NATO sends more ships, fighter jets to Eastern Europe

NATO is looking to send more ships and fighter jets to eastern Europe as fears have continued growing over an imminent Russian invasion of the neighboring country of Ukraine.

The action comes as U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned Russian President Vladimir Putting that any conflict would be “painful, violent, and bloody.” 

Secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said that the treaty organization would take “all necessary measures” in order to protect and defend its allies.

Other western leaders, including United States President Joe Biden along with Johnson, agreed that swift action is important, “including an unprecedented package of sanctions,” if a Russian invasion of Ukraine actually takes place. Those remarks were made following a call on Monday evening.

“The leaders stressed that diplomatic discussions with Russia remain the first priority, and welcomed talks that have already taken place between Russia and NATO allies,” said a Downing Street spokeswoman.

“They also agreed that the international community should not tolerate any action which undermines Ukrainian sovereignty,” she continued. “The leaders agreed that, should a further Russian incursion into Ukraine happen, allies must enact swift retributive responses including an unprecedented package of sanctions. They resolved to continue coordinating closely on any such response.” 

Both Britain and the United States announced that they would be moving some staff members and their families from their embassies in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev. Johnson added that an invasion of the country would be disastrous and could potentially end up becoming the “new Chechnya.”

Other countries are getting involved in hedging a Russian attack, including Denmark, which is sending a warship to the Baltic Sea and is also set to deploy four F-16 fighter jets to Lithuania. Spain is sending ships to join NATO naval forces in the region as well.

Countries close to Russia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, have also confirmed that their military allegiance will go to Ukraine in the conflict.