the same time, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took a more cautious position. He noted that the "coalition of the willing" is ready to play an important role in guarantee mechanisms after a ceasefire, acting in close cooperation with the USA. Merz emphasized that the final decision on the type and scale of Germany's contribution would be made by the German government together with the Bundestag. Thus, the question of Germany's specific contribution to the multinational forces remains open, despite the confirmation of participation in the exercises.
