Putin’s aggression prompts Spain to bolster Nato forces with resources
GETTY Spain, PM Rajoy right, announces plans to bolster Nato's defence as Putin increases aggression
According to the Latvian information agency LETA, Spain is planning to send six tanks, a dozen armoured vehicles along with 350 troops to Latvia to join Nato’s battalion led by Canadian forces. At least 16 armoured vehicles will reportedly accompany six new Leopard 2e tanks in Latvia as part of the Spanish Embassy's bid to reinforce Nato’s presence on the eastern flank.
Kaspars Galkins, the Latvian defence ministry spokesman, said: “Several countries participating in the battalion have announced what kind of equipment they intend to deploy to Latvia. “Consultations continue with these countries, and no specifics regarding the type of military equipment and the precise number of units has been determined.”
11 things you need to know NATO Tue, February 14, 2017 NATO - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed on 4th April 1949. The organization constitutes a system of collective defence whereby its member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party. Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 11 Every member country, no matter how large or small, has an equal say in discussions and decisions. Photo shows: Signing the North Atlantic Treaty which marked the beginning of NATO, 1949.
Nato defence ministers are set to meet in Brussels later this week as Canadian defence minister Harjit Sajjan is reportedly keen to discuss the increased equipment in Latvia. The news comes after reports confirm Russia deployed a new cruise missile which violates the arms control treaty it shared with the US.
Whilst Trump has previously refused to call Putin a “killer”, the US President will now be faced with the task of responding to Putin’s missile launch. Although Nato members claim Russia is becoming an increasing dangerous threat, Aleksey Meshkov a Russian deputy foreign minister took a sharp turn and also claimed they felt threatened.
GETTY Spain preparing to bolster Nato's defence with new military tanks in Latvia