NATO risks angering Russia after announcing troops will remain present in the Baltic states and Eastern Europe as fears of World War 3 create regional tensions, the Secretary General revealed.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance will remain in the area “as long as necessary” to protect its allies.
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NATO could anger Putin with announcement about troops in Eastern Europe
“We are deploying for the first time in our history forces in the eastern part of the alliance…
“We are also strengthening our ability to move forces across Europe, but also across the North Atlantic.”
Since Russia invaded Crimea a number of political spats have taken place between the two countries.
Last year Russia accused Ukraine of trying to stage armed demonstrations in the southern peninsula.
However, Ukraine argued Russia had placed tens of thousands of troops on the border.
Reaffirming his support for Ukraine, Mr Stoltenberg said: “It’s not possible to give you an exact date for staying in Eastern Europe.
“We will stay there as long as necessary.”
Recently additional Western troops have been deployed on Europe’s Eastern border with Russia as Mr Putin held his first war game with Belarus for four years.
President Putin has previously accused neighbouring NATO-affiliated countries of being the aggressors, defending similar military drills as acts of dissuasion.
However, the Russian leader has also previously outlined his wish to see the international organisation fail, describing it as in his county’s best interest.
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President Putin unveils a statue in Crimea as he tries to tighten power grip on region
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Nato leader Jens Stoltenberg has vowed troops will stay in Eastern Europe as long as necessary
However, he went on to add that Russia “don’t see that falling apart just yet.”
Thee are fears that without NATO’s presence in the area that Russia would invade more neighbouring countries.
NATO was originally founded in 1949 as an alliance against the Soviet Union and has maintained its opposition to Russia’s expansionist aims ever since.
