US to send more troops to Europe amid tensions between Russia, Ukraine

The Pentagon announced the United States will be sending 2,000 troops to Europe this week to “send a strong signal” amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Those 2,000 troops are coming from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and they will be sent to Germany and Poland. Another 1,000 troops currently based in Germany will be moved to Romania.

“These forward-deployed forces help to deter aggression and if deterrence fails, stand shoulder to shoulder with our Allies to maintain security and stability in Europe,” the Pentagon said in a fact sheet on the movements. According to that fact sheet, “these forces are not going to fight in Ukraine,” and the moves “are not permanent.”

“They respond to current conditions,” the Pentagon said. “We will adjust our posture as those conditions evolve, and we will continue to consult closely with NATO Allies to ensure an appropriate collective posture of deterrence and defense.”

Of the 2,000 deploying from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, about 1,700 are members of the 82nd Airborne Division infantry brigade, who will go to Poland. The other 300 are with the 18th Airborne Corps and will deploy to Germany. The 1,000 U.S. troops going to Romania are members of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment based at Vilseck, Germany. According to Kirby, they will augment the approximately 900 U.S. troops already in Romania.

“These movements are unmistakable signals to the world that we stand ready to reassure our NATO allies and deter and defend against any aggression,” Kirby said at a Wednesday morning briefing. “The United States, in lockstep with our allies and partners, has offered Russia a path to de-escalate, but we will take all prudent measures to assure our own security and that of our allies.”

Last week, the Pentagon put 8,500 U.S.-based troops on higher alert for possible deployment to Europe in case the situation between Russia and Ukraine escalates. Officials have said additional units could be placed on higher alert soon.