Contents tagged with NATO
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Lithuania to increase its armed forces by 25 percent
On Wednesday, Lithuanian government approved a draft bill of the Lithuanian National Defense Ministry to increase the number of country's armed forces by 25% in the next five years, reports Lithuanian news outlet Delfi.
According to the new structure of the armed forces of Lithuania, which should be adopted by 2024, the total number of soldiers in the Lithuanian Army should be increased from 21,290 to 26,850 people. The total number of contract military should be increased from 11,400 to 15,600 …
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NATO mission arrives in Kyiv to assess reforms
Another mission from NATO has arrived in Ukraine to assess the country’s progress in the national program to prepare for alliance membership, Ukraine’s Mission to NATO announced in a statement.
According to the statement, experts from the mission will meet with representatives of nearly all the central organs of executive government which are involved in the annual national program that serves as the basis of Ukraine’s preparation for alliance membership. The mission will operate in Kyiv …
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Estonia refuses entry to Russian ship and plane with Russian Deputy Prime Minister onboard
The spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova said that Estonia, without any explanation, did not allow the Russian vessel Academician Primakov to enter its territorial waters, reports Interfax news agency.
According to her, this decision of the Estonian side was "extremely surprising" for the Russian Foreign Ministry, as this year, Estonia already permitted this vessel to enter its waters twice. Zakharova noted that this time, permission was denied without explanation. …
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Ukrainian President orders to implement NATO compliant army management system by the end of the year
During a meeting with the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada and the Government, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he had ordered the Ukrainian Defense Ministry to implement defense forces management system compliant with NATO standards by the end of 2019, reports the press service of the Ukrainian President.
It is also noted that the Ukrainian Defense Ministry should create new law enforcement body - the Military Police.
"The [Ukrainian] President also considers it necessary for …
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NATO begins Iron Wolf military exercises on border with Russia
Military exercises with the participation of about 4 thousand troops from 11 NATO member countries started in Lithuania, reports the press service of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Iron Wolf military drills will last until November 18, and the return of Lithuanian equipment back to the military ranges is scheduled for November 18-22. Soldiers from Germany, Poland, Estonia, the United Kingdom, and the United States will participate in military exercises.
Lithuanian Armed Forces noted that the …
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Estonia voices support for Ukraine joining EU and NATO
Estonia is in favor of Ukraine joining the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), said Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu at a press conference.
“Estonia is the devoted friend of the Ukrainians, and fully supports [Ukraine] joining the political family of the European Union and NATO on the basis of objective reforms and transformation in the country,” the minister said.
He added that Estonia will never recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea and the eastern …
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Latvian army receives new rigid-hulled inflatable boats
The Latvian National Armed Forces presented new Rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB) to the public, reports Delfi.lv news outlet.
"These boats are indispensable for special operations. With this new equipment, we are becoming leaders in the region. These boats are effective, modern, and necessary for our armed forces. With these boats, our country can feel safer. In case of possible crises, it is an indispensable tool for tactical operations," said Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks. …
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Media: NATO refuses Stoltenberg's meeting with released Ukrainian sailors to avoid irritating Russia
Ukraine proposed to organize a meeting of NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg with Ukrainian sailors released from Russia in Odessa, but the NATO rejected the proposal, reports Mirror Weekly news outlet, citing its sources.
According to the publication, France turned out to be the primary opponent, not wanting to irritate Russia with a meeting that, according to Paris, could "disrupt the peace process and negatively affect the preparation for the Normandy Four negotiations."
Stoltenberg …
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Ukrainian President : Kyiv is ready to speed up preparation for joining NATO
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine is ready to speed up preparation for NATO membership and is ready to prove its readiness for the NATO Membership Action Plan, reports Interfax-Ukraine.
During a press conference with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Zelensky said that "we are ready to cooperate even more closely with the Alliance and accelerate preparation for NATO membership, without removing from agenda the possibility of Ukraine joining the NATO Membership …
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NATO allocates 40 million euros to support Ukraine
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO had allocated 40 million euros to support Ukraine’s combat command and control, cyber defense and medical rehabilitation, reports the press service of the Ukrainian President.
"Today, we have reviewed our comprehensive package of assistance to Ukraine. Through trust funds, NATO allies and partners allocated more than EUR 40 million to support Ukraine's military command, cyber defense, and medical rehabilitation. This support is bringing …