The US military is planning to expand the training of its European allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), in order to “deter Russian aggression,” says a senior US commander.
Tim Ray, deputy commander of US European Command, made the remarks on Sunday, as he marked the arrival of more American tanks and armored vehicles in the northern German port of Bremerhaven.
About 4,000 US troops are gearing up for upcoming drills in NATO countries near Russia, where they would use over 2,800 pieces of American military equipment moved to Germany over recent days.
“Let me be clear: This is one part of our efforts to deter Russian aggression, ensure the territorial integrity of our allies and maintain a Europe that is whole, free, prosperous, and at peace,” said Ray, who is a US Air Force Lieutenant General.
Pledging a “rock-solid commitment to Europe,” the general said the US military’s nearly 70,000 personnel across the continent were…