Response to Ukraine war: NATO launches maneuvers in Eastern Europe
Created: 05/01/2022, 19:01
By: Teresa Toth
Around 8,000 British soldiers are traveling to Eastern Europe for NATO military exercises.
© Sharron Flyod/Ministry Of Defense/dpa
NATO is conducting the "Defender Europe 2022" and "Swift Response" maneuvers in Eastern Europe.
People should refrain from photographing the columns.
Warsaw – Against the background of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, NATO has started military exercises in Eastern Europe.
According to Polish information, around 18,000 soldiers from more than 20 countries are involved in the maneuvers called "Defender Europe 2022" and "Swift Response".
In addition to Poland, the exercises will take place in eight other countries over several weeks.
Although NATO regularly conducts exercises on the eastern flank to improve security, this year they are directly linked to the Ukraine conflict.
"The security of Europe has never been more important than it is today," stressed British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace on Friday (April 29).
About 8,000 British soldiers take part in the maneuvers in Eastern Europe.
It is one of "the largest joint operations (of Western countries) since the Cold War," said Wallace.
NATO in Eastern Europe: parachute jumps and helicopter attacks are practiced
In addition to the NATO member countries, the non-NATO countries Finland and Sweden, which are considering joining NATO, are also taking part via the Joint Expeditionary Force, a multinational expeditionary and intervention force.
In Finland, the "Arrow" maneuver has already begun with troops from the USA, Great Britain, Estonia and Latvia.
Aircraft, helicopters, tanks, artillery and armored assault vehicles, among other things, are used in the exercises.
For example, parachute jumps and helicopter attacks are practiced.
"The scale of the engagement will deter aggression on a scale unprecedented in Europe in this century," said British Army Commanding Officer Lt. Gen. Ralph Wooddisse.
Due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, the Polish military appealed to the public not to publish any information or photos of the exercises and convoys that would travel through the country in the coming weeks - these could endanger NATO security.
The exercises in Eastern Europe will last around four weeks until May 27th.
Meanwhile, the Russian army's attacks on Ukraine continue.
Clashes erupted among Russian troops in southern Ukraine.
There is talk of mutual "bombardment".
(Teresa Toth)
