The members of the alliance are “concerned” about the possible use of these weapons by Russia
Few imagined, just a month ago, that Russian President Vladimir Putin would order a large-scale attack on Ukraine. Now, the unknowns revolve around the magnitude of devastation that the Kremlin wants to cause in the country. NATO assures that Moscow “is looking for pretexts” to use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine and defends that the risk of a nuclear attack “is real”. “NATO has already activated its nuclear defense mechanism,” added its Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg.
An attack of this type would suppose an escalation of the conflict, since it would affect countries of the Atlantic Alliance, and would reach an international level. That is the biggest fear of NATO, which has so far focused on supporting Ukraine with military training and equipment, but has refused to intervene directly to prevent a possible Third World War. “It is our responsibility to ensure that the conflict does not reach an international magnitude,” Stoltenberg has pointed out in recent days.
The threat, however, is real “and we must prepare Ukraine for what may happen,” he added. For this reason, the allied countries have agreed to send kyiv protection against chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear attacks, as well as to train the Ukrainians on how to act in the face of such aggression.
In parallel, NATO tries to reinforce its positions and shield neighboring countries, with the deployment of its infantry and the shipment of military equipment. The allies have 40,000 troops in eastern Europe – backed by air and sea forces – to which must be added 100,000 US soldiers.
The 30 allied leaders have agreed at their meeting this Thursday in Brussels to increase their presence on the eastern flank, with the creation of four new combat groups in Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia, in addition to those already deployed in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. “The Russian attack has changed global security,” Stoltenberg said, adding that at their June summit, the allies will establish guidelines to reach 2% in defense investment.