"NATO Plans to Deploy Multinational Forces to Four Southeastern European Countries... Strengthening Deterrence Against Russia"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is reportedly planning to deploy multinational forces to four countries in Southeastern Europe in response to rising concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, some NATO member states oppose the deployment of troops that could escalate military tensions with Russia, making consensus difficult to achieve.

On the 14th (local time), major foreign media outlets, citing diplomats familiar with NATO affairs, reported that "at the NATO Defense Ministers meeting scheduled for the 16th this week, NATO is expected to announce plans to deploy new multinational forces to four countries in Southeastern Europe."

According to these diplomats, NATO plans to deploy 1,000 multinational troops each to Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary. Through this deployment, NATO aims to deter Russian forces and strengthen the defense of its eastern region.

Currently, Romania and Bulgaria support the plan, with France proposed to command the Romanian contingent and Bulgaria itself proposed to lead the Bulgarian contingent, according to major foreign media. However, the final decision on the deployment has not yet been made.

On the other hand, Hungary and Slovakia oppose the NATO multinational force deployment, expressing concerns that further provocation of Russia could jeopardize their national security. Inside NATO, if these countries refuse the deployment, official stationing in those countries will not be implemented, but troops may be allowed to be dispatched to the region if necessary, major foreign media reported.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.