The US keeps ready 8500 troops under 'high alert' in the face of growing tensions with Russia in Ukraine

The US keeps ready 8,500 troops under ‘high alert’ in the face of growing tensions with Russia in Ukraine. 

Washington: The US Department of Defence has declared that more than 8,500 American soldiers have been placed on “heightened alert” for possible deployment due to the escalating tensions along the border between Ukraine and Russia. There isn’t an official decision regarding deployments.

John Kirby, the Defense Department’s spokesperson, explained on Monday at a press conference that the purpose for placing US forces on alert was to assure that the US is prepared to react to a possible decision taken by NATO. 

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) sent its 40,000-strong multinational force, known as NRF, which could be strengthened at brief notice.

“This is really about reassuring the eastern flank of NATO,” Kirby declared. Kirby added that the decision issued by defense secretary Lloyd Austin at the direction of President Joe Biden was about “proving how seriously the US takes our commitment to NATO” and the alliance’s collective defense pledge, Xinhua news agency reported.

“All told, the number of forces that the Secretary has placed on heightened alert comes up to about 8,500 personnel,” the spokesperson stated.

Kirby stated that there is no decision taken regarding the deployment of US forces. He also said the troops currently in high alert comprise “additional brigade combat teams, logistics personnel, medical support, aviation support, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.”

A spokesperson for Biden also reiterated Biden’s assertion that the US will not send soldiers to Ukraine should the possibility arise of the conflict erupts within Kyiv and Moscow. 

However, the West is determined to prevent the Kremlin from launching an attack with sanctions and military assistance for Ukraine.

The Pentagon’s order to prepare for deployment was issued a day after it was announced that the State Department authorized the voluntary removal of US officials from the US Embassy in Kyiv and ordered their families members to be evacuated from Ukraine.