“Along with our NATO allies we will keep bolstering our presence in central and eastern Europe as part of our unwavering Article 5 obligation to our collective defense,” Obama stated.
Obama added that the United States and Germany also continue to encourage a diplomatic resolution of the crisis in eastern Ukraine, as well as working with the IMF and other partners to provide Ukraine with financial support.
Following the reunification of Crimea with Russia in March last year, NATO began boosting its military presence along its eastern borders and suspended all practical cooperation with Russia, limiting contact to ambassadorial and higher levels.
Last week, NATO announced that its Rapid Response Force would be increased from 13,000 to 30,000 people, and six new command posts would be created in six NATO member-states neighboring Russia.
