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The Americans have proposed that NATO send 1,500 troops to two Balkan countries in response to the gathering of Russian troops on the Ukrainian border, says the German newspaper Der Spiegel.
US General Todd D. Wolters, in charge of Allied forces in Europe, recently suggested to his NATO counterparts that they increase the presence of troops in these two countries, which would have forces called the Advanced Improved Presence. (EFP), formed five years ago.
Such NATO contingents are located in Poland and the Baltic states, and are involved in training with local armies.
The idea is that in case of conflict, they should come to the front as soon as possible, while other reinforcements are expected to arrive later.
NATO justified the creation of EFP units with the annexation of Crimea, so even now it is considered that their activation would be an appropriate response to Russian military maneuvers near the Ukrainian border.
Spiegel quotes Wolters as saying that NATO will continue to adhere to an agreement with Russia that prohibits the permanent deployment of strong troops on the east side of the alliance.
For this reason, there are no permanent troops in the Baltic countries, but soldiers rotate.
NATO headquarters did not confirm or deny the German newspaper’s claims, but a spokeswoman said the alliance remained “vigilant” and would take “all necessary steps” to protect its members from any threat.
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