The United States and NATO leaders are taking steps to respond to the possibility of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has placed 8,500 troops on alert to “ready themselves for a rapid deployment if called upon,” according to a press release. While those troops are still inside the United States, DoD John Kirby said the forces would be assigned to the NATO Response Force if called upon. Whether or not to deploy those troops will be a NATO decision.

"We are increasing the alert posture on quite a number of U.S. troops here, stateside, as well as taking a look at what could possibly be moved around on the European continent," Kirby said, according to the press release.

The posture of NATO forces in Eastern Europe will be a focus in coming weeks as countries look to fortify or reinforce their borders. Deploying troops to NATO member states is seen as less provocative than sending forces into Ukraine. Doing so could put NATO on a collision course with Russia.

However, a larger troop presence in European countries within reach of Ukraine seems more likely. Poland could reinforce its borders with U.S. and NATO assets including infantry, armored vehicles, and fighter aircraft. A troop presence in Eastern Europe could help shield other countries from Russian threats if Ukraine is invaded.

The 8,500 U.S. troops placed on alert give commanders potential response options. While 8,500 troops is by no means enough to rival the Russian Army, NATO’s Rapid Reaction Force could secure the perimeter surrounding high-value assets vulnerable to Russian attack. 

"We have seen a consistent accumulation of combat power by the Russians in the western part of their country around the borders with Ukraine and Belarus," Kirby said. "(Putin) continues to add to his force capability in western Russia and in Belarus. We've seen no signs of de-escalation ... what we're hoping for is a de-escalation. And one of the best ways they could de-escalate the tension would be to remove some of those forces away from Ukraine."

Kris Osborn is the Defense Editor for the National Interest. Osborn previously served at the Pentagon as a Highly Qualified Expert with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army—Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Osborn has also worked as an anchor and on-air military specialist at national TV networks. He has appeared as a guest military expert on Fox News, MSNBC, The Military Channel, and The History Channel. He also has a Master's Degree in Comparative Literature from Columbia University.

Image: Reuters.