8,500 US troops “on high alert” as Ukraine invasion fears grow - BBC News

The Pentagon has said around 8,500 combat-ready US troops are on high alert to deploy at short notice amid rising tension over Ukraine. However it made clear there are no plans to send forces to the country itself. Russia has denied planning military action against Ukraine, despite massing 100,000 troops close to its border. President Biden has held a video call with European allies as Western powers discuss a common strategy if Russia launches an invasion.