24th February, 2022
U.S President Joe Biden said he had authorised “the deployment of ground and air forces already stationed in Europe,” to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania.
He also said he had authorised “additional US force capabilities” be sent to Germany as part of NATO’s response, including some forces that had been placed on standby several weeks ago.
“This would comprise an armoured brigade combat team with associated capabilities and enablers.
“They will deploy to Germany to reassure NATO Allies, deter Russian aggression and be prepared to support a range of requirements in the region.
“We expect them to depart in the coming days,” the official said.
Later, a senior defence official said US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin has ordered the deployment of 7,000 US service members to Europe.
In White House remarks, Biden reiterated that US forces “are not and will not be engaged in a conflict with Russia in Ukraine.”
“Our forces are not going to Europe to fight in Ukraine, but to defend our NATO allies and reassure those allies in the East,” he added.
“We’re also taking steps to defend our NATO allies. Particularly in the east,” the President said during remarks from the White House following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“As I made crystal clear, the United States will defend every inch of NATO territory with the full force of American power,” he said.
The President added that he has “no doubt” that NATO members will “meet our Article 5 commitments, which says an attack on one is an attack on all.”
“Tomorrow, NATO will convene a summit. We’ll be there to bring together the leaders of 30 allied nations and close partners to affirm our solidarity and to map out the next steps we will take to further strengthen all aspects of our NATO alliance,”Biden said.