The war in Eastern Europe: In the wake of Finland’s and Sweden’s request to join NATO, Russia announced today (Saturday) that it will take steps against NATO enlargement near its borders. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu He said that “Russia will establish 12 military units in the west of the country in response to requests to join.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. reported that it is expected to hold about 100,000 troops on European soil in the near future, “unless Russia escalates and threatens Sweden and Finland or other NATO members,” according to U.S. sources. The numbers may increase temporarily, if the military alliance decides to carry out exercises in the area or if the security environment in the area changes.
The plans are being considered following a meeting of NATO allies last Thursday in Brussels. Joe Biden, This coming June. As mentioned, the United States has increased its manpower on the continent, which now has about 60,000 troops per 100,000 now. The United States has also added military assets along the Eastern wing of Europe, in order to support NATO and to deter Russia.
At the same time, the finance ministers of the G7 countries have announced that they will transfer to Ukraine economic aid worth $ 19.8 billion. The statement from the organization said that “the funds will be used to help Ukraine” close its funding gaps and continue to ensure the provision of basic services to the Ukrainian people.
Joe Biden at the G-7 Summit (Photo: Reuters)Recall, in a statement issued earlier this week Finland read: “During the spring, an important discussion took place on Finland’s possible membership in NATO. It takes time to formulate local positions both in parliament and in society as a whole. “It takes time for close international contacts both with NATO and with its member states, as well as with Sweden. We wanted to give the discussion the time it needs.”
Remember, President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, Said this week that “NATO expansion at the expense of Finland and Sweden does not pose a direct threat to Russia.” He further warned that Russia would respond to the expansion of NATO’s military infrastructure in Finland and Sweden. “We will look at what will be based on the threats that will be created for us,” Putin said, adding that “we will respond accordingly.” The Russian president attacked the US, saying: “NATO enlargement is an artificial problem because everything is being done for the interests of the US.
Vladimir Putin (Photo: Sputnik / Sergei Guneev / Pool via REUTERS)“The North Atlantic Alliance also goes beyond its geographical destination, beyond the Euro-Atlantic, trying to be more and more involved in international issues and control the international situation in terms of security and not in the best way. It certainly requires more attention on our part,” he added.