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Javier Colomina: The NATO-Georgia Exercise 2022 will also provide a platform to test and consolidate the Georgian Defence Forces’ ability to perform crisis management tasks

The NATO-Georgia Exercise 2022 provides an opportunity for NATO allies and partner countries to share experience, skills, and know-how with the Georgian Defense Forces, as well as to further develop their command and control capabilities and ability to operate effectively alongside forces from other NATO member and partner countries. The exercise will also provide a platform to test and consolidate the Georgian Defence Forces’ ability to perform crisis management tasks, - NATO Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, Javier Colomina, said in a comment to Europetime.  „Georgia is one of the Alliance’s closest partners and continues to benefit from both political and practical support from NATO. Among others, practical cooperation includes working together with the NATO Command Structure in order to strengthen Georgia’s defence capabilities and interoperability with the Alliance. Thanks to this cooperation - which has over the years been further bolstered through the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package - Georgian Defence Forces are more capable and NATO interoperable than ever before. NATO Joint Force Training Centre (JFTC) has been providing support to the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Centre (JTEC) since 2016. JTEC provides training and evaluation to Georgian and international forces aimed at enhancing Georgia’s defence capabilities, increasing its interoperability with NATO, and contributing to strengthening regional and international security. As such, the NATO Joint Force Training Centre, together with LANDCOM, has been supporting JTEC in preparing and conducting the NATO-Georgia Exercises. The NATO-Georgia Exercise 2022 constitutes an opportunity for NATO Allies and partner nations to share experience, skills and know-how with Georgian Defence Forces and to further develop their command and control capabilities and their ability to operate effectively alongside forces from other NATO member and partner countries. The exercise will also provide a platform to test and consolidate the Georgian Defence Forces’ ability to perform crisis management tasks, through a comprehensive approach based on cooperation with a range of civilian and military actors, including international organizations and non-governmental organizations. This exercise is a routine multinational crisis response exercise that takes place every three years. The NATO-Georgia Exercise 2022 is conducted transparently, in close cooperation with NATO structures, according to NATO procedures and with full respect of international obligations“, - Javier Colomina said. Georgia will host the 2022 NATO-Georgia Exercise for the third time in March, with the defence manoeuvres set to be led by the Georgian Defence Forces and involve alliance and partner countries, the defence ministry announced on Tuesday.

The United States has delivered to Georgia equipment worth more than $1.2 million

According to the US embassy, the United States is actively helping Georgia to build its capacity to detect the presence of weapons of mass destruction and respond to those threats. „We just delivered to the Georgian Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Internal Affairs equipment worth more than $1.2 million. This is part of an ongoing multi-year support to equipment and training program led by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency. It complements ongoing efforts by the U.S. Export Control and Border Security Program to work with Georgian partners to prevent the proliferation of these weapons and related materials and systems. This and other security and defense cooperation projects strengthen the resilience of the government and its capacity to provide security to the people of Georgia and improve the overall security of the Black Sea region“, - the US embassy said.  

Council of Europe launches proceedings against Turkey

The Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers has taken a further step to launching sanctions against Turkey for not releasing philanthropist Osman Kavala. It has asked the ECHR to reexamine the case. "It is regrettable that the Turkish authorities have refused to execute the respective ECHR's ruling. Such an attitude sets a worrying precedent and further increases the EU's concerns regarding Turkish judiciary's adherence to international and European standards," said Peter Stano, EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy. In December 2019, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ordered the immediate release of Osman Kavala, a leading figure in Turkish civil society. But that fell on deaf ears. The ECHR had ruled that Kavala's rights were violated by the Turkish state. Osman Kavala has been jailed for over four years without a conviction and remains in Istanbul's Silivri Prison. "I hope that the evaluation of the European Court of Human Rights will contribute to the protection of legal norms regarding human rights in our country," Kavala said in a statement after the latest development. Turkey's Foreign Affairs Ministry accused the Council of Europe of interfering in the independence of the judicial proceedings and violating the principle of respect for judicial proceedings with a "biased" and "selective" approach. "It is evident that this prejudiced and politically motivated decision, which disregards the domestic proceedings, damages the credibility of the European human rights system," the ministry said in an official statement. In a written statement after the Council of Europe's decision, Kavala's attorneys said that prolonging the detention as a punishment was an unlawful exercise of public authority and that his detention was a disgrace to the Turkish judiciary. "The content and form of the judicial practices after the decision of acquittal issued in the Gezi trial do not only constitute a failure to execute the judgment of the ECHR, but also represent a series of violations that could not be ignored even if this judgment had not been issued," they said.

President Biden says 'major terrorist' blew himself up in US raid

President Joe Biden said Thursday a global "terrorist threat" was removed when the head of the Islamic State group blew himself up after US special forces swooped on his Syrian hideout in an "incredibly challenging" nighttime helicopter raid. Biden said he ordered an assault by troops, rather than merely bombing the house where the IS leader was located, in order to minimize civilian casualties, even though this meant " much greater risk to our own people." "The United States military forces successfully removed a major terrorist threat to the world, the global leader of ISIS," Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, Biden said in nationally televised remarks. The operation dealt the biggest setback to the jihadist IS organization since Qurashi's predecessor, the better-known Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in a US commando raid in the same Syrian region of Idlib in 2019. The house contained "families, including children" and "as our troops approached to capture the terrorist, in a final act of desperate cowardice, with no regard to the lives of his own family or others in the building, he chose to blow himself up," Biden said. Qurashi did not merely set off a suicide vest to kill himself, but detonated the entire "third floor" of the residence in the town of Atme, Biden said, "taking several members of his family with him."

British PM: It wouldn’t just be Ukraine to be drawn back into the Russian sphere of influence. You’re going to think about Georgia, Moldova

The UK is a firm and enduring ally of Ukraine and a supporter of Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty and integrity. It is vital that Russia steps back and chooses a path of diplomacy. That’s according to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who spoke at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Tuesday, February 1, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. According to him, the current time is "critical and decisive", which is why all the measures to deter Russia, which is introduced by the United Kingdom, are important. „What is happening now is that President Putin, Russia are trying to undermine those immense gains and to redraw the security map of Europe, to impose a new Yalta, new zones of influence. And it wouldn’t just be Ukraine to be drawn back into the Russian sphere of influence. You’re going to think about Georgia, Moldova, and other countries. This is absolutely critical, this moment. It’s vital that we stand together with Ukraine in the way that we are," the British Prime Minister said.  

Boris Johnson: It is vital that Russia steps back

Prime minister Boris Johnson told a news conference in Kyiv that the UK and allies are ready to launch sanctions against Russia "the moment the first Russian toe-cap crosses further into Ukrainian territory". Boris Johnson said: "It is vital that Russia steps back and chooses a path of diplomacy. "We are keen to engage in dialogue”. Johnson also said the build-up of Russian troops on the Ukrainian border was possibly the greatest act of hostility "towards the Ukraine in our lifetimes". He said any conflict would come at a high cost. "The Ukrainian army will fight. They will put a very, very very fierce and bloody resistance and I think that parents, mothers in Russia should reflect on that fact," he said.

NATO has no plans to send combat troops to Ukraine if Russia invades

NATO has no plans to deploy combat troops to non-NATO member Ukraine in the event of a Russian invasion, Asked on BBC Television whether he would rule out putting NATO troops in Ukraine if Russia does invade, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said: „We have no plans to deploy NATO combat troops to Ukraine ... we are focusing on providing support“. „There is a difference between being a NATO member and being a strong and highly valued partner as Ukraine. There's no doubt about that“. Russia has placed about 100,000 troops, tanks, artillery and missiles near Ukraine's border, but denies it plans to invade the former Soviet republic, which borders both Russia and the EU. The US has put 8,500 troops on alert to deploy at short notice, which Russia said caused it "great concern". Members of the Nato alliance, including Denmark, Spain, Bulgaria and the Netherlands, are sending more fighter jets and warships to Eastern Europe to bolster defences in the region. Washington has made clear that Russian demands for NATO to pull back troops and weapons from eastern Europe and bar Ukraine from ever joining are non-starters, but says it is ready to discuss other topics such as arms control and confidence-building measures.

The UK is considering offering to double its number of troops deployed in Eastern Europe

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the possible deployment would send a „clear message to the Kremlin“. The defence and foreign secretaries are preparing to meet their counterparts in Moscow to encourage de-escalation. Johnson will phone Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days. The UK has more than 900 military personnel based in Estonia, more than 100 in Ukraine as part of a training mission, while a light cavalry squadron numbering about 150 is deployed to Poland. Last month, Russia made three demands of Nato: Ukraine should be barred from joining; it should end military activity in eastern Europe; and should not deploy missiles in countries near or bordering Russia. Russia has placed about 100,000 troops, tanks, artillery and missiles near Ukraine's border, but denies it plans to invade the former Soviet republic, which borders both Russia and the EU.

Blinken says U.S. responds to Russia's demands, seeks dialogue

The United States delivered written replies on Wednesday to sweeping Russian security demands, a key step in a fragile diplomatic process as Russia staged new military drills on land and sea near Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the document, handed over in person by U.S. ambassador to Moscow John Sullivan, addressed Russia's concerns and raised those of the United States and its allies. He told reporters the response sets out a serious diplomatic path forward, should Russia choose it, and has a principled and pragmatic evaluation of the concerns Moscow has raised. He added that the United States was open to dialogue. "Putting things in writing is ... a good way to make sure we're as precise as possible, and the Russians understand our positions, our ideas, as clearly as possible. Right now, the document is with them and the ball is in their court," he said. Washington has made clear that Russian demands for NATO to pull back troops and weapons from eastern Europe and bar Ukraine from ever joining are non-starters, but says it is ready to discuss other topics such as arms control and confidence-building measures. Whether President Vladimir Putin is prepared to accept that limited agenda will determine the next phase of the crisis, in which Moscow has massed around 100,000 troops near the border with Ukraine while denying it plans to invade. Reuters

Ukraine: Conscript shoots dead five at aerospace factory

BBC A National Guard conscript in Ukraine has shot dead five people and injured another five in the eastern city of Dnipro, the interior ministry says. The man opened fire as guards were being issued weapons at the Pivdenmash aerospace plant early on Thursday. The soldier, named as Artemiy Ryabchuk, 21, fled with a Kalashnikov assault rifle. He was later arrested by police. He was then seen calmly describing how he shot people one-by-one. His motives were not immediately clear. One Ukrainian lawmaker said the suspect may have been bullied. Some reports say he surrendered to police voluntarily. National Guard chief Mykola Balan submitted his resignation request shortly afterwards, saying a commander was ultimately responsible "for any incidents, both good and bad". In a statement, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy ordered an investigation into the "terrible" shooting. "I expect law enforcement officers to keep the public fully informed about all the circumstances of this crime," he said - including the gunman's motives and "how the incident was allowed to happen". Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky has already set up a special investigative commission. Four National Guard members - all men - were killed during the shooting that happened at 03:40 local time on Thursday (01:40 GMT), the interior ministry says. The fifth victim was a woman working for a security company. A video has now emerged where the suspect is heard saying that he shot the woman in the head because she had refused to open a door so he could leave the premises.   There are fears that the death toll will increase further, as one of the injured - a woman - has a serious abdominal wound. More than 40 National Guard members and police officers have volunteered to donate blood to help the injured, the interior ministry says. Pivdenmash - known as Yuzhmash during its Soviet period - is a state-owned plant that produces and tests material related to aeronautics and defence.  

NDI POLL: DETERIORATION OF THE ECONOMY AT THE FOREFRONT OF PEOPLE’S MINDS

Poll results released today by the National Democratic Institute (NDI or the Institute) and CRRC Georgia find that Georgians see insufficient progress on the top national issues of concern and think the situation regarding poverty, crime, territorial integrity, and education has gotten worse in the last 10 years. Public concerns are consistent across political affiliation, signaling opportunities for political parties to work together to address the common needs of Georgia’s citizens. New poll finds that a majority of Georgians do not think anyone - neither government or opposition parties - is acting in their best interest. Georgians also remain skeptical of the newly elected parliament’s willingness to address their concerns. More than half of the population (53 percent) does not believe parliament is passing legislation on issues that matter to them, while 52 percent do not believe an MP will take action if citizens tell him/her about problems in their district. Only a third believes that parliament regularly communicates with the public. “Economic insecurity remains a top priority for the Georgian public and provides a clear direction for Government and political parties to respond. A renewed focus on the issues of top concern is required across the political spectrum through Government, Parliament and local councils.” - says Alan Gillam, NDI Georgia Country Director - “The consistency of the public view on these issues should be seen as a call to action for political leaders who have lost the confidence of the public in representing their interests.” In light of extreme political polarization, Georgians are supportive of a wide cross-party collaboration. 80 percent agree that their favorite political party should cooperate with all other political parties in the parliament, even if the views of some parties might be unacceptable to them. This perception is consistent across political affiliation. A majority of Georgians believe that domestic actors are best placed to facilitate mediation between the opposition and the government. A plurality (34%) thinks Georgian political parties themselves would make best facilitators during negotiations, while 11 percent find the president as a suitable moderator. Eighteen percent would look to the international community, believing western partners are needed for negotiations. “The public clearly have stated that the political parties in Georgia need to work together to resolve these challenges. The need for economic recovery, exacerbated by the pandemic, remain fundamental challenges in the upcoming period and should focus the minds of Government and opposition alike.” - says Alan Gillam, NDI Georgia Country Director. Although living in a democratic state remains important for the majority (92 percent), only 39 percent believe Georgia meets this criteria. Further, a plurality of Georgians think Georgia is no longer a beacon of democracy (34 percent), while 25 percent says Georgia has never been a good example of democracy to begin with. Only 23 percent of citizens agree that Georgia is a good example of democracy for the neighboring states. Finally, as Covid-19 continues to dominate the lives of citizens across the world, Georgians praise the Government for doing a good job handling the Covid pandemic (50 percent). What remains alarming is the high level of vaccine hesitancy - 42 percent said they would not get vaccinated; 29 percent said they are already vaccinated, 25 percent said they intend to receive a vaccine. Among those who are hesitant, the main reasons are concerns about the quality of the vaccine (38 percent) and possible side effects for those with pre-existing health conditions (20 percent). 34 percent of vaccinated individuals say they will not get a booster, or are undecided about it. NDI surveys public opinion to help Georgian stakeholders diagnose and address issues of public concern by providing accurate, unbiased and statistically sound data. This poll aims to capture the most relevant information to foster the development of responsive policies and governance. The results reflect data collected between December 7-13, 2021, through telephone interviews with a nationwide representative sample of Georgia’s adult population, excluding occupied territories, that included 2,099 completed interviews. The average margin of error is +/- 1.4 percent. Respondents were selected using the random-digit-dial method. This poll was carried out by CRRC Georgia. NDI’s survey work is funded by UK aid from the British

President Tokayev won, but he owes his position to Russia - Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili Associate Professor

Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili Associate Professor, Director of the Center for Governance and Markets sums up the developments in Kazakhstan in an interview with Europe Time. What outcomes have the country, how did the internal power struggle end, and how are the interests of this or that country expressed there. These issues are being discussed in an interview with Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili whose field of activity includes Central Asia, among other areas. ET: In your opinion, what is the current state of influence in Central Asia? The US has no clear strategy in Central Asia. Right now, it is not clear what US interests are. So, since the US withdrew from Afghanistan, it is not clear what US policy is or what US strategy is. Both Russia and China have a strong mutual interest in Central Asia. This is not a competing interest; they have a mutual interest. Russia is providing security, and China is providing infrastructure and economic development. So the division of neighbors seems to be between Russia and China. ET: Experts point to the internal struggle: what brought the protest and what was its origin? This was a protest about internal issues that started out as a peaceful protest over energy prices. President Tokayev called on Russia to protect and help his position because he did not trust the security services. The security services were under the control of Nazarbayev. So, we saw some kind of little struggle between Nazarbaev`s people and the Tokayev`s people. And they took advantage of the protests to side with one another. ET: What was the outcome? The result is that Tokayev won. He took control of the security services. He invited Russia to strengthen his position. Now he is moving Nazarbaev's family members from different positions of power. They control a lot of wealth and resources. Kazakhstan is a country of oil and gas, and the Nazarbaev family has been appointed to many different positions. This means that Tokayev has put his people in, but he is now dependent on Russia. So, Tokayev called for CSTO or Russian troops. NowTokayev is in charge, but he owes his position to Russia. ET: When we talk about the `outcomes`, the increasing influence of Russia has probably become even more visible. Yes, absolutely. Russia's influence is increasing in Central Asia. They have seven thousand troops in Tajikistan, several hundred troops in Kirgistan, and are already in Kazakhstan. I do not think that Russia was looking for this opportunity. It was unexpected, but the withdrawal of the United States now creates competition, and Russia and China quickly feel the space left by the US.

Antony Blinken: We’re also continuing to coordinate with our European allies and partners on severe economic sanctions to hold Moscow accountable for its actions

"Three deliveries of U.S. defensive military assistance arrived in Kyiv this week, carrying additional Javelin missiles and other anti-armor systems, 283 tons of ammunition and non-lethal equipment essential to Ukraine’s front-line defenders. More deliveries are expected in the days to come. We notified Congress of our intent to deliver to Ukraine the Mi-17 helicopters currently held in Defense Department inventories, five of them, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.      "Additionally, the Secretary of Defense announced on Monday that 8,500 U.S. service members currently stationed in Europe and the United States have been placed in heightened readiness – heightened readiness to deploy – to ensure that we’re able to support the NATO Response Force swiftly if it’s activated by the North Atlantic Council to harden the Allies’ eastern flank.   We’re also continuing to coordinate with our European allies and partners on severe economic sanctions to hold Moscow accountable for its actions. As part of our response, we’re also prepared to impose export controls that will have a longer-term effect, denying Russia products that it needs to fulfill its strategic ambitions.   We’re looking to support our allies and partners in dealing with the secondary negative consequences of Russia’s destabilizing acts. As we’re taking steps to ensure that the global energy supply isn’t disrupted – that too is an important focus – should Russia choose to weaponize its natural gas by cutting supply to Europe even more than it’s already done, we’re in discussions with governments and major producers around the world about surging their capacity.   All told, our actions over the past week have sharpened the choice facing Russia now. We’ve laid out a diplomatic path. We’ve lined up steep consequences should Russia choose further aggression. We’ve stepped forward with more support for Ukraine’s security and economy. And we and our allies and partners are united across the board.   Now we’ll continue to press forward and prepare. It remains up to Russia to decide how to respond. We’re ready either way." - Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.  

83% of respondents approve Georgia’s goal to join EU, 77% support joining NATO, NDI says

The majority of the population still actively support joining the European Union and NATO, according to a poll published today by the National Democratic Institute and CRRC-Georgia. 83% said they approved, 8% said they disapproved, while 3% did not know. According to the poll, citizens agree that EU membership is important, regardless of political views, and they support NATO membership. To the question - Do you approve the Georgian government’s stated goal to join NATO? – 77% said they approved, 11% said they disapproved, while 12% did not know. The results reflect data collected between December 7-13, 2021, through telephone interviews with a nationwide representative sample of Georgia’s adult population, excluding occupied territories, that included 2,099 completed interviews. The average margin of error is +/- 1.4 percent. Respondents were selected using the random-digit-dial method. This poll was carried out by CRRC Georgia.

Johnson: UK would boost Nato troops if Ukraine invaded

Britain is prepared to deploy troops to protect Nato allies in Europe if Russia invades Ukraine, Boris Johnson has said in a Commons statement. The prime minister warned that President Putin would face "ferocious" Ukrainian resistance and "many Russian mothers' sons will not be coming home". The UK and its allies would also respond swiftly and "in unison" with "severe" economic sanctions, he added. Russia, which denies plans to invade, has built up troops at the border. Some 100,000 Russian soldiers have been deployed. The US has put 8,500 troops on alert to deploy at short notice, which Russia said caused it "great concern". Members of the Nato alliance, including Denmark, Spain, Bulgaria and the Netherlands, are sending more fighter jets and warships to Eastern Europe to bolster defences in the region.

NATO Secretary General has invited all members of the NATO-Russia Council to a series of further meetings

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg took part in a virtual meeting organised by the President of the United States Joe Biden on Russia’s continued military build-up in and around Ukraine and its implications for European and international security. The meeting also included British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Polish President Andrzej Duda, representing the Chairmanship of the OSCE, as well as the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Participants stressed the importance of unity at this critical time and made clear that any further Russian aggression against Ukraine would come at a high cost. Secretary General Stoltenberg recalled NATO’s consistent dual-track approach towards Russia: strong deterrence and defence, combined with dialogue. He welcomed the additional defensive deployments by NATO Allies to the eastern part of the Alliance, and stressed the need to continue improving NATO’s situational awareness and to enhance collective defence and deterrence in view of the current security situation. Leaders also agreed on the importance of continued dialogue with Russia. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has invited all members of the NATO-Russia Council to a series of further meetings to discuss European security, including the situation in and around Ukraine, NATO-Russia relations, and arms control and non-proliferation.

US places up to 8,500 troops on alert for possible deployment to Eastern Europe

As many as 8,500 US troops have been put on heightened alert for a possible deployment to Eastern Europe as Russian troops mass on Ukraine's border, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Monday.US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin issued the prepare to deploy orders at the direction of President Joe Biden. Kirby said that the bulk of US troops placed on heightened alert was intended to bolster NATO's quick response force, but said Austin also wanted to be postured to be ready for any other contingencies as well. „The United States has taken steps to heighten the readiness of its forces at home and abroad, so they are prepared to respond to a range of contingencies, including support to the NATO response force if it is activated“, Kirby said. He noted the NATO Response Force "comprises around 40,000 multinational troops."

European security situation: notions of ‘spheres of influence’ have no place in the 21st century

The Council has approved conclusions on the European security situation, asserting that European security is indivisible and that any challenge to the European security order affects the security of the EU and its member states. In its conclusions, the Council condemns Russia’s continued aggressive actions and threats against Ukraine, and it calls on Russia to de-escalate, abide by international law and engage constructively in dialogue through the established international mechanisms. As stated by the EU heads of state and government at the European Council meeting in December 2021, any further military aggression by Russia against Ukraine will have massive consequences and severe costs. The EU confirms its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and other Eastern Neighbourhood partners within their internationally recognised borders, and it calls on Russia to re-engage constructively in existing international frameworks for the sustainable and peaceful resolution of conflicts. The Council reaffirms the united approach of the EU and the ongoing strong cooperation and coordination with the United States, NATO, Ukraine and other partner countries. It reiterates the importance of further strengthening the resilience and response capabilities of the EU and its close partners, including in countering cyber and hybrid attacks, foreign information manipulation and interference, including disinformation.

US carrier strike group comes under NATO command in the Mediterranean

GAETA, Italy – Today (24 January 2022), Allied ships from the NATO Naval Striking and Support Forces Command and the U.S. Sixth Fleet initiated a series of patrolling activities across the Mediterranean Sea, within the framework of “Neptune Strike 2022.” Neptune Strike is a long-planned effort. It will be carried out until 4 February, and features the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier aircraft carrier, along with its carrier strike group and air wing. Neptune Strike 2022 highlights NATO’s ability to integrate the high-end maritime capabilities of a carrier strike group to ensure high operational readiness across the Alliance and the defence and protection of all Allies. It is the first time since the Cold War that a full US carrier group comes under NATO command. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the move, calling it “a strong sign of transatlantic unity.” He added: “NATO will always do what is necessary to protect and defend all Allies.” Neptune Strike 2022 is the execution phase of a long series of activities known as Project Neptune, conceptualized in 2020. The activity focuses on overcoming the complexities of integrating command and control of a carrier strike group to NATO. Previous events in the Neptune series include table-top exercises at SIXTHFLT headquarters in Naples, Italy, last year, and a STRIKFORNATO embark in 2021 aboard Mount Whitney called Neptune Challenge. Neptune Challenge integrated the two staffs aboard Mount Whitney in the Black Sea and developed the necessary procedures enabling the successful start of Neptune Strike. "Neptune Challenge gave our staffs an incredible opportunity to learn and grow together aboard our flagship, Mount Whitney," said Rear Adm. James Morley, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO. "The lessons we took from Neptune Challenge led directly into our execution of Neptune Strike, and I look forward to watching this combined team work to command and control high-end forces in real time." SIXTHFLT, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. STRIKFORNATO, headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal, is Supreme Allied Commander Europe's (SACEUR) premier, rapidly deployable and flexible, maritime power projection Headquarters, capable of planning and executing full-spectrum joint maritime operations.

NATO Allies send more ships, jets to enhance deterrence and defence in eastern Europe

NATO Allies are putting forces on standby and sending additional ships and fighter jets to NATO deployments in eastern Europe, reinforcing Allied deterrence and defence as Russia continues its military build-up in and around Ukraine. In the past few days, a number of Allies have made announcements regarding current or upcoming deployments. Denmark is sending a frigate to the Baltic Sea and is set to deploy four F-16 fighter jets to Lithuania in support of NATO’s long-standing air-policing mission in the region. Spain is sending ships to join NATO naval forces and is considering sending fighter jets to Bulgaria. France has expressed its readiness to send troops to Romania under NATO command. The Netherlands is sending two F-35 fighter aircraft to Bulgaria from April to support NATO’s air-policing activities in the region and is putting ship and land-based units on standby for NATO’s Response Force. The United States has also made clear that it is considering increasing its military presence in the eastern part of the Alliance. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said: “I welcome Allies contributing additional forces to NATO. NATO will continue to take all necessary measures to protect and defend all Allies, including by reinforcing the eastern part of the Alliance. We will always respond to any deterioration of our security environment, including through strengthening our collective defence.” NATO is a defensive Alliance. In response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, NATO increased its presence in the eastern part of the alliance, including with four multinational battlegroups in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. These units, led by the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and the United States respectively, are multinational, and combat-ready. Their presence makes clear that an attack on one Ally will be considered an attack on the whole Alliance. There were no NATO forces in the eastern part of the Alliance before 2014.