The US is sending 3,000 troops closer to Ukraine as the border crisis with Russia continues.
In the first major move by the US since the crisis began, President Joe Biden has approved the deployment of more troops to eastern Europe.
US officials have said 2,000 troops will be sent to Poland and Germany, with another 1,000 already stationed in Europe moving to Romania.
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In the next few days, the forces are expected to deploy, though specific details were not given about their missions.
A senior defence official commented on the move, saying that troops 'are trained and equipped for a variety of missions during this period of elevated risk', the Wall Street Journal reports.
The official also noted that the deployment is 'meant to deter the threat against the alliance. We are literally willing to put skin in the game.'
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The Pentagon is also anticipating to move other forces already in Europe, with several thousand troops placed on standby to deploy.
8,500 US troops are said to be ready in case they are needed by the NATO quick response force, which is comprised of 40,000 international troops.
More forces may also be utilised, if the US is required to evacuate the estimated 30,000 Americans currently residing in Ukraine. However, it is unlikely that troops would be sent into Ukraine, and if required an evacuation would take place along the border instead.
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Some US military trainers and special operation forces are currently in Ukraine but their deployment is expected to be temporary, with no new forces have been allowed into the country.
The move of troops to eastern Europe shows support to the US's European allies.
In addition to deploying troops the US is said to be preparing economic sanctions, if Russia chooses to invade.
However, Russian president Vladimir Putin accused the US of trying to coax Moscow into war, and that he hopes the 'dialogue will be continued' regarding the developing situation.
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Russia has frequently denied plans to invade Ukraine and asked that Ukraine not be allowed to enter NATO, a request the US rejected.
However, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US wanted to forge a 'serious diplomatic path forward', NBC News reports. 'It remains up to Russia to decide how to respond. We're ready to decide either way,' he said.
Following this, Blinken had a call with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov yesterday, February 1, CNN reports. However, the 'professional and fairly candid' call didn't seem to stifle tensions.
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Topics: Joe Biden, Vladimir Putin, World News, Russia
Shola Lee