a few seconds agoO'Donnell: “Defender Europe 23” takes into consideration the situation north of Kosovo
Periskopi(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)Colonel Martin O'Donell, spokesman for the American Army Command in Europe and Africa, said the multinational military exercise D EFANDER Europe 23 also takes into account the situation in northern Kosovo. In an interview for Deutche Welle, he provided details for the exercise from which Kosovo was expelled a few days ago. Multinational Military Training D EFANDER [...]
Multinational Military Training D EFANDER Europe 23 is developing into a situation when the world has changed because of Russia's brutal aggression against Ukraine. How is this military maneuver reflecting this situation?
Martin O'Donell: The Dynamic Action of the Forces in Europe for NATO's Improved Prevention and Readiness 23, which is most often called DEFANDER 23, demonstrates the American Army's ability to deploy reliable troops and combat equipment quickly, assured Allies, prevented those who would threaten peace in Europe, as well as protecting the continent from aggression. The exercise also demonstrates the commitment of European nations to increase the degree, ability and interoperability among their armies.
The tense situation continues north of Kosovo. Do you get it? DEFANDER Europe 23 considered this situation and a potential escalation?
Martin O'Donell: The U.S. Army in Europe and Africa does daily training on these two continents. Thus we consider situations in nearly 100 countries, including Kosovo.
Can Kosovo return to DEFANDER Europe 23 after its expulsion, if the situation should normalise?
Martin O'Donell: Kosovo was part of the early response, one of three separate exercises, but linked to DEFANDER 23 that ended last month, 30 May. Due to circumstances in Kosovo and US security situation concerns, US European Command finished the training part D EFANDER 23 earlier than planned. Despite early completion, the exercise is considered a success as troops from the United States, Kosovo, Turkey, Croatia, Northern Macedonia and Albania were able to exercise military skills and strengthen interoperability during nearly two weeks of military training.
What strategic significance does DEFANDER 23 have for regional security?
Martin O'Donell: The exercise shows the commitment of European nations to increase the level of skills and interoperability between their armies. Like I said before, DEFANDER 23 demonstrates the American Army's ability to deploy reliable combat troops and equipment quickly, secures Allies, prevents those who would threaten the peace of Europe and protect the continent from aggression.
What possible conflicts and crises regarding security and peace in Europe could occur in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the tense situation in northern Kosovo?
Martin O'Donell: It would be inappropriate for me to speculate about hypothetical situations.
What is Germany's contribution to DEFANDER Europe 23?
Martin O'Donell: DEFANDER Europe 23 consists of three special but interconnected military exercises: Quick response, early response and improved the inclusion of the Multinational Battle Corps (Saber Guardian). In response, Germany secured two Airbus A400 aircraft from the German Air Force to move personnel and equipment from the 11th Air Brigade of the Fast Forces.
