America’s NATO Ally Deploys Troops to Russian Border

NATO’s newest member has sent hundreds of troops to Latvia as part of a mission aimed at bolstering the alliance’s eastern flank bordering Russia.

More than 500 troops from Sweden arrived in the Baltic State to join a Canadian-led multinational brigade in what Stockholm described as its most significant mission since it became NATO‘s 32nd member in March 2024.

Newsweek has contacted NATO and the Russian Defense Ministry for comment by email.

Image from May 6, 2023 shows Swedish soldiers in the Aurora 23 military exercise outside Kristianstad, Sweden. NATO’s newest member has sent troops and equipment to Latvia for an operation to bolster the alliance’s eastern…
Image from May 6, 2023 shows Swedish soldiers in the Aurora 23 military exercise outside Kristianstad, Sweden. NATO’s newest member has sent troops and equipment to Latvia for an operation to bolster the alliance’s eastern flank.
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Why It Matters

Sweden was spurred to join NATO in response to the security threat posed by Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. It has sent its troops to Latvia, which borders Russia and its ally Belarus. As a former Soviet republic, Latvia has highlighted the threat posed by Moscow after the war in Ukraine.

What to Know

In a statement, Sweden’s armed forces said a ship carrying parts of its 71st mechanized infantry battalion from its South Skåne Regiment, arrived Saturday in Riga, escorted by the Swedish air force and Swedish and Latvian navies.

Images in the press release included Swedish Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) tracked armored combat vehicles, a model that has been used in Ukraine.

Sweden’s armed forces did not specify the size of the contingent but The Associated Press said the mission would involve 550 Swedish troops.

They will be among eight NATO brigades along the alliance’s eastern flank, stationed outside the town of Adazi, near Riga.

Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdahl described the Swedish arrival as a historic day “but at the same time, it’s our new normal.”

Sweden became the most recent member of NATO after it joined the trans-Atlantic military alliance in March 2024, spurred by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and concern over the security situation in Europe it caused.

This followed in the footsteps of Finland a year earlier which had also followed a decades-long policy of neutrality

What People Are Saying

Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonsson on X: “Sweden is present in Latvia with troops within the framework of NATO’s Forward Land Forces (FLF). This marks a historic milestone. As part of NATO’s collective defense we strengthen the security of the Baltic region and stand united for a safer future.”

What Happens Next

The Swedish battalion’s mission in Latvia will initially last for six months and the battalion will focus on settling in at Camp Valdemar. In February the authority of the battalion will be transferred to the brigade.

Russia was not mentioned directly in the Swedish statement but the context of the threat posed by Moscow was clear and exercises planned by the battalion in the following months are likely to coincide with continued tensions with Russia.

Correction 01/20/25, 11:30 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to say that Sweden joined NATO in March 2024, not 2020.