According to Stoltenberg, the Russian attack on Ukraine has created a “new reality” that threatens European security. “NATO has to adapt to this new reality. And that is exactly what we are doing,” says Stoltenberg against the newspaper.
He points out that NATO previously had only a limited force on the eastern flank and that this was mainly intended as a deterrent. In the event of an attack, reinforcements would have to come from other countries.
Troops tenfold
Meanwhile, the troop strength has increased almost tenfold, to about 40,000 men. But more needs to be done, according to Stoltenberg. “We must ensure that we remain able to protect and defend all NATO allies in a more dangerous world.”
There is a NATO summit in Madrid in June. Stoltenberg wants a decision to be made about the plans.
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