Canada Deploys Troops To Poland In Response To Russian Aggression

In response to continued aggression by Russia in central and eastern Europe, Canada has deployed troops to Poland, according to the Toronto Star.

Approximately 90 soldiers from five Canadian Mechanized Brigade Groups stationed in Valcartier, Quebec, have been deployed to Poland to assist with a NATO response to Russia’s ongoing aggressive actions. Roughly 200 soldiers over the next month will be taking over duties in Operation Reassurance from their counterparts in the 4th Canadian Division’s 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group based in Petawawa, Ontario.

The move comes partly in response to Russia’s decision to add 40 new nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) to their arsenal, as the Inquisitr has previously reported. Russia’s nuclear arsenal upgrade prompted renewed fears of World War III among other nations. NATO has called Russia’s actions “nuclear sabre-rattling” and “confirms the pattern and behaviour of Russia over a period of time.”

Russian president Putin’s deputy appeared on Russian TV to discuss the nuclear upgrade, and his words were grim.

“Our nuclear shield is strong, it is so strong that I would say it is more powerful than anyone else’s. This is why Russia today can ensure its strategic security, not only going face to face with the USA, but also face to face with the whole Western coalition.”

As KelownaNow reports, the Canadian soldiers headed to Poland today will take part in a six-month series of exercises with NATO allies and security partners, intended to ensure NATO’s readiness to react in the event it becomes necessary — and, between the lines, to send a message that NATO is ready and willing to take action. Jason Kenney, Canada’s Minister of National Defense, made a statement about the troop movements.

“I am pleased to see this group of soldiers deploying from Valcartier to support our allies. NATO exercises, including Operation REASSURANCE, are designed to send a message that Canada, together with our allies, stands with our Eastern European friends against any intimidation or military aggression.”

As reported by the Star, earlier in June, a Canadian warship carrying Prime Minister Stephen Harper in the Baltic Sea in Poland was spotted and shadowed by two Russian frigates, sending an ominous message of its own. The HMCS Fredericton was carrying the Prime Minister and his wife Laureen, who were visiting Gdinya as part of a six-day European tour during a planned exercise dubbed Baltops 2015, part of Operation: Reassurance. Defense Minister Kenney was also on board and first reported the incident.

“The deal is, these [Russian] frigates were tracking the core of the NATO operation Baltops last night and this morning.

“I fully expect that they are keeping situation awareness as all militaries do when they’re operating. So I would say that they do what we do and they make sure they know what vessels were operating in waters near their areas of interest.”

[Image courtesy of the Canadian Forces]