Ukraine: Belgian soldiers expectant but “ready for anything” – Belgium
Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder visited the Romanian military base in Constanta on Tuesday, about 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, where some 300 members of the Belgian army have been deployed since last week in the part of NATO’s rapid reaction force. On the spot, if the atmosphere within the troops seems extended and the war still abstract, the soldiers say they are prepared for all fainting.
On the shores of the Black Sea, the Belgian minister was treated to a fanfare welcome. She then spoke with her Romanian counterpart, who would like to see NATO’s presence on its territory further strengthened. “Romania is on the front line of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In this context, I am proud of the contribution of Belgium which participates, with its allies, in the defense of the south-eastern border of NATO“, underlined Ms. Dedonder.
Beyond these exchanges, the minister had made the trip to greet some of the approximately 300 soldiers who were deployed to take part in a show of force – alongside the French and Americans in particular – supposed to dissuade Russia from going longer.
“I had left them when they left Melsbroek with big smiles that I find today,” rejoiced Ludivine Dedonder. “Even if the situation is dire and they are here to make sure they are ready in case it should escalate. In any case, they have all the necessary equipment.”
The Belgian soldiers, who are under the command of the French Alpine hunters, are for the moment only at the stage of taking marks: preparation of the vehicles, reception and verification of the armament.
“The atmosphere is good”, assures Sylvain of the 1/3 Battalion of Lancers of Marche-en-Famenne. In particular thanks to the Wifi installed in the tents which allows you to keep in touch with the family and which, here, does not pose a problem. In the rooms, a smile is indeed required. Parts of Uno, game consoles and even a SpongeBob SquarePants duvet cover leave no doubt that for most this is the first mission of this magnitude.
“It’s true that it’s a special place, it’s a bit tense when you think that you’re very close to the border. We hope that there will be no overflow from the Russians”, continues Sylvain. “We don’t think it can happen, but we are here for that.“
“For the moment the war is only in Ukraine and we are in Romania”, relativizes Sergeant Melik, head of the support section from Amay. “It’s very difficult to imagine what happens next, but we’re ready for anything.”
On the shores of the Black Sea, the Belgian minister was treated to a fanfare welcome. She then spoke with her Romanian counterpart, who would like to see NATO’s presence on its territory further strengthened. “Romania is on the front line in the face of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In this context, I am proud of the contribution of Belgium which participates, with its allies, in the defense of NATO’s south-eastern border”, underlined Ms. Dedonder. Beyond these exchanges, the minister had made the trip to greet some of the approximately 300 soldiers who were deployed to take part in a show of force – alongside the French and Americans in particular – supposed to dissuade Russia from going longer. “I had left them when they left Melsbroek with big smiles that I find today,” rejoiced Ludivine Dedonder. “Even if the situation is dire and they are here to make sure they are ready in case it should escalate. In any case, they have all the necessary equipment.” The Belgian soldiers, who are under the command of the French Alpine hunters, are for the moment only at the stage of taking marks: preparation of the vehicles, reception and verification of the armament. “The atmosphere is good”, assures Sylvain of the 1/3 Battalion of Lancers of Marche-en-Famenne. In particular thanks to the Wifi installed in the tents which allows you to keep in touch with the family and which, here, does not pose a problem. In the rooms, a smile is indeed required. Parts of Uno, game consoles and even a SpongeBob SquarePants duvet cover leave no doubt that for most this is the first mission of this magnitude. “It’s true that it’s a special place, it’s a bit tense when you think that we are very close to the border. We hope that there will be no overflow from the Russians” , continues Sylvain. “We don’t think it can happen, but we are here for it.” “For the moment the war is only in Ukraine and we are in Romania”, relativizes Sergeant Melik, head of the support section from Amay. “It’s very difficult to imagine what happens next, but we’re ready for anything.”