NATO to deploy more forces to Eastern Europe
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen
(VOVworld) - More NATO ships, warplanes and troops will soon be headed to Eastern Europe in response to the Ukrainian crisis.
Following a meeting between NATO ambassadors in Brussels, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen did not reveal the exact number of troops or steps to be taken, but said NATO is likely to intensify air policing missions over the Baltic region and send more ships to the Baltic Sea and eastern Mediterranean as needed. Rasmussen stressed that the measures are in line with international law and that NATO is ready to help its allies protect themselves.
Meanwhile, Russia’s ambassador to NATO, Alexander Grushko, said NATO’s measures to intensify its military operation go against its intent to reduce tensions in Ukraine. He said NATO should call on the Kiev government to stop its so-called anti-terrorist campaign and begin dialogues with restive regions instead of blaming Russia for causing disorder.
In another development, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said six armored vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been seized by saboteurs in Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine. Protesters have taken over 10 administrative offices in this region. They have asked the government to approve amnesty for the protesters and demand that Kiev halt military operations in Eastern Ukraine.