Polish Official Urges NATO to Deploy Troops to Deter Russia

Poland's foreign minister on Wednesday urged NATO to get over its reluctance to deploy troops along its eastern flank, to deter what he says is Russian aggression.

Russia's involvement in Ukraine and its seizure of Crimea nearly two years ago have made other countries along and close to Russian borders feel less secure, including Poland, Slovakia, Romania and the Baltic nations — home to a large number of Russian speakers.

Witold Waszczykowski said he disagrees with many of his fellow NATO ministers that the "idea of reassurances from a distance" is the best way to smooth over this insecurity stirred up by Russia.

For some allies, the presence of troops is considered to be confrontational toward Russia, Waszczykowski told VOA on Wednesday, while in Washington to meet with Secretary of State John Kerry.

“We cannot accept this philosophy,” Waszczykowski said. “We are saying that a lack of presence created a feeling of weakness and may create a provocation from the Russian side."

He said the Kremlin needs a strong signal from NATO...
  [voanews.com]
17/2/16