Story perspectives

Poland to Host “Coalition of the Willing” Exercises, Bulgaria Withdraws

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the “Coalition of the Willing” exercises will take place in Poland in September.
Polish, French and British forces participate, with Poland serving as host.
Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said Poland is ready to host a permanent French and United Kingdom (UK) troop deployment.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev said Bulgaria left the coalition, claiming aid prolongs the war and noting its absence from Paris coordination meeting.

History

Historical Context

When Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary entered NATO on 12 March 1999, the alliance began staging large joint drills on Polish soil, such as the Noble Jump exercises in 2015 and 2017. Those maneuvers, involving U.S., French and British units, set a precedent for today’s “Coalition of the Willing” drills that aim to embed a permanent Western force in the region.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the “Coalition of the Willing” exercises will take place in Poland in September.
Polish, French and British forces participate, with Poland serving as host.
Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said Poland is ready to host a permanent French and United Kingdom (UK) troop deployment.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev said Bulgaria left the coalition, claiming aid prolongs the war and noting its absence from Paris coordination meeting.

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