US sending troops to protect NATO territory, not start war with Russia

The United States has iterated that it does not intend to start a war with Russia, even as the Joe Biden-led government has sent an additional 3000 soldiers to Germany and eastern Europe. The increased military presence comes as a response to the crisis at the Ukraine border, where Russian troops have amassed, sparking fears of an invasion. 

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to Fox News, saying that President Biden has always been clear that troops are not being sent to start a war with Russia, adding, “We have sent forces to Europe to defend NATO territory”.

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Sullivan however noted that there could be a military escalation and invasion of Ukraine at any time. 

Speaking to NBC, he said, “We believe that the Russians have put in place the capabilities to mount a significant military operation into Ukraine, and we have been working hard to prepare a response”. Sullivan also added, “President Biden has rallied our allies. He’s reinforced and reassured our partners on the eastern flank, he’s provided material support to the Ukrainians, and he’s offered the Russians a diplomatic path”. 

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According to US officials. Russia has a range of options at disposal, including mounting a limited campaign in Ukraine’s Donbas region, which has Russian separatists. As per officials, a full-scale invasion is also on the cards.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has insisted that there’s no immediate threat of a Russian invasion and believes that diplomatic talks could still be the way out of the situation. Russia too has rubbished claims of any plans to invade. The Vladimir Putin-led government has accused NATO countries of raising hysteria and using this as a pretext to place troops at the Russian border. 

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The US and Russia have locked horns as the latter has demanded that Ukraine’s entry into NATO is blocked and that the organization reduce their military presence in eastern Europe.