The Pentagon said Monday it is putting up to 8,500 troops based in the United States on "heightened alert" for possible deployment to eastern Europe amid growing fears that Russia may further invade Ukraine."Even as we continue to prioritize diplomacy and dialogue, we must also increase readiness," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told a press conference, adding that the move is intended to support the forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and reassure allies, especially those located near Russia and Ukraine.Kirby said no decisions have been made to deploy any forces from the United…READ FULL ARTICLE
