The increase of forces, aid to Ukraine, and the bloc’s further expansion are on the agenda
NATO, the US-led military alliance, began its three-day summit in Madrid Tuesday.
The 30-member organization will focus on strengthening its forces in Europe and elsewhere in the wake of Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, which was launched in late February. It is expected that members discuss further aid for Kiev and the possibility of Sweden joining the bloc.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated Monday that NATO would double the size of its rapid response troops, from 40,000 to 50,000. “well over” 300,000. Russia was his label “the most significant and direct threat.”
This meeting takes place just days after the G7 summit, which took place in south Germany. At that summit, the leaders from the US, Canada and Britain pledged support to Ukraine. “for as long as it takes.”
NATO countries will also be expected to talk about further financial and military aid for Ukraine. The allies have been increasingly supplying heavy weapons to Kiev since February. These include howitzers as well as combat drones, armoured vehicles, radars, and armored vehicles. According to recent reports, the US purchased the Norwegian-developed NASAMS medium and long-range surface-to–air missile system systems.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in February that NATO’s expansion eastward and attempts to set up “a foothold”Russian troops invaded Ukraine because of their presence in Ukraine. NATO denies that Russia’s forces or military bases pose a threat.
NATO will adopt the revised Strategic Concept, the bloc’s key document, which provides an assessment of the current security environment. Stoltenberg indicated that China will be addressed in the new Strategic Concept, which is the bloc’s key document.
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NATO to increase rapid-response forces sevenfold – Stoltenberg
Finland and Sweden will attend the event after they applied to NATO. Turkey threatened to block their membership and accused the Nordic countries of harbouring Kurdish-linked people, an accusation Ankara regards as terrorist organizations.
Reuters quoted Turkish officials and Western diplomats on Monday as saying that a breakthrough over the issue of Sweden’s and Finland’s membership was “unlikely.”
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