More soldiers, more guns
London wants to expand engagement in Eastern Europe
01/30/2022, 01:00 am
Against the background of the Ukraine crisis, Great Britain wants to be more present in Eastern Europe. Prime Minister Johnson plans to increase the number of British soldiers in the region. In addition, Estonia should benefit from arms deliveries.
In view of the tense situation in Ukraine, Great Britain wants to expand its military engagement in Eastern Europe. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is considering doubling the number of British troops in the region and supplying Estonia with weapons for self-defense, the British government said on Saturday evening. According to official figures, more than 900 British soldiers are currently stationed in Estonia, more than 100 in Ukraine and 150 in Poland.
“This package of measures would send a strong message to the Kremlin: we will not condone their destabilizing activities and stand firm with our NATO allies in the face of Russian hostilities,” Johnson said. “If President (Vladimir) Putin chooses the path of bloodbath and destruction, it will be a tragedy for Europe. Ukraine must be free to choose its future.”
Johnson said he has ordered the military to prepare to provide land, sea and air support to NATO allies in Europe. The evening before, it had become known that Johnson would soon be on the phone with Putin and was planning a trip to the region. The exact destination has not yet been named. The British government wants to discuss military options on Monday, it was said. Chief of Staff Tony Radakin will brief the cabinet on the situation on Tuesday. The details of the British offer are also to be discussed with NATO in Brussels.
Johnson also wants to meet with the heads of state and government of the NATO members at the beginning of February, government circles said without details. Secretary of State Liz Truss and Secretary of Defense Ben Wallace are due to travel to Moscow soon for talks. On Monday, the Foreign Ministry in London also plans to announce new sanctions that are intended to affect Russia’s “strategic and financial interests”.