As NATO and its allies continue deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe, the US has begun discussion on deployment.
Russia’s 100,000 troops remain on Ukraine’s border as diplomatic efforts continue to fall through. This has caused NATO and many surrounding countries to step up efforts to deter an invasion, with many citing the 2014 illegal annexation of Crimea.
“I welcome Allies contributing additional forces to NATO,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. “NATO will continue to take all necessary measures to protect and defend all Allies, including by reinforcing the eastern part of the Alliance.”
NATO has already committed to increasing its presence in the area. Denmark, Spain, France, and The Netherlands have all expressed readiness to send troops, ships, and fighter jets to the area at a minute's notice. Now eyes are on the US to make a response.
On Thursday, Biden made a statement of his stance on Russia’s approaching incursion.
I've been absolutely clear with President Putin. He has no misunderstanding. If any assembled Russian units move across the Ukrainian border, that is an invasion,” Biden stated. “But it will be met with a severe and coordinated economic response that I've discussed in detail with our allies, as well as laid out very clearly for President Putin,"
Biden made it clear throughout that press conference that if an incursion were to happen, the US wouldn’t hesitate to take action, but clarified that if a “minor incursion” were to occur, that would be another, much less severe thing entirely.
But with the amped-up response from NATO, there is much pressure on Biden to make another statement, with possible deployment of thousands of American troops on the table.
The President met with senior Pentagon officials at Camp David on Saturday. Anonymous officials reported that the option of sending 1,000 to 5,000 troops was explored, with plans of increasing if things go south.
It is currently unclear what option the US will take if any, but it seems a decision might be made soon as tensions reach a fever pitch.
UPDATE 2:39PM: Upwards of 8,500 US troops have been but on heightened alert for possible deployment to Eastern Europe.
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