France Announces Large-Scale Coalition Exercises Near Ukraine, Russia Vows Countermeasures

France has announced that the "Coalition of the Willing" will hold large-scale military exercises near Ukraine's borders in the coming months, while Russia says it will assess the scope of the drills and take appropriate measures in response. Macron Outlines Coalition's Military Plans French President Emmanuel Macron said that 35 countries participating in the coalition will take part in the exercises on the territory of states bordering Ukraine. He made the announcement during a press conference following the coalition summit in Paris. Macron said the coalition, led by France and the United Kingdom, intends to deploy a military contingent to Ukraine rapidly if a ceasefire agreement is reached. According to him, the participating countries have already formed and coordinated an international force that is ready for deployment.