NATO to deploy thousands of commandos to nations near Ukraine

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance was deploying thousands of combat-ready troops to Ukraine s neighbours_ as well as continuing to send weapons to Ukraine including air defences after Russia s attack.

Stoltenberg said NATO was deploying elements of its rapid response force  made up of land_ air_ maritime and special operations forces  on allied territory.

Some of the 30 NATO allies also announced the types of weapons they would supply Ukraine_ Stoltenberg said_ without giving specific details.

 Allies are very committed to continue to provide support. We are now deploying the NATO response force for the first time in the context of collective defence_ he said.

 There must be no space for miscalculation or misunderstanding. We will do what it takes to protect and defend every ally_ and every inch of NATO territory.

Stoltenberg also accused Russia of trying to topple the Ukrainian government.

 We see rhetoric_ the messages_ which is strongly indicating that the aim is to remove the democratically elected government in Kyiv_ he told a news conference following a virtual meeting of NATO leaders.

The NATO Response Force can number up to 40_000 troops_ but Stoltenberg said the alliance would not be deploying the entire force. Parts of a spearhead unit  known in NATO jargon as the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force_ which is currently led by France  will also be sent.

The announcement came after NATO members  ranging from Russia s neighbour Estonia to the north of conflict-hit Ukraine_ to Bulgaria on the Black Sea coast to the south  triggered urgent consultations Thursday about their security amid concerns from the invasion.

 We will continue to take all measures and decisions required to ensure the security and defense of all allies_ the leaders said in a statement.  We will make all deployments necessary to ensure strong and credible deterrence and defense across the alliance_ now and in the future.

Some of NATO s 30 member countries are supplying arms_ ammunition and other equipment to Ukraine_ but NATO as an organisation is not. It will not launch any military action in support of Ukraine_ which is a close partner but has no clear prospect of joining.

Thousands of Ukrainians crossed Friday into neighbouring countries to the west in search of safety from the unfolding war in their country.

With men of military age banned from leaving the country_ most of those who crossed borders were women_ children and the elderly.