BRUSSELS(AFP) – NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday that the alliance was deploying its quick reaction force for the first time in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“The situation is still fluid. What we’ve seen is that the Ukrainian troops are battling valiantly and are able to inflict harm on the Russian forces invading their country “After a video conference of NATO leaders, Stoltenberg remarked.
“Ukraine is being invaded in its entirety. They are marching towards Kyiv, with the proclaimed purpose of changing Ukraine’s government.”
Stoltenberg warned that Russia’s aggressiveness has established a “new normal,” endangering Europe’s security beyond non-NATO member Ukraine.
Stoltenberg stated, “We have already reinforced our deterrence and defence.”
“Allies activated their defence plans yesterday, and as a result, components of the NATO Response Force (NRF) are being deployed on land, at sea, and in the air to enhance our posture and respond promptly to any situation.”
The move is the most recent by NATO to bolster its defences after partners led by the US dispatched thousands of troops to eastern members as the Kremlin advanced on Ukraine.
“We have over 100 planes on high alert in over 30 different sites, as well as over 120 ships from the far north to the Mediterranean,” Stoltenberg added.
“This is to keep the peace and prevent the war in Ukraine from spreading to any NATO ally.”
He refused to identify where the reaction forces would be dispatched, stating the decision would be made by NATO’s senior military commander.
