The move comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin has deployed a full range of military capabilities on its western border.

While U.S. officials still believe Putin has not made up his mind to invade Ukraine again, he certainly has the capabilities needed to do so, Kirby said.

“The current situation demands that we reinforce the deterrent and defensive posture on NATO's eastern flank,” Kirby said. “President Biden has been clear that the United States will respond to the growing threat to Europe's security and stability. Our commitment to NATO Article Five and collective defense remains ironclad.”

Kirby stressed these deployments are prudent and temporary and done in consultation with European allies. He stressed that the forces are not going to fight in Ukraine. “They're going to ensure the robust defense of our NATO allies,” he said.

He said these deployments are in addition to the prepare-to-deploy orders Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III gave to 8,500 service members last month. Those troops are not involved in this movement.

The United States already has “robust capabilities” in Europe with about 80,000 troops. The U.S. forces join hundreds of thousands of European service members to defend the continent. “We stand united,” Kirby said. “These movements are unmistakable signals to the world that we stand ready to reassure our NATO allies to deter and defend against any aggression.” (ILKHA)