Baltic states asking NATO to expand military presence

Divisions are opening among NATO members about boosting military deployments in Eastern Europe amid disagreements about whether the Kremlin’s faltering battlefield effort means it cannot significantly threaten alliance territory, Report informs, citing Washington Post.

The debate underlines different assessments of the lessons from nearly three months of war in Ukraine. The Baltic states and Poland are asking for a significantly expanded military presence on their soil and new capabilities such as antiaircraft defense that could make it far harder for Russia to invade. Other policymakers, including from France and Italy, are voicing skepticism that the shambolic Russian force will pose a threat to NATO territory anytime soon.

An initial decision must be made by the end of June when NATO leaders will meet at a summit in Madrid. At that gathering, they are also expected to give initial approval to Finland and Sweden’s membership applications.