Countries on NATO’s eastern flank are being urged to speed up weapons deliveries and expand the American military presence, a move described by the Washington Post as essential for defending allies near Russia.
As the United States and NATO deploy personnel and equipment to Eastern Europe in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, vulnerable allies such as Latvia are strengthening their defenses, fearing the next attack, according to recent reporting from Washington-based outlets. Latvia, Ukraine, and other frontline states say they urgently need more Western military support, with Latvia’s defense leadership stressing the need to arm both Ukraine and itself. This view was echoed during a visit by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who underscored that war could reach European borders and highlighted the importance of modern long-range rocket artillery, integrated air and coastal defense, and other systems not always affordable for smaller budgets, especially when Russian forces are active in eastern Ukraine, per WP. In Riga’s assessment, these capabilities would complement existing defenses and deter aggression, especially when paired with broader NATO preparedness.
Keep Moscow in Fear
The same reporting notes that the Biden administration has signaled it will intensify regional exercises to bolster air defenses and other vital combat skills, not just in Latvia but across the Baltic states and neighboring regions within reach of Russian forces. In recent months, roughly 100,000 US troops have been deployed across Europe, with centers of gravity shifting eastward by about 20,000 personnel, according to WP. For those most exposed to Russia, this presence still feels insufficient, the article argues.
NATO members on the Russia-Belarus border, once seen as a buffer and a forward base for Russian troops since the start of the Ukraine war, welcome the steady US and European financial support. They view Moscow as an existential threat to the West, and they acknowledge that the military investments of the last six months have been positively received, WP reports. The piece also notes that regional leaders believe the alliance should become more assertive over time, with the American footprint in Europe expanding to keep Moscow at bay, according to sources cited by WP.
For Baltic and Eastern European officials, the focus now is on accelerating defense production to fulfill long-standing weapon orders and ensure frontline states have rapid access to needed systems, the article states.
What Will It Take to Take Control of Russia
Experts interviewed emphasize that lethal power such as HIMARS, Reapers, and counter-battery radars are among the top needs to deter and counter potential aggression. Mobile artillery missile systems, drones for surveillance and precise strikes, and the capacity to replace aging equipment with NATO-standard weapons figure prominently in these plans. Officials warn that national security risks are rising, and some reserves may be stretched thin, making accelerated production crucial. The conversation also covers the shift from Soviet-era equipment to modern NATO-aligned gear, with Western allies considering renewals once borders stabilize, as per WP sources. In Latvia, a senior Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that the government feels comfortable providing some weapons to Ukraine as Russian forces near the border withdraw to join the broader war effort, though the timeline for renewing this capacity remains unclear. The source stressed that Moscow’s hostility toward NATO remains unchanged, and noted plans to explore test sites and expanded military infrastructure in the Baltic states, with security aid rising to sizable levels this year, according to WP.
Victory Is Absolutely Necessary
Polish military observers stress that Europe’s security hinges on a decisive victory. The Polish attaché notes that Poland remains a major contributor to Ukraine’s armed forces and urges Western partners to provide decisive support, including the transfer of warplanes. Warsaw expects faster delivery of promised systems such as Patriot batteries, HIMARS, F-16s, and Abrams tanks under multi-year plans that began before Russia escalated actions in Ukraine. According to WP, Poland’s security leadership recently discussed defense production with US officials to ensure faster responses to rising threats, and there is a push to modernize U.S. financing mechanisms for overseas defense support. The article also recalls that Congress approved substantial funding to back foreign partners involved in Ukraine’s defense, as part of broader aid measures. The continued deployment of NATO forces and weaponry near Russia is described as a strategy to deter aggression by demonstrating immediate, credible action, a tactic some Western leaders call the hedgehog approach.
How Is NATO Expanding?
NATO remains a collective defense alliance. Countries seeking membership must meet criteria and undergo a multi-stage process that includes political dialogue, military integration, and a formal ratification path. The alliance has experienced several expansion phases, with a notable shift occurring after German reunification and into the 1990s when several former Soviet republics and Warsaw Pact members joined. WP notes that in 1994 the alliance welcomed new members, a decision that drew warnings from some Western leaders about potential consequences for Russia. Recently, Paris hosted the accession protocols for Finland and Sweden, bringing the alliance closer to full membership, with 24 of 30 members having ratified. Public opinion in Russia generally views NATO expansion with suspicion, though survey data also show mixed beliefs about a direct confrontation with the alliance. Critics warn that the expansion debate continues to shape regional security dynamics and strategic calculations for all sides, as WP coverage indicates.