Sweden to deploy 800 soldiers on Latvian-Russian border as part of NATO's deterrent strategy
9:57 AM EST, January 9, 2024
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced Monday's deployment of a military battalion to Latvia. This decision strengthens the Canadian-led NATO contingent stationed there as part of the Enhanced Forward Presence (EFP).
The prime minister made this assertion during a speech at the annual security and defense conference in Saelen, a ski resort in the country's west.
"Dagens Nyheter" reports that around 800 Swedish soldiers will be sent to protect the Latvian-Russian border in 2025.
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds, present at Saelen, labeled the Swedish Prime Minister's pronouncement "wonderful news". "It's essential for the Russians to see the Swedish flag in Latvia," Spruds emphasized during his discussion with "Dagens Nyheter".
Lieutenant Colonel Joakim Paasikivi emphasized that Swedish troops would be "a quality supplementation to the forces led by Canada". He attested to a significant efficiency increase, adding that while more is always beneficial, the Swedish forces are adequately equipped and trained. As he noted, an assault from Russia "would not yield an advantage to them".
In total, NATO member countries are deploying nearly 2,000 soldiers to Latvia. Their core duty will be to stay prepared for a potential Russian offensive.
