Stropnický: 100 Czech soldiers could join NATO eastern force this year

The minister of defence, Martin Stropnický, said the Czech Republic could send 100 soldiers to serve with NATO forces in eastern members of the alliance. Speaking on a Czech Television discussion programme on Sunday, Mr. Stropnický said if preparations went according to plan, the mission could be sent in the second half of the year. Reacting to Russia's treatment of Ukraine, NATO decided to beef up the defence of its easternmost members with a new rapid reaction force composed of 5,000 soldiers.

Author: Ian Willoughby