US puts thousands of troops on alert to deploy if needed by NATO

The Pentagon has put about 8,500 troops on high alert as tensions rise with Russia as it builds its presence at the Ukrainian border. Those troops could be deployed as part of NATO’s Response Force.

The U.S. is also watching Russian President Vladimir Putin quite closely.

“We respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and we expect that Russia would do the same and any aggressive action taken by Vladimir Putin will be met with severe consequences,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Those consequences could include 8,500 American troops.

Russia has been applying pressure on the Ukrainian border. Brandon Jett is a Professor of History at Florida SouthWestern University. “What looks like it could be an invasion really comes out of it is that historical relationship between Moscow and the government of the Russian Empire and Soviet Union, and now current Russia, and Ukraine,” Jett said.

Jett describes this conflict as a power struggle. “You’ve got Vladimir Putin and Russia trying to reassert control over Ukraine, or sorry, over Ukraine…” said Jett.

And these tensions could have significant implications if they aren’t resolved. “Because this is what being part of the global police is all about. We shouldn’t be comfortable allowing these types of military strongmen or anybody to invade sovereign territory and think that they can get away with it,” Jett said.

“Because it only encourages other countries to act in that way and really will destabilize this global network of alliances and economic networks,” said Jett.

President Bident tweeted regarding the tension just hours ago:

Today, I spoke with European leaders in response to Russia’s military buildup on Ukraine’s borders. We discussed our joint efforts to deter further Russian aggression, such as preparations to impose severe economic costs on Russia and reinforce security on the eastern flank. pic.twitter.com/2XvTTvdLJl

— President Biden (@POTUS) January 24, 2022