NATO to deploy battalions in Poland and Baltic States in 2017, Stoltenberg says

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said during the Warsaw summit that the alliance will enhance its rotational presence in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia with 4 battalions in 2017, Sputnik reports.

"We have decided to enhance our military presence in the eastern part of the Alliance with four battalions here in Poland, as well as [in] Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on a rotational basis," Stoltenberg said.

He added that the battalions would be "robust and multinational" and would demonstrate the strength of the transatlantic ties.

Canada will deploy soldiers in Latvia, Germany will lead the battalion in Lithuania, the United Kingdom in Estonia, while the United States will serve as a framework nation in Poland, the NATO chief said.

Stoltenberg said that there is no timeline for NATO's expansion in eastern Europe and will last as long as needed.