U.S. Forces Mobilize as Russian Air, Ground Assault on Ukraine Rages On

The U.S. Air Force deployed six F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to the Baltic Sea and Black Sea region Thursday in support of NATO's enhanced air policing mission.

Kimberly Johnson

Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 07:24 PM ET

Verified

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 34th Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, lands at the 86th Air Base, Romania, Feb. 24, 2022. Aircraft and crews will work closely with Allies in the Black Sea region to reinforce regional security during the current tensions caused by Russia's continuing military build-up near Ukraine. [U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ali Stewart]

Key Takeaways:

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, targeting strategic locations including airports, which President Biden condemned as unprovoked.
In response, the U.S. affirmed its military support for NATO, leading to the activation of NATO defense plans and the deployment of U.S. and allied forces, including troops, aircraft, and ships, to reinforce the alliance's eastern flank for deterrence and reassurance.
The conflict provides critical insights into Russia's modern military capabilities, with NATO forces actively engaged in reconnaissance and monitoring the situation.

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In the wake of a full-scale, violent invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, President Biden affirmed U.S. military support of NATO security as U.S. European-based ground and aviation forces mobilized throughout the Baltic Region.

Russian air and ground troops began their assault on dozens of strategic Ukrainian targets before dawn, along the way providing a window into the capability of Russia’s modern military forces, according to observers.