Canadian-led battle group getting help in Latvia

Four countries to join as part of NATO response to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe

OTTAWA— Canadian troops will not face Russia alone when they begin to arrive in Latvia early next year.

Four countries — Albania, Italy, Poland and Slovenia — have promised to contribute troops and equipment to a Canadian-led NATO force being organized in Latvia in response to recent Russian actions in Eastern Europe.

Canada’s partners were revealed by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following an alliance meeting in Brussels this week. The Liberal government announced in July that Canada would lead one of four multinational NATO forces in Eastern Europe, where the military alliance has been beefing up its presence in response to recent Russian actions.

Germany, the United States and Britain are leading similar forces in Lithuania, Poland and Estonia, respectively.

Eastern Europe allies had asked NATO to help bolster its footprint in the region as a deterrent against Russia trying to destabilize them in the same way it did in Ukraine — by employing cyber attacks and by crossing into their territory and inciting Russian speakers within their borders.

Russia has denied any such inten- tions, and instead accused NATO of instigating the current standoff by expanding into former Soviet territory and trying to undermine its sphere of influence. It has also warned against any military build-up on its borders.

Canada will deploy 450 troops as well as light armoured vehicles and other military equipment to the force while Italy has said it will send 140 soldiers.

It wasn’t immediately clear what the other countries will contribute, though media reports have indicated the Polish contribution will include tanks.

The Canadians will form the “nucleus” of the battle group, which will be based at the Adazi military base, about half an hour northeast of the capital Riga.

The first troops will arrive in the spring, but the bulk won’t touch down until fall. They will stay six months, before another group of Canadians replaces them.

Officials have said the four battle groups are intended to make Russia think twice before taking any aggressive action.

But they are also being kept small to prevent any provocation or escalation in tensions between Russia and NATO.

Canada’s 450 troops will form the “nucleus” of force that includes Albania, Italy, Poland and Slovenia at base near Latvian capital Riga