United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. (Credit: US DOD)

By Gary  Raynaldo    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

WASHINGTON  DC  –  PENTAGON  –  Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Tuesday spoke with Ukraine  Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov to offer his support for the Ukrainian people, a Pentagon spokesman said.   The Defense Secretary expressed support for the Ukrainian people as they continue their courageous efforts to defend their sovereignty and territory in the face of Russia’s unprovoked and vicious invasion,”  Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said.   Secretary Austin emphasized that the United States is united with its Allies and partners in its resolve to support Ukraine, including through the continued provision of defensive security assistance,” Kirby said.  “The leaders committed to continuing their close coordination during this war that Russia alone has started.” 

Pentagon Deploys Additional 7,000 U.S. Troops to Europe 

Soldiers of the XVIII Airborne Corps arrive in Wiesbaden, Germany, in support of NATO allies, Feb. 4, 2022. (Credit: US DOD / Army Spc. Joshua Cowden)

Secretary of Defense Austin last Thursday ordered the deployment of 7,000 service members to be deployed to Germany to enhance deterrence of Russia.   The major unit in the tranche of troops is the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia, according to the Pentagon.  The troops are being dispatched to Germany “to reassure NATO allies, deter Russian aggression and to be prepared to support a range of other requirements in the region,”  according the a senior defense official speaking on background.   Some 12,000 U.S. troops, total, have deployed or been ordered to deploy to Europe from the United States and another 2,000 troops in Europe who have moved closer to NATO’s eastern flank. They join 80,000 U.S. service members based in Europe.   

DOD officials estimate that nearly 75 percent of the forces that Russian President Vladimir Putin amassed for invasion are now in Ukraine.  A senior defense official said the United States has not seen anything specific as a result of President Putin putting Russian nuclear deterrence forces on high alert.