NATO plans 'military Schengen'

In November 2023, NATO's European logistics director, Lieutenant General Alexander Sollfrank, called on countries in the region to establish zones that would allow troops and ammunition to move quickly in the event of a major conflict with Russia, the Times reported.

The idea has been floated by military leaders for years, the Times noted, adding that talks on creating corridors “are now underway” and results could be announced before the next NATO summit in July.

Soldiers stand in front of a German Army Leopard-2 tank.

The paper said the “mess of regulations restricting the exchange and transfer of military equipment” in the EU had created “a significant headache” for NATO planners.

“Cross-border exercises often involve dizzying amounts of paperwork, which can cost crucial time in a military crisis,” the paper added.

In an interview with the Times, Sollfrank said members of the US-led military bloc must start immediately, working to “ reduce or adjust bureaucracy” wherever possible.

“Anyone can start. Just do it. And don’t wait. Because we finally have no time to waste,” he warned.

The head of logistics cited the example of paratroopers being banned from using parachutes from other member states, even when there was no reason for such a restriction.

“Where is the problem, for example, with a paratrooper from European country A using a parachute from neighboring country B after being trained on this system, or attaching equipment from one country to a helicopter from another country?” He said, if there were no “technical or security” issues involved, there would be no problem.

In recent weeks, senior officials in several European countries have urged their citizens to prepare for a potential military confrontation with Russia.

However, Moscow has repeatedly said it has no interest in waging war against NATO. Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the warnings as “nonsense” and said Russia has “no interest” in attacking any member of the bloc.

Phuong Anh (Source: RT)

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