The German newspaper Welt reported that due to the threat of an “attack” by Russia, the North Atlantic Alliance has increased the combat readiness of its NATO Response Force (NRF), RIA Novosti reports.
“In view of the buildup of Russian troops near the border with Ukraine, NATO responded with the first concrete military measure and increased the readiness of its 40,000-strong rapid reaction force,” the newspaper said, citing a source among high-ranking Alliance diplomats.
According to the source, the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), which is part of the NRF, starting from December 20, “should be ready to deploy in the crisis area within five days.” It is noteworthy that the NATO official did not confirm this information. According to him, NATO’s policy towards Russia remains stable and consistent in the form of “defense and dialogue.”
In recent months, Western media have regularly published materials that say that Russia is allegedly preparing a “full-scale attack on Ukrainian territory.” In addition, Moscow was accused of concentrating Russian troops near the borders of Ukraine. According to the press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov, the Russian Federation moves the military exclusively on its territory and does not threaten anyone.
Earlier, the British tabloid Daily Star published an article stating that Russian troops will “attack” the territory of Ukraine on the eve of Catholic Christmas – December 24.