WASHINGTON, DC – The United States will send more troops to Europe, Defense Department announced, citing tensions along Ukraine's borders. The deployment comprises 1,000 troops currently located in Germany who will be redirected to Romania, as well as 2,000 troops from the United States who will be dispatched to Germany and Poland. The Defense Department's spokesman, John Kirby, was reported by the Xinhua news agency as stating.

"These aren't long-term changes. They are actions taken in response to the current security situation. Furthermore, these forces will not combat in Ukraine "During a Pentagon press conference, Kirby stated. "These movements are obvious signals to the world that we stand ready to reassure our (NATO) friends and deter and protect against any assault," he added.

The US has already placed 8,500 troops on "heightened alert" in anticipation of a "imminent" Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to the US. If NATO decides to activate its rapid response force, the NRF, the troops will be able to be deployed on short notice.

The troops being deployed, according to Kirby, are distinct from those on high alert. Because NATO has yet to activate the NRF, they will operate on a bilateral basis with their host countries and will be under US command rather than NATO authority.

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