Despite Russia's outrage, NATO is to install new units in Europe
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)’s military chief in Europe says the alliance will expand its presence in each of the eastern states in response to “constant competition with Russia.”
The alliance will shortly begin installation of "force integration units" in eastern European member states, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw confirmed on Friday.
He added that the units will accommodate the deployment of NATO forces if required.
NATO has boosted its military presence in the Baltic states in recent months in response to the crisis in eastern Ukraine. Russia has express outrage over the move saying the deployment is a direct threat against Moscow.
Some Western countries and the Kiev government accuse Moscow of having a hand in the crisis in eastern Ukraine where pro-Russia forces are engaged in fierce battles with Ukrainian government troops. Russia denies the allegations.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said this week that NATO's increased activity poses a threat to the Baltic countries.
His comments came after UK Defense Secretary Michael Fallon warned Russian President Vladimir Putin against trying "to destabilize the Baltic States of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia."
Fallon also urged NATO to prepare to tackle what he called the aggression in whatever form it takes.
NATO and Russia are already at loggerheads over the crisis in east Ukraine which has claimed the lives of more than 5,700 people. Hopes were revived after leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France agreed on a truce deal reached recently in the Belarusian capital of Minsk. However, clashes have continued with the two sides claiming that they are committed to implementing the ceasefire.
GMA/NN/HRB
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