OREANDA-NEWS  Sweden, after joining NATO, intends to send about 800 military personnel to Latvia, to the territory near the border with Russia, Dagens Nyheter newspaper reports. The decision was informed by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

The task is called the protection of the Latvian border within the framework of the allied combat duty group, which "will deter Russia from attacking." Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds called this great news. "NATO's presence in Latvia is crucial for our security. NATO forces provide active deterrence and are a signal that every inch of the allied territory must be protected," he said.

The commander-in-chief of the Swedish army, Jonny Lindfors, explained that the soldiers will go to Latvia in early 2025. In addition to the military, Sweden will also send armored vehicles — armored personnel carriers, combat vehicles and, possibly, Leopard tanks.

The Swedish unit will become part of the NATO Forward Deployment Group in Latvia (EFP). Within its framework, various NATO countries deploy troops in the eastern countries of the bloc for short periods of time. Currently, the EFP forces in Latvia are led by Canada, they number more than 2,000 soldiers.

Earlier it was reported that relations between Turkey and the United States have reached an impasse due to the process of Sweden's accession to NATO.