NATO sends 6,000 troops near Russian border for exercises

On May 2, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) began a large-scale spring exercise in Estonia with the participation of about 6,000 soldiers.

NATO exercise. Photo: Sputnik

According to the announcement of the General Staff of the Estonian Armed Forces, the exercise will involve soldiers from 10 NATO member countries, including the Netherlands, the US, the UK, and Germany. The exercise will take place in the eastern part of Estonia near the border with Russia and will last until May 19.

In addition to soldiers, the exercise also involved Su-22 fighter-bombers of the Polish army, while the US army deployed F-15 fighter jets, Chinook CH-47 military transport aircraft and Bell V-22 Osprey escort aircraft.

Since 2014, Estonia has called on NATO to establish permanent military bases on its territory, especially after the crisis in eastern Ukraine broke out, straining relations between Russia and NATO.

Last year, the Estonian government ratified an agreement allowing US troops unrestricted access to the Baltic country's military facilities, as well as building the necessary infrastructure for US troops in the area of ​​those facilities.

Under the agreement, US military personnel have free access to Emary Air Base, where NATO bombers are stationed to protect the airspace of the Baltic countries.

According to baotintuc.vn