Summit in Madrid
NATO wants to drastically increase deterrence on the eastern flank
US President Joe Biden during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg at the NATO Summit. Photo: Susan Walsh/AP/dpa
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In response to the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, the western alliance is repositioning itself. Military strength is invoked in Madrid. Ukraine is promised further support.
With a significant reinforcement of the eastern flank and more than 300,000 quickly deployable soldiers, NATO wants to deter Russia from possible aggression against the Allies.
The rapid reaction forces should be ready for action in the coming year, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday at the NATO summit in Madrid.
US President Joe Biden announced a further expansion of the troop presence in Europe as a result of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. «Putin wanted the Finnishization of Europe. He will get Europe’s NATOization,” he said, referring to the previously neutral country that is now striving to join NATO.
On Tuesday evening, Turkey gave up its opposition to the admission of Finland and Sweden to NATO. The three states signed a memorandum of understanding addressing Turkey’s reservations. Among other things, it is about arms exports and the fight against terrorism.
demonstrated unity
Stoltenberg described the Defense Alliance Summit as historic. The summit will show unity and the ability to adapt to a changing world. He also referred to the new strategic concept. He expects it to be made clear that Russia poses “a direct threat to our security,” said Stoltenberg. China is a challenge to NATO’s values, interests and security.
In order to be able to act quickly, NATO wants to replace the NRF intervention force, which currently has around 40,000 soldiers, with a new force model with more than 300,000 quickly deployable forces. “They will be stationed in their own countries, but already assigned to certain states and territories and will be responsible for defending those areas,” Stoltenberg said. Heavy weapons and equipment should already be available in the operational areas. Germany could participate in these reinforced NATO intervention forces with 15,000 soldiers.
Scholz announces further weapon deliveries
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) promised Ukraine further arms deliveries. In addition to humanitarian and financial aid, “weapons that Ukraine urgently needs will be made available,” he said. “The message is: we will continue this for as long and as intensively as is necessary so that Ukraine can defend itself.” He also welcomed the agreement on the admission of Sweden and Finland to NATO. That is “something that is very, very important to us,” said the Chancellor. “Both countries fit very well with our alliance.”
The US is sending more soldiers and weapons to Europe. “Together with our allies, we will ensure that NATO is able to counter threats from all directions and in all areas – on land, in the air and at sea,” said Biden. For example, a headquarters for the Fifth US Corps will be set up in Poland. In the Baltic States, the troops deployed on a rotating basis would be reinforced.
According to US information, two additional squadrons of F-35 fighter jets will also be sent to Great Britain. Additional air defense forces are to be stationed in Germany and Italy. In Spain, the number of US destroyers is increased from four to six. Some of these steps were already known. In recent months, the United States has increased the number of its soldiers in Europe to around 100,000.
“Today is an opportunity to show that NATO is back,” said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reaffirmed his determination to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank militarily. He said: “If Vladimir Putin was hoping to get less NATO on his western front as a result of his unprovoked, illegal invasion of Ukraine, he was completely wrong. He gets more Nato.”