NATO troops in Eastern Europe could be permanent, U.S. general says

OTTAWA , May 7 (UPI) -- NATO will consider permanently stationing troops in Eastern Europe as a result of the crises in Crimea and Ukraine, its top military commander said.

Speaking in Ottawa, Canada, Tuesday, Gen. Philip Breedlove, a U.S. Army general and NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, said the issue would be discussed at a NATO summit in September.

Commanders, defense ministers and foreign ministers must consider if the 28-member military alliance has the correct footprint in Europe, Breedlove said, noting Russias annexations of Crimea changes that dynamic. The paradigm has changed in the current situation. Russia is not acting as a partner.

After Russias intervention in Ukraine, a number of short-term military rotations have been arranged in Eastern Europe, but they are scheduled to conclude by the end of 2014.

Breedlove stressed that NATOs recent steps have thus far supported eastern members of the alliance, and are "easily discerned as being defensive in nature. This is about assuring our allies, not provoking Russia.

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NATO troops in Eastern Europe could be permanent, U.S. general says