President Joe Biden is reviewing plans to deploy thousands of troops and military equipment to fellow NATO nations ahead of a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine is not a NATO member and is not the destination of the troops.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at Monday’s press briefing that the United States is involved in conversations with countries in Eastern Europe “about what their needs are and what security concerns they have,” but she denied that a specific incident in recent days sparked those talks.
“We can’t get into the mind of President [Vladimir] Putin. We are seeing the preparations that they’re making at the border. We have been very clear, and the president has been direct that military action by Russia could come at any time,” she added.
Psaki reiterated the president’s view that Russia is “prepared in any moment to take military action.”
“So I wouldn’t say it’s a response to an abrupt moment,” she said, citing Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent meetings with his European counterparts. “It’s a part of an ongoing contingency planning process and discussion.”
The New York Times reported Monday morning that senior Defense Department officials reviewed the troop deployment plans over the weekend at Camp David.
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You can watch Monday’s full briefing below.