WASHINGTON, June 29 (KUNA) -- US President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday plans to enlarge US troops' deployment in European and strengthen the NATO alliance Biden made the announcement at the beginning of the NATO Summit in Madrid today following a welcome from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
The move belies efforts by Russian President Vladimir Putin to shatter the Trans-Atlantic alliance. "NATO is strong, united, and the steps we're taking during this summit are going to further augment our collective strength," said Biden in Madrid -- excerpts of his announcement were carried by the US media.
"To that end, today, I'm announcing the United States will enhance our force posture in Europe to respond to the change security environment, as well as strengthening our collective security," he said.
The president's announcement comes on the heels of a surge of 20,000 U.S. service members to Europe to defend alliance countries in the face of Putin's unprovoked and unnecessary war on Ukraine.
There are now more than 100,000 U.S. service members serving in Europe with many along the eastern front of the alliance. The changes the president announced have been made in close consultation with allies and will be made over the coming months. (end) rsr.rk