Biden orders 7,000 additional U.S. troops to Germany

(Editor's note: This story has been updated to identify the unit being deployed.)

President Biden has ordered 7,000 U.S.-based troops be deployed to Germany to reassure NATO allies in the region amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, according to a senior defense official.

“This would comprise an armored brigade combat team with associated capabilities and enablers,” the official said. “They will deploy to Germany to reassure NATO allies, deter Russian aggression and be prepared to support a range of requirements in the region. We expect them to depart in the coming days.”

The Pentagon said the unit being deployed is 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Stewart, GA.

The troops follow other U.S. military assets and troops Biden has ordered be redeployed around Europe. The newly announced deployments would bring the total number of U.S.-based troops being sent to Europe to 12,000 in the past few weeks.

Biden, who spoke at the White House, condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he called a “tyrant” for ordering an invasion of Ukraine without cause.

“He has much larger ambitions that Ukraine,” Biden said. “He wants to reestablish the former Soviet Union.”

Biden announced an array of economic sanctions against Russia and its banking entities, saying the White House is planning more.

“Putin is the aggressor, Putin chose this war and he and his country will bear the consequences,” Biden said.