The U.S. Department of Defense, the Pentagon, announced today, Wednesday, that the Biden administration has decided to deploy 3,000 American troops to Germany, Poland, and Romania due to rising tensions with Russia over Ukraine. Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby stated in a press conference that "the United States sees it as necessary to support the eastern front in Europe," but clarified that no soldiers will be sent to Ukraine.
Kirby explained that the troop movement to the eastern front "will not be permanent, but is a response to current circumstances," amid an unprecedented buildup of Russian military equipment and soldiers on the border with Ukraine, raising fears of a possible invasion. Kirby reiterated that "Russia has the capability to invade" Ukraine, but added, "we are not aware of Moscow making a decision to invade Ukraine." He emphasized that "the United States is taking precautions and is also opening the lines for de-escalation" with Moscow.
Additionally, Kirby mentioned that "there are additional American forces on heightened alert" in the U.S., totaling 8,500 troops, who "will move to Europe depending on developments." Regarding the troops being sent to Germany, Poland, and Romania, he clarified that they will remain under American command and that the U.S. force in Europe "will be ready to deter any attack." The Pentagon also welcomed the readiness of Britain and other European countries to deploy more troops to Eastern European nations. Kirby explained that "the deployment of American forces to Europe aims to protect allies," but stressed that "the United States is seeking a diplomatic solution regarding Ukraine."
