Ukraine crisis: 8,500 US troops on standby

The United States has put 8,500 troops on alert after Russia deployed troops to the Ukrainian border. A Pentagon spokesman said the move demonstrates the US's commitment to NATO.

Following the readiness of 8,500 American soldiers, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby has spoken about their possible deployment in connection with the Ukraine crisis.

He also pointed out that the final decision to actually dispatch these forces has not yet been made.

These units have been placed on alert by order of President Joe Biden and on the advice of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

Kirby also added that these soldiers are prepared to respond to a range of contingencies, including supporting NATO's rapid reaction forces if they are activated.

Kirby called this action a sign of America's seriousness in its commitment to NATO.

Support from other NATO countries

A few hours before the announcement, several NATO member countries, including Denmark, Spain, France, and the Netherlands, announced that they would send reinforcements to Eastern Europe to defend and deter a possible Russian attack.

Denmark is sending a frigate to the Baltic Sea and four fighter jets to Lithuania. Spain is also preparing ships to assist NATO naval forces and is planning to send several fighter jets to Bulgaria.

According to NATO, France has also expressed its readiness to send NATO-led units to Romania.

In addition, the Netherlands has been sending two F-35 jets to Bulgaria since April and has prepared a ship and units to assist NATO's rapid reaction forces.

Concerns rise after deployment of 100,000 Russian troops

The reason for the Western countries' action is increased concerns about a Russian attack on Ukraine after the deployment of more than 100,000 Russian troops on Ukraine's borders.

The United States and several European countries have warned Russia that it will face serious consequences if it attacks Ukraine.

Russia has denied any intention to invade Ukraine.

Source: DW