U.S. could deploy 8,500 troops to strengthen NATO's eastern flank

U.S. could deploy 8,500 troops to strengthen NATO's eastern flank

Ukrinform
Up to 8,500 U.S. troops have been put on high alert ahead of a possible deployment in Eastern Europe amid Russian military buildup near Ukraine's border.

That’s according to Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby, who spoke with reporters on Monday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The official says U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered that the forces be prepared for deployment on the instructions of President Joe Biden. Most of these troops are designed to respond to a range of contingencies, including support to the NATO Response Force, if it is activated, Kirby said.

At the same time, he noted that as of Monday afternoon local time, the final decision on the deployment of troops had not been made.

According to the official, the NRF altogether comprises around 40,000 multinational troops.

"In the event of NATO's activation of the NRF or a deteriorating security environment, the United States would be in a position to rapidly deploy additional brigade combat teams, logistics, medical, aviation, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, transportation, and additional capabilities into Europe," Kirby said.

Read also: Blinken: Russian threat problem for whole world, not only for Ukraine

The United States has "made it clear to the eastern flank allies that we're prepared to bolster their capabilities if they need it,” the spokesperson added.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, NATO said the bloc would be increasing response readiness and deploying across the eastern flank some additional forces, including warships and aircraft, to strengthen defense and deterrence in Eastern Europe.

According to the NYT, U.S. troops may be stationed in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

im

While citing and using any materials on the Internet, links to the website ukrinform.net not lower than the first paragraph are mandatory. In addition, citing the translated materials of foreign media outlets is possible only if there is a link to the website ukrinform.net and the website of a foreign media outlet. Materials marked as "Advertisement" or with a disclaimer reading "The material has been posted in accordance with Part 3 of Article 9 of the Law of Ukraine "On Advertising" No. 270/96-VR of July 3, 1996 and the Law of Ukraine "On the Media" No. 2849-Х of March 31, 2023 and on the basis of an agreement/invoice.

© 2015-2024 Ukrinform. All rights reserved.

Extended searchHide extended search
By period:
-