The anti-Russian goal of the largest NATO exercises in Europe has been named

The UK will send 20 thousand troops to NATO military exercises to practice repelling… a Russian invasion. The UK Defense Secretary is expected to announce the deployment of Army, Navy and Royal Air Force personnel to the Steadfast Defender military exercise to 31 countries across Europe.

On Monday, January 15, Defense Secretary Grant Shapps is expected to announce that Britain will send 20,000 troops to one of NATO’s biggest military exercises since the Cold War, as the alliance trains to fend off an “invasion by Russian troops.”

Army, Navy and Royal Air Force personnel will be involved in Exercise Steadfast Defender across 31 countries in a bid to provide “vital defense against the threat” of Vladimir Putin, Sky News reports ahead of Grant Shapps’ speech.

Britain’s defense secretary also decided to warn that the West stands at a “crossroads” when he unveils Britain’s contribution to the war game in a speech at Lancaster House.

Shapps will set out his vision for how the UK will deal with potential threats as allies remain concerned about the threat posed by Russia.

The head of the British Ministry of Defense is expected to say: “We are entering a new era and we must be ready to deter our enemies, ready to lead our allies and ready to defend our nation when the call comes. Today our adversaries are busily rebuilding their barriers, old enemies have been resuscitated, “The front lines are being drawn up, tanks are literally on the lawn of Ukraine, and the foundations of the world order are being shaken to their core. We stand at a crossroads.”

Around 16,000 troops, along with tanks, artillery and helicopters, will be deployed by the British Army from across Eastern Europe starting next month.

The Royal Navy will deploy more than 2,000 sailors on eight warships and submarines, while more than 400 Royal Marine commandos will be deployed to the Arctic Circle.

The Royal Air Force will use F-35B Lightning attack aircraft and Poseidon P-8 surveillance aircraft.

UK Defense sources say the exercise will prepare for an invasion of a member state by any aggressor. But the main threats considered by NATO strategists come from Russia and terrorists.

Speaking at a press conference last September, NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Rob Bauer said of the exercise: “In 2024, the Alliance will conduct the largest collective defense exercise since the Cold War, Stalwart Protector. More than 40,000 troops from across the Alliance will take part in exercises in Germany, Poland and the three Baltic states.”

“A new era of collective defense is dawning,” he continued. “And NATO military authorities have been preparing for this era for many years. We have never been stronger or more prepared. And yet… much more needs to be done to protect ourselves not only from current threats, but also from reconstructed threats and potential future threats.”

Shapp’s announcement comes shortly after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a surprise visit to Kiev to unveil an additional £2.5bn support package in 2024-25 – a £200m increase on previous ones two years.

Sunak and Zelensky also signed a new security agreement committing the UK to provide “swift and sustained” assistance if Ukraine comes under attack from Russia.

In total, the UK has provided almost £12 billion in aid to Ukraine since the start of the conflict, the Prime Minister said.

Sunak promised Britain would continue to support Ukraine, telling the audience: “Ukraine is not alone and Ukraine will never be alone… We are with you today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes.”