NATO Response Force was activated for the first time as a defensive measure in response to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander, General Tod Wolters launched a multinational force made up of land, air, sea, and special operations troops that can deploy fast to protect the NATO alliance.
The activation of the reaction forces does not imply that US or NATO troops will enter Ukraine, which is not a member of the alliance.
US President Joe Biden has made it clear that US forces will be deployed to eastern Europe to support NATO members concerned about Russia’s aggressive activities, but that they will not be fighting in Ukraine.
“This is a historic moment and the very first time the Alliance has employed these high readiness forces in a deterrence and defense role.”
“They represent a flexible, combat credible force that can be employed in multiple ways and we are utilizing fully their inherent agility,”
Wolters said in a statement “These deterrence measures are prudent and enhance our speed, responsiveness. And capability to shield and protect the one billion citizens we swore to protect.”
The force is currently on standby and has not yet been deployed. It’s unclear how many troops will make up the response force.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday that the alliance has to do more to pressure Russia to stop its military aggression in Ukraine.
“We must stand ready to do more, even if it means we have to pay the price because we are in this for the long haul,” he said.
“We have to take this seriously, and that’s exactly why we are now deploying the NATO response force for the first time in a collective defense context,” he said.
The NATO Response Force has a total strength of 40,000 troops, but Stoltenberg did not specify how many will be activated.
Saying only that “we are deployment elements” of the force.
Zelensky praised NATO for its support in a message posted Friday morning but asked the organization to do more, bemoaning the fact that Ukraine was left to fend for itself.
“We are alone in defending our country. Who is ready to defend us together with us? Honestly, I don’t see any,” Zelensky said.
“Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of joining NATO? Honestly, everyone is afraid.”
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