U.S. To Ask Canada To Help In The Formation Of A New NATO Force In Eastern Europe

A NATO flag flies at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels during a NATO ambassadors meeting on the situation in Ukraine and the Crimea region, March 2, 2014. REUTERS/YVES HERMAN

Reuters: Exclusive: U.S. may turn to Canada for help with new NATO force in east Europe

The United States could turn to Canada to help it establish a new NATO force in eastern Europe as a deterrent against Russia because it is struggling to win support from its European allies, diplomats say.

Despite its show of force with a military exercise across eastern Europe this month that involved more than 20 NATO and partner countries, the alliance is moving slowly in its efforts to build a rotating force of 4,000 troops on its eastern flank in Poland and the Baltics.

Only Britain and Germany have said they are willing to contribute, by providing a battalion of about 1,000 troops each. The United States will provide a third battalion, leaving NATO requiring one more country to provide a fourth.

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WNU Editor: Being one who lives in Canada and who follows the defense/military debate in this country very closely .... if the U.S. is relying on Canada to assist in building a new NATO military force in eastern Europe .... my only comment is that these diplomats are dreaming and/or are complete denial on what is the state of Canada's military forces today.