Associated Press
US puts 8,500 troops on heightened alert amid Russia tension
At President Joe Biden’s route, the Pentagon is placing about 8,500 U.S.-based troops on heightened alert for potential deployment to Europe to reassure allies amid rising fears of a doable Russian navy transfer on Ukraine. Pentagon press secretary John Kirby stated Monday no last choices had been made on deployments, which he stated would happen provided that the NATO alliance decides to activate a rapid-response pressure “or if other situations develop” in reference to tensions over Russia’s navy buildup alongside Ukraine’s borders. “What that is about is reassurance to our NATO allies,” Kirby stated, including that no troops are meant for deployment to Ukraine itself.
