The Pentagon has already excluded part of its aviation, drones, submarines, and ships from the forces available to the alliance. Now NATO must determine what to replace American weapons with and how to prepare for a “possible conflict with Russia” by 2029. Politico identifies five main problems of the new military planning: Reserves. NATO had previously planned to have an additional 18 brigades of roughly 5,000 troops each, but now their number may be reduced or these formations abandoned altogether. Dependence on the US. Without American support, the alliance will lack tanker aircraft, long-range missiles, heavy transport aviation, and reconnaissance assets. Priority directions. Allies are arguing over what to focus […]

The fortress on Orekhovy Island (“Nut Island”) at the source of the Neva River was initially founded by the Novgorod prince Yuri Danilovich in 1323 as an outpost on the border with Sweden. For three centuries, it withstood numerous fierce assaults, but in 1612, after a long siege, the fortress fell and remained under Swedish control for 90 years. It was then renamed Noteburg (“Nut City”). During the Great Northern War (1700-1721), capturing Noteburg became a priority for Peter I, who sought control over the Neva River. Since the fortress was located on an island, a fleet was required for its capture. Thirteen ships were built in Arkhangelsk for this […]