NATO mobilizes 18 countries for drills due to 'worsening security' after Crimea joins Russia
(Baonghean.vn) - More than 8,000 soldiers from 18 countries, 50 ships and 40 aircraft are participating in the annual naval exercise called BALTOPS of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This year, the exercise is led by the US military, the goal is to demonstrate NATO's defense capabilities against any enemy.
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| NATO soldiers participate in an exercise. Photo: AP |
“The Baltic Sea is strategically important for the alliance and borders six NATO countries,” said NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu. She stressed that the exercises were “not directed at anyone,” but acknowledged that “it is clear that the security situation in the region has worsened following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea.”
Forces from Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the United Kingdom, the United States, Turkey, France, Estonia, as well as Finland and Sweden are participating in the exercise. This year the US Navy's 2nd Fleet is leading the exercises.
Earlier, Russian Defense Minister General Sergei Shoigu said that NATO's increase in military potential would destroy the existing security system in the world and force Moscow to take retaliatory measures.