NATO is preparing for its biggest military exercise in decades with 90,000 troops deploying to Ukraine’s neighbour Moldova.
The former Soviet state, now lined up for EU membership, is expected to become the target of a Kremlin destabilisation programme to prevent its move to the West.
The Institute for the Study of War think-tank says Moldova, which includes the pro-Russian breakaway province Transnistria, has become the target of Russian anger.
They say claims made by a senior Russian foreign ministry official that Moldova had begun to “destroy its ties” with a post-Soviet pact with Russia will put it in the firing line.
Now around 1,100 combat vehicles, 50 ships and 80 planes and helicopters are expected to take part in the NATO exercise, according to Moldova media.
The exercise, titled ‘Steadfast Defender’ is among the largest to take place since the end of the Cold War as the ongoing full-scale Russian invasion continues in Ukraine.
Some of the drills will apparently be going on just miles from the heavily contested Black Sea combat zone near Odesa.
The head of NATO European Command. US General Christopher Cavoli, says the exercise will carry on until May.
The show of strength in the war-torn region will include troops from all 31 NATO member countries as well as Sweden, which is set to join the alliance in the near future.
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Cavoli said: “It will be a clear demonstration of our unity, our strength and our determination to protect each other.”
Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, said that NATO countries must be prepared to face opponents including “Russia or terrorist groups”.
He added: “If we find ourselves in a situation like this, if they attack us […]. We are not looking for a conflict, but if they attack us, we must be prepared.”
But he also said that it was important that the allies “have plans and that’s why we’re preparing for a conflict”. Adding that the exercise will involve a “record number of troops”.
Bauer said that despite Russia’s ability to build up its forces having been hampered by Western military sanctions. Moscow is still capable of producing considerable firepower in terms of artillery and missiles.
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Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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