It would also be possible that further NATO troops would immediately be deployed to countries such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to reinforce the eastern flank. These allies are particularly concerned that Russia could attack not only Ukraine, but them as well.
Allies could also request another NATO special session under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty. It provides for consultations when a member believes that the integrity of its territory, political independence or its own security is threatened.
Military support for Ukraine, meanwhile, remains out of the question because it could trigger an even bigger war between NATO and Russia. Since Ukraine is not a member of the Alliance, it cannot request assistance under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
In view of the tensions with Russia, NATO’s supreme commander in Europe had already drastically reduced the standby times for tens of thousands of alliance soldiers last week. According to information from the German Press Agency from NATO circles, forces of the rapid reaction force NRF must be able to be relocated within only 7 days instead of 30 days.
