NATO is set to deploy a “deterrent” and possible “fighting” force of some 4,000 troops to the Baltic region by next May. The chief of the European Command has called on the alliance to approach Russia from a “position of strength.”
Trends. The announcement of the 4,000-strong contingent took place as military leaders from the military bloc gathered in Split, Croatia over the weekend. At the summit, Czech Army Gen. Petr Pavel said four battle groups will be sent to the region at different times in the first half of 2017.
“With these four battle groups, we are not talking about exclusively about a training presence,” he said, according to Wall Street Journal. “This force is to serve as a deterrent and if necessary as a fighting force. The rules will be different,” Pavel added. The Croatian General pointed out that the new NATO force in the Baltic is planned to be commanded from the Polish division headquarters with US Army Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti overseeing any deployment of the new NATO force. READ MORE
