US warplanes in Europe in response to crisis in Ukraine

The United States military has beefed up its military presence in Europe amid tensions in the region over the current crisis in Ukraine.

Twelve F-16 fighter jets and 300 American troops are set to arrive in Poland next week in response to the crisis in Ukraine.

Six F-15C Eagles and more than 60 American had also arrived at Siauliai air base, Lithuania.

USAFE spokeswoman Capt. Reba Good said the military buildup “comes at the request of our Baltic allies,” adding that “we’re committed to our NATO allies. We’ll continue to support them.”

The Pentagon announced the fighter jets are stationed for a training exercise that is set to take place at the Lask air force base in central Poland.

The USS Truxtun also departed the Greek port of Souda Bay on Thursday for joint training with Romanian and Bulgarian forces, according to the US Navy.

“While in the Black Sea, the ship will conduct a port visit and routine, previously planned exercises with allies and partners in the region,” the Navy said.

Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama spoke by phone with leaders of Britain, France, Italy, Lithuania, Latvian and Estonia to discuss military tensions in Ukraine.

The White House said on Saturday that Obama’s counterparts agreed with Washington’s position that Russia should remove its troops from Crimea.

“All of the leaders agreed on the need for Russia to pull its military forces back to their bases, allow for the deployment of international observers and human rights monitors to the Crimean peninsula,” the White House said.