NATO has begun to deploy elements of its response force to further strengthen its defense posture and be able to respond quickly to any eventuality following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, NATO Secretary General announced on Friday. the Atlantic Alliance.
“The Ukrainian forces are fighting bravely and are able to inflict damage on the Russian forces that invade them,” said Jens Stoltenberg.
“We are deploying the Collective Defense Response Force for the first time to avoid spillovers into Alliance territory,” he said after a summit of NATO leaders. organized by videoconference.
“Russia has launched a total invasion of Ukraine with the stated objective of overthrowing the government by marching on Kiev,” said Jens Stoltenberg.
“But the Kremlin’s goals are not limited to Ukraine,” he warned. “Putin has demanded the withdrawal of Alliance forces from the territories of all countries that have joined since 1997,” he recalled.
“The answer is a strengthening of the deterrence posture and the defense of allies. The alliance activated its defense plans on Thursday and is deploying elements of its reaction force,” the NATO secretary general announced.
The force has 40,000 soldiers and its spearhead is a Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) of 8,000 fighters, currently commanded by France. It includes a multinational brigade and battalions supported by air and maritime units and special forces.
Some units may be ready to move within two to three days, NATO says.
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