NATO allied troops to arrive in Hungary?
The Russian-Ukrainian conflict could call for measures. Many people are concerned about a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The US and a handful of allies are in discussions to deploy thousands more troops to Eastern European NATO countries, writes CNN. The aim would be to show support amidst the current threat of Russia invading Ukraine.
Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary are considering accepting the incoming troops. The deployments would mean approximately 1,000 personnel in every country that agrees to accept the troops.
“Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said on Monday that the US has put 8,500 troops in the US on heightened alert in case a NATO Response Force is called up and American forces are needed quickly. However, the vast majority of these forces are intended for activity supported by the full NATO alliance. The US and NATO have tens of thousands of other troops already in Europe to draw on for any additional deployments to Eastern European allies,” CNN wrote.
The United States and the United Kingdom were two of the countries that initiated the idea of troops being deployed. Not all NATO member states agree, though. Discussions with Hungary are ongoing.
Hvg.hu wrote that soldiers are not yet deployed in Hungary. John Kirby said that there are 8,500 soldiers on standby, but they need the full support of NATO. President Joe Biden said that the troops could travel to Europe sooner, in order to save time.
Romania also expressed its views. “The security crisis caused by Russia is not just about Ukraine, the Black Sea region, and not just about European security but about the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic area. It is therefore important in this situation to show unity and solidarity at the level of both NATO and the European Union,” 24.hu quoted the Romanian President.
Vasile Dincu, Minister of Defence, said that Romania would not send soldiers or weapons to Ukraine. NATO rules state that troops can be deployed only if a member state is threatened. Ukraine is not a NATO member state.
The situation, therefore, is complicated, and new decisions could be made at any minute.
Source: CNN, hvg.hu, 24.hu