WSJ: NATO Allies Preparing to Put Four Battalions at Eastern Border With Russia
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense says buildup is response to Moscow’s military activity near the Baltics
Western allies are preparing to put four battalions—a force of about 4,000 troops—in Poland and the Baltic countries as part of an effort by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to reinforce its border with Russia as Moscow steps up military activity, officials said Friday.
The U.S. is likely to provide two battalions, while Germany and Britain would likely provide a battalion each, according to Western officials.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work, visiting Brussels, confirmed the overall size of the force and said the buildup was a response to more Russian activity around the Baltics—Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia—where tensions have been rising.
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WNU Editor: Russia's response to NATO's build-up in the Baltics .... Russia says Baltics should be more grateful (US News and World Report). What irks Russia even more is the German deployment .... Germany Will Deploy Troops in Lithuania to 'Contain' Russia (Sputnik).
Update: So true .... Forward Basing NATO Airpower in the Baltics Is A Bad Idea (Maj. Gen. Ralph S. Clemapril, War On The Rocks).
More News On Growing Tensions In the Baltics
NATO reportedly plans to send 4 battalions to eastern border with Russia -- FOX News
Spooked by Russia, Lithuania spares no money for defense -- Reuters
Germany mulls sending NATO troops to Lithuania – defense official -- RT
U.S. F-22 Jets Land In Lithuania In Show Of Regional Support -- RFE
Analysis: Baltic Sea Heating Up as Friction Point Between U.S., NATO and Russia -- USNI
It's actually quite funny. Russia has stood up the 5th Guards Army Group, some 25,000 soldiers, 2500 armoured vehicles, 1700 artillary guns, one large massive mailed fist, designed to act as one, on the south flank of the Baltics,
ReplyDeleteAs a response to decades of NATO threats and provacations,
And NATO's "response", is to sent a handfull of Independent Brigaides to the Baltic States.
So true Jay.
ReplyDeletePosturing... Any force put into the Balkans large enough to be anything other than a speed bump will be seen by Russia as an outright affront.
ReplyDeleteSo, small forces are used to show your commitment. They are only expendable speed bunds - cannon fodder - intended to simply demonstrate a commitment - kill them and a much larger fight WILL erupt. They are not meant to repel a Russian invasion, but to discourage one.
Killing Lithuanian soldiers is one thing. Killing U.S., German, or British soldiers in entirely different.