The U.S. Defense Department will insist that some weapons aimed at Afghanistan be sent to Ukraine instead.

However, within US President Joe Biden’s cabinet, there are concerns that Russia’s deployment of additional weapons and troops could be seen as provocative and could escalate tensions as a result. While preparations are underway to send military advisers, it is unclear whether they will actually travel to Ukraine or to another country in the region.

New information

The United States last week shared new intelligence with European allies about the deployment of Russian troops on the Ukrainian border. Unless President Vladimir Putin orders it, Russia with those troops could quickly occupy the Eastern European country. According to insiders, Putin has not yet decided whether he really wants this.

Russia and Ukraine have had tense relations for many years. Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula of Ukraine in 2014 and supports armed separatists in eastern Ukraine. The Kiev government, meanwhile, is seeking the support of the West. Ukraine’s defense minister last week called on the United States to help protect his country.

Reduce tension

The White House said on Monday it was “deeply concerned” about Russia’s military operations and its brutal rhetoric against Ukraine. “We call on Russia to ease tensions,” White House spokeswoman Zhen Zhag told a news conference. The White House says serious talks are currently underway between the United States and European allies on the situation.