NATO's new chief, Jens Stoltenberg, says plans for a new rapid reaction force in Eastern Europe do not break a deal with Russia on military force levels.
Stoltenberg told the Reuters News Agency during a visit to Poland Monday that NATO is in accordance with its international obligations. He said NATO needs to stay strong, keep its neighborhood stable, and have a rock-solid bond between Europe and the United States.
Stoltenberg called this the best foundation for a more cooperative relationship with Russia.
NATO has agreed to form what it calls a rapid reaction force in Eastern Europe - a direct response to Russian action in Ukraine.
Moscow has said bolstering NATO forces in areas formally under the old Soviet sphere of influence would violate a post-Cold War agreement.
NATO has said it will not intervene militarily in Ukraine.
