Brussels – NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg announced that NATO would permanently deploy its military along its eastern European borders to deter Russia. In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, NATO is preparing to make significant changes to its policies. This permanent military deployment will be a part of the new policies to Eastern Europe, Stoltenberg signalled. Nearly 40,000 soldiers are deployed in the Eastern European countries, including the three countries bordering Russia, and are under NATO’s direct command, Stoltenberg had said a ‘few days ago.’
Even before Russia attacked Ukraine at the end of February, NATO member states had given indications of military deployments in Europe. The United States had started preparing to increase its deployment in Europe to 50,000. Besides, other NATO member states also started movements of sending military contingents. It is said that last week’s NATO summit has approved an increase in military deployments in Eastern Europe.
NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg issued information in an interview with a British daily that he had instructed the military officials to draw up a plan for the long-term deployment. He also informed that these plans were a part of NATO’s reset. He said that NATO was ‘in the midst of a very fundamental transformation’ that would reflect ‘the long-term consequences’ of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions. He further clarified, ‘What we see now is a new reality, a new normal for European security.’
The United States and NATO have stepped up their deployments in Europe, citing Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and France have deployed more than 20,000 troops in Eastern European countries. In addition, large quantities of missiles and other weapons are being supplied. NATO nations in Europe are supplying arms to Ukraine, and the US is providing state-of-the-art equipment to these countries. Following US instructions, Slovakia has sent a Russian-made S-300 air defence system to Ukraine. It is said that the United States will deploy Patriot air defence systems in Slovakia in return.
On the other hand, the UK has announced an additional defence aid worth £100 million to Ukraine. Under the aid, the UK will send Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles, 800 anti-tank missiles and heavily armoured vehicles to Ukraine. Russia has strongly opposed NATO’s deployment in Eastern Europe and its supply of weapons to Ukraine. A few months ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin had demanded in a proposal that the United States and NATO reduce their military deployments in Europe. However, it is seen from Jens Stoltenberg’s statements that, ignoring the demand, the US and NATO are preparing for a permanent base near the Russian border.
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