[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The conflict between the West and Russia surrounding Ukraine is escalating to a critical point, as the U.S. government has ordered the families of U.S. Embassy staff in Ukraine to evacuate. The New York Times reported on the 23rd (local time) that U.S. President Joe Biden is considering deploying thousands of troops, warships, and fighter jets to NATO allies in Eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea region.
The U.S. State Department issued a statement on the same day ordering the families of U.S. Embassy staff in Ukraine to evacuate and allowing non-essential personnel to voluntarily leave Ukraine.
The State Department stated, "Due to the ongoing threat of Russian military action, effective from the 23rd, the U.S. government is permitting voluntary departure for personnel directly employed by the U.S. government and ordering the families of embassy staff located in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, to leave." Additionally, it advised all Americans in Ukraine to depart the country.
The State Department's statement mentioned reports indicating that Russia is planning a significant military operation targeting Ukraine.
The NYT, citing U.S. government officials, reported that as the possibility of a Russian invasion of Ukraine increases, the U.S. government may expand its military presence in Eastern Europe. Currently, 4,000 U.S. troops and 1,000 NATO troops are stationed in Poland, and 4,000 NATO troops are deployed in countries around the Baltic Sea. The NYT quoted officials saying that Russia has stationed 100,000 troops at the border, and the U.S. government could increase its local forces tenfold. It also added that President Biden is expected to make a decision on this matter this week. The NYT explained that this move signals a shift in the Biden administration's core policy toward Russia.
According to other foreign media, the three Baltic states?Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania?have also reportedly sent anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine.
In response to these moves by the U.S. and NATO member countries, the Russian Foreign Ministry denied the claims, accusing NATO members of escalating tensions in Ukraine with false information.
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