The Latest Breaking News from Eastern Europe

But Russia – and many experts – insist an armed invasion is not the intention.

‘Very advanced discussions’ said to be taking place

WASHINGTON — With the crisis over a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine intensifying on Monday, U.S. officials placed thousands of troops on “high alert” and NATO took steps to position personnel and war machinery in Eastern Europe, further signs that a diplomatic solution to the standoff was nowhere within reach.

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department placed thousands of U.S.-based troops on a heightened alert level Monday, preparing them for a quick deployment to Eastern Europe amid a buildup of Russian forces on Ukraine’s border and stalled diplomatic talks to defuse the crisis.

NATO said it was sending more ships and jets, in what Russia denounced as an escalation of tensions over Ukraine.

And it might drag the U.S. into another far-away fight.

The Pentagon has placed 8,500 troops on alert so they may be deployed to help defend Eastern Europe if Russia invades Ukraine.

President to hold video call with European leaders over escalating crisis – follow all the day’s politics news

Fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine have increased in recent weeks, with diplomatic efforts making little progress.