NATO considers Russia the 'most significant and direct threat to our security'

On Monday 27 June, NATO announced that it will significantly increase its rapid response force from 40,000 to 300,000. Allies will also boost troop deployments in member countries nearby Russia.

Russia a 'significant and direct threat'

NATO will also alter its language in regards to Russia, which until now has been described as a 'strategic partner.' It will emphasise that Russia is now considered the 'most significant and direct threat to our security,' as reported by The Independent. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Monday:

I expect that allies will state clearly that Russia poses a direct threat to our security, to our values, to the rules-based international order.

Increase a 'response triggered' by Russia threat

The seven-fold increase in the military alliance's rapid response force is the result of this threat. The NATO chief explained, as reported by the BBC:

I'm confident that Moscow, President Putin, understands our collective security guarantees, understands the consequence of attacking a Nato-allied country. It will trigger a response from the whole Alliance. And to underpin that message, we are increasing the Nato presence.

'The biggest overhaul'

The NATO Response Force - which is ready to mobilise from two days' notice to six months - currently consists of approximately 40,000 soldiers, sailors, and air personnel. Stoltenberg stated, as reported by Sky News:

We will transform the NATO Response Force and increase the number of our high readiness forces to well over 300,000.

Stoltenberg added:

Together, this constitutes the biggest overhaul of our collective deterrence and defence since the Cold War.

The Secretary-General also announced the bolstering of units deployed across eight eastern and southeastern NATO countries to prevent hostilities from Russia. They will expand in size from 1,000-strong battlegroups to 3,000-5,000 troop brigades.

Meanwhile, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia will receive more war-fighting equipment as they are considered to be most at risk from Russia.

The announcement highlights NATO's wish to have adequate forces on the ground to defeat any attempt at an invasion. It was made ahead of a NATO summit in Madrid, Spain on Tuesday 28 June.

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