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Britain To Lead NATO Battalion In Eastern Europe
The Defence Secretary has confirmed that Britain will lead one of four NATO multinational battalions in Eastern Europe.
Michael Fallon made the announcement in Brussels ahead of two days of talks with alliance colleagues, saying:
"I confirm today that Britain will be leading one of four framework battalions to offer more enhanced forward presence on the Eastern flank. We are sending a strong signal of unity and our determination to defend the Baltic states and Poland in the face of continued Russian aggression."
Worsening relations with Russia dominated the NATO Defence Ministers' meeting on the first day of talks.
The NATO Response Force has already tripled in strength to 40,000 troops, with red tape hindering the rapid deployment of forces around Europe having been eliminated.
The alliance will send four new multinational battalions to Poland and the Baltics, with 1,000 troops making up each, including one Britain will lead.
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