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'Sacred obligation': US deploys troops as Russia tensions escalate

US president Joe Biden has made a vow to confront Russia amid ongoing fears the country is readying for an invasion of Ukraine.

As talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin reach an impasse, the US is deploying more troops to eastern Europe to bulk-up its military presence in the potential flashpoint.

Mr Biden is ordering 2000 US-based troops to Poland and redirecting a further 1000 troops stationed in Germany to Romania.

The move is a significant counter to Russia's more than 100,000 troop build-up along the Ukraine border, albeit a comparatively small one.

US Navy sailors on board an aircraft carrier as tensions rise between Russia and Ukraine.
3000 US troops are on their way to Eastern Europe as tension between Russia and Ukraine mounts. Source: Reuters.

The decision to put troops on the move demonstrates America’s commitment to NATO’s eastern flank, the Pentagon said overnight, with the troops to deploy in the "coming days".

With growing questions about America's retreating influence around the world after maintaining a global order since the end of World War II, Mr Biden was keen to reaffirm the commitment of the US to its many allies.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Biden again described Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) alliance as a "sacred obligation".

"As long as he's [Vladimir Putin] acting aggressively, we are going to make sure we reassure our NATO allies in Eastern Europe that we're there, and Article 5 is a sacred obligation," he said.

While Ukraine is not an official member of NATO, Article 5 enshrines the principle of collective defence, meaning an attack on one member is considered an attack against all allies.

Talks between Russia and Western leaders have not put an end to the tense stand-off.

While Russia has denied plans to invade Ukraine, the Kremlin signalled it was in no mood for compromise overnight by mocking Britain, calling prime minister Boris Johnson "utterly confused" and accusing British politicians of "stupidity and ignorance".

Russia insists Ukraine must not join the NATO alliance and has accused the US of continually undermining its security.

More US troops 'may be warranted'

The Biden administration is aiming to demonstrate US resolve without undermining efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

The US president, who took over from Donald Trump, notably has not sent military reinforcements to the three Baltic countries on NATO’s eastern flank — Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania — that are former states of the Soviet Union.

No US troops are being sent directly to Ukraine.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Wednesday (local time) said the administration has stopped calling a Russian invasion “imminent,” because that word implies Washington knows Putin has made a decision to invade. Officials say Putin’s intentions remain unclear, despite the menacing troop build-up.

The US has vowed to curb Russian aggression.
The US has vowed to curb Russian aggression. Source: Reuters

The decision to put US troops on the move was met with some criticism from Mr Biden's political opponents but also drew support from across the aisle.

"I completely support the Biden administration’s decision to send more US troops to bolster NATO allies in the face of Russian aggression," senior Republican Lindsey Graham tweeted.

"It is imperative that NATO meet the moment and that we stand firmly against Putin’s efforts to divide the alliance.

"Sending additional forces is the right signal, and over time more may be warranted."

'The bleakest scenario'

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia last month, Professor John Blaxland an expert in International Security and Intelligence at ANU, said any Russian move into Ukraine risks harsh economic sanctions that would take a toll on Russia.

A Ukrainian soldier keeps guard at a building outside of Maryinka, Ukraine. Source: Getty
A Ukrainian soldier keeps guard at a building outside of Maryinka, Ukraine. Source: Getty

While he hoped the situation wouldn't continue to escalate, he did warn of a worst case scenario as America's major opponents sought to boost their spheres of influence.

If the Russians moved in on Ukraine aggressively, he said, it could open the door for China to make its move on Taiwan.

“This is the bleakest scenario,” Professor Blaxland told Yahoo, adding his “greatest fear” is three nuclear-powered states in the US, Russia and China all confronting each other.

with wires

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