NATO wants to trigger new awareness of Russian danger in Ukraine

(BRUXELLES2) The event was intended to make as much noise as possible at a politically key moment. The revelation by NATO of satellite photos showing Russian soldiers was a media turning point.

1000 well-trained men present in Ukraine

In a presentation to the international press, duly summoned to Shape, the headquarters of the forces in Europe, NATO laid out the " itself of what she calls the Russian incursion into Ukraine. " More than 1000 well-trained men are present in Ukraine explains a senior officer of the organization. This senior Dutch officer took over, at short notice, from American General Philip. Breedlove who was normally scheduled to make an "On record" statement on the subject. Probably too hot to expose a senior American officer.

A key moment politically

The Europeans are preparing to meet for a European summit, with Ukraine in the thread of the conversations. But neither a meeting with President Poroshenko, who has planned to be in Brussels, is on the agenda of the "28", nor does the pace of sanctions really seem to need to be changed.

As for the members of NATO, they must meet a few days later, at the summit in Wales, with several challenges: to create a "trust fund" for Ukraine (not very richly endowed in the current state), to take a new commitment to improve defense spending, develop rapid action, set up, if not bases, at least a permanent presence in the East.

On all these subjects where the Americans and the British are driving forces, the commitments of the other members of the Alliance are not up to the challenges, for Washington and London. A boost is therefore necessary.

(NGV)

The evidence - by satellite photo - provided by NATO.