NATO wrestles with new fast-reaction force prompted by Ukraine crisis

Government leaders and officials pose for a family photograph at Cardiff Castle, in Wales September 4, 2014. REUTERS/Yves Herman

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - NATO's planned new fast-reaction force, centrepiece of its response to Russia's annexation of Crimea, is proving harder to set up than expected because of shortages of vital equipment and arguments over funding, diplomats say.

NATO leaders meeting in Wales in September agreed on a new "spearhead" force of up to 5,000 ground troops with air, sea and special forces support as part of a plan to reassure eastern European allies nervous about Russia's actions in Ukraine.