Russian threat global not regional, says NATO chief

(MENAFN- The Journal Of Turkish Weekly) Russia's destabilizing influence in the region is global not regional and enduring not temporary, the senior NATO commander warned on Wednesday.

"We must strengthen our deterrence in order to manage this opportunistic confidence," U.S. Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove told reporters at the NATO foreign ministers meeting in Turkey's southern Antalya province.

Referring to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Breedlove said a permanent solution might be possible that respects states' independence, territorial integrity and international boundaries.

Pro-Russian forces have been battling Ukrainian troops for more than a year, resulting in at least 6,000 deaths, according to the UN. NATO claims Russia is heavily involved in backing the separatists.

Turning to the fight against Daesh militants in Syria, Breedlove said an equip-and-train program in Turkey for Syrian opposition groups was nearly finalized.

Breedlove, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said the U.S. was working closely with Turkey to identify and vet suitable candidates for the program.

In February, Turkey and the U.S. signed a deal to train and equip opposition forces in a bid to defeat the Assad regime and Daesh.