The Department of Defense announced on Saturday that it will reposition one hundred sixty Florida National Guard troops outside of Ukraine, citing the danger of a potential Russian invasion. The troops had been in Ukraine since November to train and advise Ukrainian forces.

More than 130,000 Russian troops have built up along the Ukrainian border since late 2021. While the Kremlin has denied that it intends to invade Ukraine, U.S. officials have claimed to have intelligence suggesting that Russia intends to stage a false flag attack against its border troops to justify an invasion. 

The American troops present in Ukraine were assigned to the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. They have been present in Ukraine in a training role since last fall, as part of the “Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine.”

Kirby said in a statement that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made the decision to remove U.S. troops “out of an abundance of caution – with the safety and security of our personnel foremost in mind.”

He also said that the repositioning of troops “does not signify a change in our determination to support Ukraine’s Armed Forces, but will provide flexibility in assuring allies and deterring aggression.”

President Joe Biden has repeatedly cautioned Ukrainian and other European leaders that American troops would not be deployed to Ukraine to help fend off a Russian invasion.

Some commentators have recommended deploying a “tripwire force” – a small American troop contingent that would discourage a foreign invasion for fear of starting a war against the United States – in Ukraine, noting that similar forces exist in other Eastern European countries. However, Biden dismissed this possibility, suggesting that it could lead to “a world war when Americans and Russia start shooting at one another” and suggesting that it would not credibly deter Moscow.

In recent days, the Department of State has also indicated it would suspend most activities at its embassy in Kyiv and would request the evacuation of all non-emergency personnel. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also said Americans currently in Ukraine should leave the country as soon as possible.

Biden emphasized this message on Thursday, warning that “things could go crazy quickly” in the event of a Russian invasion.

Trevor Filseth is a current and foreign affairs writer for the National Interest.

Image: U.S. Department of Defense.