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Biden orders U.S. forces to Europe amid stalled Ukraine talks

54 Comments
By ROBERT BURNS, LOLITA C BALDOR, LORNE COOK and DASHA LITVINOVA

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54 Comments

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Two reasons: Energy and Weapons.

The US seems to want Russia to invade Ukraine in order to sabotage the relationship between the European states and Russia, so that the US can force Germany to back off from Nord Stream 2 (and paying Russia for natural gas). This will keep Western Europe dependent on the US for energy and defense needs.

Also NATO, an organization which really should not exist, can justify its existence to its member states. The US needs wars and conflicts around the world to justify its presence because it does not offer benefits through trade. If you manufacture fire extinguishers you benefit from fires, but should you help create fires?

The US largely depends on arms sales to keep its influence. Now, Russia, China, France and even South Korea are selling arms which compete with the US’s costly weapons systems.

11 ( +20 / -9 )

Bronco, we just ran up a 30 trillion dollar credit card bill, we can expand on this as long as the world buy our debt

2 ( +7 / -5 )

None for more hospital beds,

starving kids or collapsing bridges

Thanks to two obstinate Democratic Party navel gazers in the US Senate.

2 ( +14 / -12 )

How about sending those troops to help fight gun violence on the streets? Help out those poor police officers.

1 ( +11 / -10 )

Memo to Russia. You reap what you sow. The hammer you hit others with eventually swings back and hits you as well.

-1 ( +12 / -13 )

Why doesnt Biden explain to the American people why he is sending our troops to defend Ukraine?

We have no treaty or agreement that demands us to do so.

We can defend the Ukraine border but not our own?

-6 ( +11 / -17 )

The hammer you hit others with eventually swings back and hits you as well.

That's deep. Almost like the boomerang thing, only deeper.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

The hammer you hit others with eventually swings back and hits you as well. 

That's deep. Almost like the boomerang thing, only deeper.

I can’t take credit for it. Heard it from a Russian fella ironically.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

Putin Chan puts on a good show but no one is attending it anymore.

-7 ( +5 / -12 )

Memo to Russia. You reap what you sow. The hammer you hit others with eventually swings back and hits you as well.

Memo to USA. You reap what you sow. And at the rate you are going, you will have a very nasty bumper crop. Decades of imperialistic war, jingoism, a declining society and economy, and the increasing ability of small states and independent actors to strike back will be a nasty blow.

Not to defend Putin, but Americans are unique in their inability to see things as they really are.

5 ( +14 / -9 )

US army is not welcome in east european countries-members of NATO.

dont be misleaded by rhetorric of corrupted east european politics in power-majority of citizens of Poland,Czech,Slovakia,Hungary,Romania,Bulgaria,Slovenija and Croatia are against foreign boots on its soil.

once again-there is no need for this move and "show off" in news ads there no threat on attack on Ukraine from Russia.

old man in White house how to come back to his basic senses and instics as all of this ........ is really unecessary.

-6 ( +6 / -12 )

The Russians have so comprehensively outmaneuvered the US since last year that it's actually becoming embarrassing now. Even more worryingly for Biden, people are beginning to take a far closer look at his involvement in the 2014 US-sponsored coup in Ukraine.

https://consortiumnews.com/2022/02/02/us-reaping-what-it-sowed-in-ukraine/

-4 ( +8 / -12 )

At one point, I thought Operation Paper Tiger was about keeping Biden in power past the American 'midterm' election (doesn't matter much if he's still President if Trump has control over the Senate) but now I suspect that the RCEP coming into effect has the Imperium realizing that China doesn't need countries to break with the Imperium to eat away at the Imperium.

PS, note that if the Imperium can get the transUkrainian pipeline shutdown to force European countries to buy from within the Imperium, Japan's gas supply is going to be diverted to Europe and China.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Why doesnt Biden explain to the American people why he is sending our troops to defend Ukraine?

As has already been explained to you, The US and Ukraine have been allies for decades. Biden defending Ukraine isn't new or novel, it's been US policy for decades.

We can defend the Ukraine border but not our own?

You'd have a point if the Mexican military had amassed forces at the Southern border in preparation for an invasion. Have they?

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

Readers, Mexico is not relevant to this discussion.

The US and Ukraine have been allies for decades

Only if you consider from 2014 as decades.

As has already been explained to you,

Are you Joe Biden? I said why has Joe Biden not explained to the American people. Some guy on the internet claiming he explained it to me (and being incorrect) means little.

-4 ( +7 / -11 )

I really hope that, however we support Ukraine, we don't have any boots on the ground if it comes to actual conflict. I support providing plenty of financial and material aid to Ukraine, but I truly hope we don't get directly involved. The last thing we need is a new war.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Ukraine has been a quasi-ally of the USA since 2014 when Obama meddled in their internal affairs as part of a plan to install a less friendly to Russia government.

Joe Biden still needs to explain to the American people why the USA is involved. He has not done so.

-3 ( +8 / -11 )

It is not all doom and gloom.

A window of opportunity is developing to comprehensively engage in a renewed and broadened Arms Control Agreement along the lines of the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty.

However, there is little trust between the states/countries involved.

So, an agreed method of on-site verifications/inspections will be essential.

Then all have to consider the Government of China involvement.

This whole crazy situation can be turned on its head. With a carefully crafted diplomatic push.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Ok, so let’s rephrase it since we all the know full well and why the hypocrisy surrounding this move is all about, but as I have previously asked, how is all this going to help the average American? Hmm….

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

“The unfounded destructive steps will only fuel military tensions and narrow the field for political decisions,” Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in remarks carried by the Interfax news agency.

Typical Russian hypocrisy at its finest. Russia deploys masses of men (120,000) and equipment on borders of Ukraine but that is purely a Russian concern and no danger to anyone. But the US sends a paltry 3,000 to NATO nations and all of a sudden it is an "unfounded destructive step".

To use Russian parlance, it is simply a matter for NATO and no concern to anyone else.

Russia crying about minor NATO troop movements? How awful for them. They spare no thought for how Ukraine feels and complain bitterly when NATO acts identically towards Russia.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Joe Biden still needs to explain to the American people why the USA is involved. He has not done so.

Many Americans still perceive the US as the worlds policeman, and the police generally protect the weak, and take actions to deter crimes (like invasion). In addition an armed expansion towards the west and NATO by Russia is a threat. Not expansion via peace but via war.

It is one thing for the people of Ukraine to want closer ties to Russia but this is not the case. They want nothing to do with Russia after gaining their freedom from Russian control. It is natural for them to seek safety through other neighbors in Europe and that means NATO of which the US is a major player.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

Well, I don't see what the big deal is - if Trump were still in the White House he'd be sending these troops also....

Of course their destination wouldn't be NATO countries, they'd be on his BFF and string-puller's side of the border...

And it's for sure he'd get a big shout-out from Tucker...

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2019/nov/26/tucker-carlson-rooting-for-russia-fox-news

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

What need does the US government have to send the military to intimidate countries just to cover up its own domestic and international failures???..

Increasingly we see their weakness and lack of leadership in the world, they look like a gunpowder cartridge that explodes and then vanishes into the air..

Well, at least everything is for bring "democracy and good will" to the rest of this darkened world..

Plenty of money available for wars and weapons.

None for more hospital beds,

starving kids or collapsing bridges.

Real USA !!..

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Joe Biden still needs to explain to the American people why the USA is involved. He has not done so.

He can’t and he won’t and you know the reason why?

-11 ( +2 / -13 )

Typical Russian hypocrisy at its finest. Russia deploys masses of men (120,000) and equipment on borders of Ukraine but that is purely a Russian concern and no danger to anyone. But the US sends a paltry 3,000 to NATO nations and all of a sudden it is an "unfounded destructive step".

Typical USA hypocrisy at its finest. Russia moves troops within its own borders and that's an aggression. The US sends troops halfway around the world to Russia's borders and that's "defensive."

And need I remind you, the very existence of NATO is premised as a military organization aimed solely at opposing Russia. There is no other reason for it to exist. Maybe that's one reason they are so keen to start a war - they need relevance.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

Many Americans still perceive the US as the worlds policeman

Take a look at how the police in the US behave and ask yourself if it's a good idea to take that global.

3 ( +10 / -7 )

It’s like Hitler and Czechoslovakia all over again, except this time it’s Putin attacking Ukraine.

History repeating itself?

-7 ( +6 / -13 )

NATO poses no threat to Russia , it people or government.

NATO today: The sad decline of a grand alliance

https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/585673-nato-today-the-sad-decline-of-a-grand-alliance

The European union is unwilling to commit to a unified response, let alone finalize a sanctions package.

The deafening silence from EU commission is despicable. A whimpering betrayal of a signed The European Union–Ukraine Association Agreement.

US Government has again had to lead, one day soon US government will turn its back in disgust.

Boris Johnson involvement, is a master class of cynical self preservation.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

Only if you consider from 2014 as decades.

No. As has already been explained, they've the US and Ukraine have been allies since longer than 2014. Repeating the same falsehoods doesn't make them any truer.

A cornerstone for the continuing partnership of the US with Ukraine and the other post-Soviet states has been the Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets (FREEDOM) Support Act (FSA), enacted in October 1992. Ukraine has been a primary recipient of FSA assistance. Total U.S. assistance since independence has been more than $3 billion. U.S. assistance to Ukraine is targeted to promote political and economic reform and to address urgent humanitarian needs. The U.S. has consistently encouraged Ukraine's transition to a democratic society with a prosperous market-based economy.

In November 2006, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) selected Ukraine to be eligible to apply for compact assistance. Ukraine already participates in the MCC Threshold Program, and in December 2006 signed a $45 million Threshold Program agreement. This program, which began implementation in early 2007, aims to reduce corruption in the public sector through civil society monitoring and advocacy, judicial reform, increased government monitoring and enforcement of ethical and administrative standards, streamlining and enforcing regulations, and combating corruption in higher education. Ukraine is beginning the process of developing a Compact proposal, and successful implementation of the Threshold Program will be necessary before the MCC will enter into a Compact with Ukraine.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine%E2%80%93United_States_relations

There's also this statement from the state department, dated 2008, which outlines the US-Ukraine defensive agreements:

The United States and Ukraine share a vital interest in a strong, independent, and democratic Ukraine. Deepening Ukraine’s integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions is a mutual priority. We plan to undertake a program of enhanced security cooperation intended to increase Ukrainian capabilities and to strengthen Ukraine’s candidacy for NATO membership.

Guided by the April 3, 2008 Bucharest Summit Declaration of the NATO North Atlantic Council and the April 4, 2008 Joint Statement of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, which affirmed that Ukraine will become a member of NATO.

Recognizing the persistence of threats to global peace and stability, the United States and Ukraine intend to expand the scope of their ongoing programs of cooperation and assistance on defense and security issues to defeat these threats and to promote peace and stability. A defense and security cooperation partnership between the United States and Ukraine is of benefit to both nations and the region.

Working within the framework of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, our goal is to gain agreement on a structured plan to increase interoperability and coordination of capabilities between NATO and Ukraine, including via enhanced training and equipment for Ukrainian armed forces.

Acknowledging the growing threat posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the United States and Ukraine pledge to combat such proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and dangerous technologies through adherence to international nonproliferation standards and effective enforcement and strengthening of export controls.

https://ua.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/u-s-ukraine-charter-strategic-partnership

Again, the US and Ukraine have been allies/partners for much longer than 2014.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

April 4, 2008 Joint Statement of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, which affirmed that Ukraine will become a member of NATO.

affirmed they will become a member of NATO.

Did they? no, so they didnt become an ally at that time.

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

because it never occurred to him that Russia knows everything that happens in Ukraine.

Well it has occurred to Biden now that Russia WILL know everything if he doesnt protect them.

What other explanation is there? protect his financial dealings and protect his son's "indiscretions".

Have we forgotten that Joe Biden himself was/is under criminal investigation in Ukraine?

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

Why doesnt Biden explain to the American people why he is sending our troops to defend Ukraine?

We can defend the Ukraine border but not our own?

Take a look at how the police in the US behave and ask yourself if it's a good idea to take that global.

Always helps to read the article before commenting....these troops are going to Germany, Poland, and Romania...

All of which were either divided or former Soviet client states and are now democracies...like Ukraine...

It's illustrative that the far-right commenters here are disparaging the US, it's President, it's police, and the US people...and oppose helping defend fellow democracies...

It's clear they side with the dictators and tyrants...and those who want to crush freedom and liberty...

Which is not at all surprising given what we saw on Jan 6th...and fraudulent electors and fake certifications...

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10441413/Federal-prosecutors-looking-fake-certifications-slates-electors.html

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Readers, in order to prevent bickering and keep the discussion open, if you have already posted here, please refrain from posting further comments.

As a European, sincerely and respectfully, US troops can bugger off.

Typical USA hypocrisy at its finest. Russia moves troops within its own borders and that's an aggression. The US sends troops halfway around the world to Russia's borders and that's "defensive."

This.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Russia: Can you please adhere to your previous promises.

U.S.A.: No. But we will send more arms and troops to Europe.

American diplomacy at its best!

2 ( +6 / -4 )

In regards to the WW2 comparison, remember that the short Austrian claimed he was responding to the 'aggressive troop movements' of 'those preparing to invade' and his troop movements were 'purely defensive'

3 ( +4 / -1 )

The tense situation remains fragile & precarious. It is a 'touch & go' scenario, anything can happen any time..

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Thanks to two obstinate Democratic Party navel gazers in the US Senate.

lol yet Biden just got past the $trillion infrastructure bill with the support of 13 republican's, Biden wanted more but republicans said no, as for child credits blame Sen Manchin for that.

so for 5 yrs we were waiting for Trumps infrastructure and healthcare plan, what did he put forward , nothing. only thing he got past in 4yrs was a trillion tax cut for the rich. but thanks to the pandemic gas prices were cheap, conservative mindset.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

As a European, sincerely and respectfully, US troops can bugger off.

and when Putin annex Ukraine, put nuclear missiles along Ukraine/EU border, will you tell US and NATO to bugger off then?, NATO is worthless without the US

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

3000? That’s more an encouraging invitation than a defense attempt. lol

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The Russian troops are on Russian soil near the Ukrainian border. If there is a way to defuse this situation and it is not activating NATO (which should not exist) or sending US troops, which only escalates the problem.

This said, massing the Russian army near the Ukrainian border is now only a show of force. Likely, this show of force is defensive: the fear that Ukraine will join NATO.

The last thing we need is Ukraine in NATO.

I sense--and cannot yet prove--that Putin, who usurped Russian democracy and made him a de facto dictator, is worried about his hold on power.

I borrow this from I. F. Stone: We do not need troop but a contingent of psychiatrists.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

As has already been explained to you, The US and Ukraine have been allies for decades. Biden defending Ukraine isn't new or novel, it's been US policy for decades.

Simply not true. Ukraine was former a part of the U.S.S.R. This is promoting war simply to prevent rival from exporting gas. As for troops near the border, this is by design and provoked by the US in leading NATO's eastern expansion.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

We can do both. You should have more faith in your country.

Doesn’t seem to be the case sadly.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

USA/NATO Advisors in Ukraine. Interesting. Ukrainians speak Russian. Never met an American who can speak or read Russian. Or Ukrainian for that matter.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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