NATO is sending more fighter jets and ships to eastern Europe, while placing more troops on standby, against the backdrop of a possible Russian invasion. Ireland, too, issued a warning that Russia’s war games were not welcome off the Irish coast amid uncertainty whether President Vladimir Putin will actually mount an invasion. 

The military organization, headed by the US, seeks to deter Russia in this latest move. Accordingly, Denmark is sending a frigate and deploying F-16 warplanes to Lithuania. Spain could send fighter jets to Bulgaria, apart from the warships they are sending. France is prepared to send troops to Romania too. 

Also Read | US defends not imposing premature sanctions on Russia amid Ukraine conflict

Meanwhile, the Biden administration is also mulling over whether to send 5,000 troops to Eastern Europe. An official speaking to NPR stated that they could either go to Romania and Poland, or Hungary or even Bulgaria. While the plans are not finalized yet, the soldiers are ready to move. The New York Times, who first reported the news of planned US troop movements, also quoted Pentagon officials saying there is “potential to increase that number tenfold if things deteriorate”. 

Also Read | US draws down Ukraine embassy presence as war fears mount

Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, of NATO, also showed immense resolve, saying “We will always respond to any deterioration of our security environment, including through strengthening our collective defence.” He also added that the organization would “take all necessary measures to protect and defend all allies.”

Also Read | US warns China to stay away from Taiwan amid Ukraine crisis

This announcement came even as European Union ministers worked to show unity and resolve against Moscow’s power play. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, said: “We are showing unprecedented unity about the situation in Ukraine, with the strong coordination with the US”. Further, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen made a video statement, saying, “The (European) Commission proposes a new emergency macro-financial assistance package of €1.2 billion. This package will help Ukraine now to address its financing needs due to the conflict”. 

Russia has already been warned of several sanctions and economic consequences by various western countries in an attempt to deter its plans of invasion. Notably, Moscow has maintained that it has no plans to invade Ukraine but has not budged from its demands that Ukraine should not be allowed to join NATO, a stance the US has strongly rejected. 

[Edited with AP inputs]