NATO to deploy thousands of commandos to nations near Ukraine

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday that the alliance was deploying thousands of combat-ready troops to Ukraine’s neighbours, as well as continuing to send weapons to Ukraine including air defences after Russia’s attack.

Stoltenberg said NATO was deploying elements of its rapid response force – made up of land, air, maritime and special operations forces – on allied territory.

Some of the 30 NATO allies also announced the types of weapons they would supply Ukraine, Stoltenberg said, without giving specific details.

“Allies are very committed to continue to provide support. We are now deploying the NATO response force for the first time in the context of collective defence,” he said.