Several hundred Swedish soldiers arrived in Latvia today to join a Canadian-led multinational brigade along NATO's eastern flank, a mission that Sweden calls its most significant operation to date since becoming a NATO member.
Latvia borders Russia to the east and Russia's ally Belarus to its southeast. Tensions are high across Central Europe over Russia's war in Ukraine.
The Swedish Armed Forces said the 550-strong mission will contribute to the alliance's deterrence and defence and ensure stability in the region. The Swedish troops are joining one of eight NATO brigades along the alliance's eastern flank. The battalion is based outside the town of Adazi, near Riga.
Sweden formally joined NATO in March as the 32nd member, ending decades of neutrality after World War II.
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