WASHINGTON (Washington Insider Magazine) – On Monday, President Joe Biden had a video conference with European allies, warning that the prospect of a Russian attack on Ukraine remained high, and the US had deployed thousands of troops to the region in case it was needed.
According to the White House, the call was with the heads of the NATO, European Council, European Commission, Italy, Germany, Poland, France and the United Kingdom to discuss defense operations, deterrence, diplomacy, and as well as possible measures against Russia.
At the same time, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed Monday that about 8,500 U.S.-based troops have been placed on heightened alert for swift deployment to help NATO if needed.
According to Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby, no decision to send them has been taken, and the US might also supply troops presently stationed in Europe.
When questioned if those soldiers could be dispatched to Ukraine directly, Kirby said nothing had changed since Biden declared last month that deploying troops to the region was not an option.
According to a US official, Biden’s administration has created a number of alternatives to try to reassure Western allies while restraining Russia, including deploying more US soldiers to the region. However, the official highlighted that no decisions have so far been made, and the White House completely denied any strategy shift.
over the weekend, citing anonymous Biden administration officials.
According to the New York Times, senior Pentagon officials offered President Biden multiple possibilities for sending American military forces closer to Russia
According to the New York Times, one option is to send 1,000 to 5,000 American soldiers to European Nations.
On Monday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki declined to confirm the details of the Times’ report — or to give a timetable for Biden’s decision on sending soldiers — but maintained the US approach had not changed.
In fact, if Russian President Vladimir Putin escalates the situation militarily, Biden has publicly warned to send more soldiers to eastern Europe.
While at Camp David on Saturday, the president spoke with national security experts, according to the White House.
NATO announced on Monday that its participating countries have taken a number of steps to discourage Russia from attacking, including the deployment of troops and ships.
The Kremlin, which has disputed that Russia is planning an invasion of Ukraine, said on Monday that NATO’s recent deployment statement will increase tensions.
