Biden made clear that despite the departure of American family members of embassy personnel, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, remains open and fully operational….reports Asian Lite News
US President Joe Biden on Thursday (local time) spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirmed the readiness of the United States along with its allies and partners to “respond decisively” if Russia further invades Ukraine.
During the call, Biden underscored the commitment of the United States to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the White House said in a statement.
Biden noted the United States has provided Ukraine with over half a billion dollars in development and humanitarian assistance in the last year, and is exploring additional macroeconomic support to help Ukraine’s economy amidst pressure resulting from Russia’s military build-up.
Biden made clear that despite the departure of American family members of embassy personnel, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, remains open and fully operational.
According to the statement, the leaders discussed coordinated diplomatic efforts on European security, underscoring the principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
President Biden relayed the United States’ support for conflict resolution efforts in the Normandy Format, expressing his hope that the sides’ recommitment on January 26 to the terms of the July 2020 ceasefire will help decrease tensions and advance the implementation of the Minsk Agreements, the statement added.
Airborne division on high alert
Several US Army Airborne divisions are among the military units placed on high alert for possible deployment to Eastern Europe should the situation over Ukraine escalates, Defense Department spokesperson John Kirby said.
“These units include elements of the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, which regularly maintains high readiness, as well as elements of the 18th Airborne Corps who are also based at Fort Bragg,” Kirby said during a press briefing on Thursday. “Additionally, from Fort Campbell, elements of the 101st Airborne Division and from Fort Carson, Colorado, elements of the Fourth Infantry Division have been placed on increased readiness.”
Kirby added that other units placed on high alert are located at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Fort Hood, McChord Air Force Base, Fort Polk, Robins Air Force Base, Fort Stewart, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, among others.
Kirby added that these military units include aviation support, logistics support, medical support and combat formations.
US President Joe Biden said earlier this week that he does not intend to send any US forces in Ukraine.
Moscow has repeatedly dismissed claims by the United States and its European allies, including Kiev, alleging that Russia plans to invade Ukraine. Russia has warned that NATO’s actions near its borders represent a national security threat and it reserves the right to move troops within its own sovereign territory. (ANI/Sputnik)