NATO wants to strengthen borders with Russia by sending 300,000 troops there, but there may be problems – Politico
Such a move is intended to stop Russia from expanding its war beyond Ukraine.
NATO plans to strengthen its grouping of troops on the eastern flank, placing up to 300,000 fighters there, but this is not so easy to do.
Politico reports.
To realize such plans, the Alliance must convince individual member countries to provide various elements: soldiers, training, improved infrastructure and, most importantly, a large amount of expensive weapons, equipment and ammunition.
“With countries already concerned about their stockpiles of ammunition, and Ukraine in dire need of more shells and weapons from allies, there is a risk that not all NATO allies will keep their promises to contribute to the Alliance’s new plans,” the publication says.
A senior Alliance official said that to confront Russia today, there is a need for more troops and a number of forces in a state of readiness.
There are several levels of “readiness,” said Heinrich Brauss, former NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defense Policy and Force Planning. The first level may consist of 100,000 troops, who will be ready for deployment within 10 days. This readiness level can be formed from Poland, Norway and the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania).
A second tier of troops would then keep these soldiers ready to deploy from countries like Germany within 10 to 30 days, Brauss said.
To do this, the article notes, many NATO allies will need to intensify efforts to recruit into the army and increase defense spending. You will have to buy more weapons, ammunition and equipment.
At the same time, ex-commander of US troops in Europe, Ben Hodges, announced a number of details that constitute “readiness.”
“An artillery battalion needs to fire X rounds per year to maintain its level of skill for planning purposes. A tank battalion needs to hit targets, respond to different situations and demonstrate skill in movement, day and night, hitting moving targets. All this is very difficult , “explained Hodges.
Recall that in early March, American intelligence said that Russia may not seek a direct military conflict with the United States and NATO, but the potential for escalation from the Russian Federation exists.
Note that Poland is embarking on the largest rearmament campaign in 50 years in response to the ever-growing threat from Russia.
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