French and Polish forces deployed to Romania as part of the new NATO multinational battlegroup have been hard at work, training with Allies while demonstrating a robust deterrence presence in the eastern part of the Alliance.
Following Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, NATO reinforced its presence in the eastern part of the Alliance, establishing new multinational battlegroups in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. This decision is part of a package of measures aimed to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in light of the changed security environment. France leads the NATO multinational battlegroup in Romania.
The gravity of the moment is not lost on the soldiers, several of whom said that it makes otherwise ordinary training exercises feel more significant.
Transcript
—SOUNDBITE IN FRENCH—
LIEUTENANT COLONEL ADRIEN
Deputy Commander, Battlegroup Romania
“Especially in the first weeks of the deployment, it was a historic moment, or certainly a very important one. We also consider it our responsibility to demonstrate our ability to be entirely ready, along with our Allies, to fulfil the mission we’ve been given.
—SOUNDBITE IN POLISH—
SECOND LIEUTENANT MACIEK SIERPINSKI
17th Mechanised Brigade, Polish Army
“When it comes to our state of mind, we are just ready to act. We are well trained and well prepared for any eventuality.”
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