CNN Reports that additional bases or numbers may also be possible for a force show against Russia.
According to CNN officials, the US intends to maintain 100,000 troops in Eastern Europe over the next few years. This could be increased if Russia is perceived as a threat to NATO, or the two potential new members of the alliance, CNN reported Friday.
If NATO carries out more military exercises in the area or the “Security environment” changes, the US could bring in more troops or even build more military bases in the region, the officials said. The plans are reportedly under consideration following a Thursday meeting of NATO military heads in Brussels, and they will be presented to a meeting of the alliance’s defense ministers next month. At the end of June, leaders from NATO countries will be meeting in Madrid.
While Sweden and Finland have applied to join NATO, the US has not chosen to commit further troops for their defense, though any movement of weapons by Russia – which has promised to respond to both countries’ accession to the transatlantic alliance – may result in further deployments. Several NATO members have offered support to the group outside of its official structures while they process their application.
In March the US increased its troops in Europe by 100,000, marking the first increase in troop strength since 2005. The United States European Command, EUCOM, specifically blamed “Russian aggression” for the increased deployment. The majority of the troops are stationed in Poland and Germany, followed by Italy and the UK. Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Baltic States have asked for an increased troop presence.
Prior to Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, the US had some 60,000 troops stationed in Europe. Although the US does not have troops currently in Ukraine (officially), Washington has donated billions to Kiev in military aid.
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Russia warns that there are increasing threats to her security
Russia attacked its neighboring state in late February, following Ukraine’s failure to implement the terms of the Minsk agreements, first signed in 2014, and Moscow’s eventual recognition of the Donbass republics of Donetsk and Lugansk. French and German diplomats negotiated the protocol to provide special status for the Ukrainian states that were part of the separatist regions.
In recent years, the Kremlin demands that Ukraine declares itself neutral in order to be able to join NATO. Kiev claims that the Russian invasion was unprovoked. It also denies any plans to take the republics with force.
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