The US is deploying forces in Europe with the largest scale in nearly 20 years in the context of the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In a statement earlier this week, US European Command (EUCOM) said: "In light of Russia's aggressive moves, the US recently deployed additional forces (in Europe) and now has about 100,000 American troops in Europe." This is the largest deployment since 2005. EUCOM emphasized, US forces deployed in Europe to ensure security commitments with allies, to train forces of the host countries.
According to information from EUCOM, of these, about 65,000 troops are stationed in Europe, the rest are in units deployed on rotation in recent years. In January, the number of US troops in Europe was close to 80,000, but Russia's military campaign in Ukraine has forced the US to significantly increase the deployment of temporary forces to the region. Many troops were deployed to the east of Poland, near the border with Ukraine.
Germany is still home to the most US troops with 38,500 troops, followed by Italy with 12,000, Poland and Britain each with 10,000, Romania with 2,400, and Spain with 2,500.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on March 17 also confirmed that there are about 100,000 US troops deployed in Europe, of which 40,000 are under the command of NATO - the US-led military alliance.
Speaking to reporters, Stoltenberg said the number of US troops had increased by several thousand in the past few weeks as Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine and all remained on high alert.
Stoltenberg sees the deployment as an immediate NATO response to send a clear message to Russia that any attack on a member of the alliance will trigger a response from the entire bloc.
NATO has continuously strengthened its deterrence and defense capabilities, especially on the alliance's eastern flank, in the context of Russia's increased military presence in the region.
The above comment came not long after US President Joe Biden announced that the US and its allies would defend every inch of NATO land. "We will continue to stand with our allies in Europe and deliver the consistent message that we will defend every inch of NATO. That is why I have deployed more than 12,000 troops to the zones. areas near the Russian border in Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Romania and a few other countries," Biden said.
The White House owner also warned that if Russia attacks any member of NATO, the US will respond, even if it means the beginning of a global conflict.
Meanwhile, Moscow accused the "Eastward" strategy of the US and NATO of threatening Russia's security.
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