Characters in the Ukraine conflict
NATO strengthens defenses in Eastern Europe
01/24/2022, 10:50 am
Due to tensions with Russia, a number of NATO member states are increasing their military presence in Eastern Europe: the alliance said it would deploy additional combat aircraft and naval vessels to the Baltic Sea and Eastern European countries such as Lithuania. Accordingly, NATO countries such as Denmark and Spain are participating, while the USA and France are considering it, according to the announcement.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the decision of the individual states. “NATO will continue to take all necessary measures to protect and defend all Allies – including by strengthening the eastern part of the Alliance,” he said in the statement. “We will always respond to any deterioration in our security environment, including by strengthening our collective defenses.”
According to the announcement, Denmark will transfer one frigate to the Baltic Sea and is ready to transfer four F16 fighter jets to Bulgaria. The Netherlands will send two F35 jets there in April and also put a ship and ground troops on standby. France had already declared its willingness to send troops to Romania under NATO command.