A Militarized Visegrad Group?

The defense ministers of the Visegrad Group (V4) countries — the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland — decided May 12 to form a battlegroup that would be led by Poland. This represents the first step toward militarization for the V4, which has found new relevance in the wake of Russia's resurgence in its periphery. The move is sure to displease Russia, and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is likely to discuss it with Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic during a visit May 13.