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NATO deploys response units to bolster defenses in the east after Russian invasion

NATO deploys response units to bolster defenses in the east after Russian invasion

The head of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Jens Stoltenberg, said that the alliance was reinforcing its defenses on the eastern flank with soldiers and air assets from the Response Force, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In addition, he also spoke of the Ukrainian forces on the ground, “who are fighting bravely and remain capable of inflicting losses on the invading Russian forces.”

Stoltenberg explained that the allies had activated their defense plans and “consequently, land, sea and air elements of the NATO Response Force are being deployed.” This means activating thousands of supplementary troops and about 100 planes in 30 different positions on high alert, he added.

“We deployed for the first time the Response Force in the name of collective defense, to prevent excesses against Alliance territories,” Stoltenberg detailed after a videoconference summit of NATO leaders.

“Russia has launched a full invasion of Ukraine with the clear objective of reaching Kiev and ending the government,” the NATO chief said.

“But the Kremlin’s goals are not limited to Ukraine,” he warned. “Putin has demanded the withdrawal of Alliance forces from the territory of those countries that joined after 1997,” she recalled.

“The answer is to strengthen the allies’ defense and deterrence posture. The alliance activated its defense plans on Thursday and is deploying the elements of its Response Force,” the NATO secretary general announced.

This body is made up of 40,000 soldiers and its spearhead is the Very High Readiness Joint Force (VJTF), which has 8,000 members. It is a multinational brigade and battalions supported by air, sea, and special forces units.

Some units can be ready to mobilize within two to three days, according to NATO.

Source: Gestion

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