NATO implements new plan to defend Poland and Baltic states in case of attack

2023-05-21T11:29:49.735Z

Highlights: NATO has published new defence plans for Poland and the Baltic countries. These countries are among the most hostile towards Russia, of which they are the neighbors. In the region, reactions to these plans are positive, although many details still need to be worked out to make them concrete. Estonia created a division at the beginning of the year to better integrate itself into NATO's chains of command. But Tallinn also invests in the acquisition of equipment, nearly 50% of the defense budget is devoted to it.

NATO has published new defence plans for Poland and the Baltic countries. These countries are among the most hostile towards Russia, of which they are the neighbors. In the region, the reactions...

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NATO implements new plan to defend Poland and Baltic states in case of attack

Audio 01:12

Members of the Estonian Defence Forces take part in NATO exercises in Kadrina, Estonia, May 19, 2023. © Jaap Arriens / AFP

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NATO has published new defence plans for Poland and the Baltic countries. These countries are among the most hostile towards Russia, of which they are the neighbors. In the region, reactions to these plans are positive, although many details still need to be worked out to make them concrete. The three Baltic countries hope they will be confirmed at the NATO summit in Vilnius in early July.

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With our correspondent in Tallinn, Marielle Vitureau

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur walks between French and British tanks. On his khaki sweatshirt is written in capital letters "Kaistetahe" ("will to protect", in Estonian). He is on a command post of the Springstorm military exercise that brings together 14,000 soldiers from 11 different countries. A life-size rehearsal of how Estonia would retaliate in the event of an attack on its territory.

NATO's new plans are therefore there for this: to further strengthen the defence of the Alliance's eastern flank, bordering Russia.

Hanno Pevkur is satisfied with NATO's strengthening of collective defence, but he remains realistic: "These plans must be implemented by the end of the year. There is still a lot to do. We will therefore push for defence spending to reach 2.5% of GDP, and no longer 2%. »

To show that it is taking its defense into its own hands, Estonia created a division at the beginning of the year to better integrate itself into NATO's chains of command. She is leading the military exercise. But Tallinn also invests in the acquisition of equipment, nearly 50% of the defense budget is devoted to it. Because defending oneself also means defending others.

► Read also: NATO: the French military participate in a major exercise in Estonia

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Source: rfi

NATO implements new plan to defend Poland and Baltic states in case of attack

NATO implements new plan to defend Poland and Baltic states in case of attack

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