- Dec 29, 2008
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is set to take part in "air policing missions" on Russia's doorstep, according to a key British security official.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed the United Kingdom is set to lead the operation, alongside Germany, over the Baltic nation of Estonia, which shares its eastern border with Russia, in an interview with Sky News. He said the mission will help ensure "the security of Europe's skies" and bolster "NATO's presence in eastern Europe" at a critical point in relations with Eastern Europe.
The mission comes as tensions between NATO and Russia remain high amid Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, which drew sharp condemnation from NATO member states. Russian authorities for years have expressed concerns about the eastern expansion of NATO, including the possibility of Ukraine joining the organization.
Wallace described the operation as an indication of NATO's unity as it faces the ongoing Russian threat. NATO is not directly involved in the Ukraine conflict, as sending in troops would likely lead to significant escalation, but has rallied behind Ukraine, a non-member state, since the invasion began in February 2022.
"Joint operations of this kind, demonstrate the strength and unity of the NATO alliance and our shared resolve to maintain peace and security across the region," Wallace said.
Putin has managed to breathe new life and vigor into NATO.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed the United Kingdom is set to lead the operation, alongside Germany, over the Baltic nation of Estonia, which shares its eastern border with Russia, in an interview with Sky News. He said the mission will help ensure "the security of Europe's skies" and bolster "NATO's presence in eastern Europe" at a critical point in relations with Eastern Europe.
The mission comes as tensions between NATO and Russia remain high amid Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, which drew sharp condemnation from NATO member states. Russian authorities for years have expressed concerns about the eastern expansion of NATO, including the possibility of Ukraine joining the organization.
Wallace described the operation as an indication of NATO's unity as it faces the ongoing Russian threat. NATO is not directly involved in the Ukraine conflict, as sending in troops would likely lead to significant escalation, but has rallied behind Ukraine, a non-member state, since the invasion began in February 2022.
"Joint operations of this kind, demonstrate the strength and unity of the NATO alliance and our shared resolve to maintain peace and security across the region," Wallace said.
Putin has managed to breathe new life and vigor into NATO.
