30/08/2014 10:38
Seven NATO countries to create new response force over Ukrainian crisis
Seven NATO's member states plan to create new response force of at least 10,000 soldiers in order to strengthen the alliance's defense capabilities in light of the escalating Ukrainian crisis, RIA Novosti reported, citing Financial Times.
Britain will lead the forces from Denmark, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Norway and the Netherlands, with Canada potentially joining in. The new NATO Response Force (NRF) will include air and naval units, as well as ground troops, according to FT.
Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to announce the new NRF formation next week.
NATO members are scheduled to meet in Wales for the September 4-5 summit to discuss the alliance’s response to Russia, which it accuses of interfering in Ukrainian affairs.
US President Barack Obama, as well as other leaders of the member states are expected to agree on a long-term plan to enhance NATO's Eastern front so that some of the forces could respond to the possible escalation of the crisis within several days.