The US is ready to send thousands more troops to NATO's eastern front needed, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said during his visit to Lithuania, Ria Novosti reports.
"We take our commitment to NATO allies very seriously, our commitment to adhere to Article 5 of the NATO Treaty is as strong as steel. We have sent additional US troops to the eastern front of NATO and are ready to send thousands more troops if necessary to respond on the situation," Austin said during a joint press conference with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.
Austin also thanked Lithuania for the "hospitable welcome" of hundreds of additional NATO troops who have already arrived in the republic.