Due to the Russian military build-up on Ukraine’s border, United States troops have arrived in Romania to strengthen the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies on the eastern flank. The U.S. is sending around three thousand soldiers to Poland and Romania to provide extra assistance to shield Eastern Europe in case of spillage from the Ukraine crisis. 

Currently, the U.S. has nine hundred soldiers in the country, and Romania has one hundred and forty Italian and two hundred and fifty Polish soldiers. Defense Minister Vasile Dincu states, “Over 100 specialist US soldiers together with our logistics specialists are preparing, which means it will not be long before the rest of the troops arrive.” France has also said that it wants to send troops to Romania. Though Russia has denied planning to invade, they are against Ukraine’s efforts to join NATO. Moscow’s security efforts guarantee that the US-led alliance will prevent further expansion into former Soviet republics, but Washington denied this demand. NATO begins to consider having military posture in Eastern Europe last longer to strengthen its defenses. The US presence in the crisis has caused various people to feel distraught and Biden to issue a warning.

A poll conducted by YouGov discovered that 42% of Americans think that the  U.S. should send financial aid to Ukraine, while 24% believe it is a bad idea to help Ukraine, and 34% were unsure. In comparison, junior Gabby Berry believes that it is a dangerous situation stating, “ I am more worried about the people.” The Biden administration said that the U.S. supports Ukraine but would not send troops to the country. Due to the escalating crisis, Biden has issued a warning to any Americans who are currently in Ukraine to leave. Biden states, “It’s not like we’re dealing with a terrorist organization. We’re dealing with one of the largest armies in the world. It’s a very different situation, and things could go crazy quickly.” Biden’s announcement makes several viewers uneasy. Sophomore Audrey Stauffer states, “The situation seems tense and I find it very surprising that America can’t help its own citizens. It also makes me feel even more uncomfortable and intimidated.” On the contrary, Mrs. Ellstrom states, “I’m praying for the country and I’m not scared for us but for the innocent citizens in both countries”. 

 Recently, Ukraine accused Russia of creating a sea blockade. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the Sea of Azov was crowded and the Black Sea was barricaded by Russian forces. As they prepare for the upcoming naval drills, Moscow is moving even more troops to the Ukrainian border. This would be one of the reasons why the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the government would continue to “drawdown” its embassy in Ukraine. On the discussion of sending troops to rescue Americans who were fleeing Biden stated, “There’s not. That’s a world war when Americans and Russia start shooting at one another. We’re in a very different world than we have ever been.” According to a U.S. military and intelligence assessment, the Russian military could launch a full-size invasion with tanks that could reach Kyiv. However, President Biden argues that if Russian President Vladimir Putin is “foolish enough to go in, he’s smart enough not to, in fact, do anything that would negatively impact on American citizens.” Biden and various other countries are working diligently to address the crisis.

Even with all the uncertainty of this event, it is clear that several citizens are scared not only for the troops, but also for the American citizens in these foreign countries.