NATO puts 500,000 military personnel on high alert amid rising tensions with Russia

NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah has said that over 500,000 military personnel are currently on high alert as the alliance undergoes its most significant transformation in collective defence since the Cold War.

Dakhlallah highlighted the comprehensive defence plans that have been implemented since 2014, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

“Since 2014, NATO has undergone the most significant transformation in our collective defense in a generation. We have put in place the most comprehensive defence plans since the Cold War, with currently more than 500,000 troops at high readiness,” he stated.

The recent NATO summit in Washington, held from July 9 to 11, confirmed Ukraine’s “irreversible path” towards NATO membership, as outlined in the Washington Summit Declaration. The joint statement emphasised the alliance’s efforts to isolate Russia, bolster security on the eastern flank, and increase military assistance for Ukraine.

Polish President Andrzej Duda also commented on NATO’s preparation for potential military conflict, underscoring the heightened state of readiness among member states.

The final declaration of the NATO summit reaffirmed that Russia remains the primary threat to NATO member states. The document indicated plans to develop strategic recommendations regarding the Russian Federation and explicitly called for avoiding any support for Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Additionally, NATO member states agreed to provide 40 billion euros ($43 billion) in military assistance to Kyiv in 2025, further strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities.

As tensions continue to escalate, NATO’s strategic posture and increased military readiness underscore the alliance’s commitment to collective defence and support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.