U.S. may deploy heavy weaponry in East Europe to deter Russia

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To deter Russia from pursuing its reported aggressive designs in Europe, the United States is said to be poised to deploy store battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and other heavy weapons for as many as 5,000 American troops in several Baltic

and Eastern European countries.

The New York Times is quoting Obama administration officials, as saying that if the proposal is approved, it would represent the first time since the end of the Cold War that the United States has stationed heavy military equipment in the newer NATO member nations in Eastern Europe that had once been part of the Soviet sphere of influence.

Russia's annexation of Crimea and the ongoing war in eastern Ukraine has reportedly prompted this new military planning in NATO capitals.

It is expected that the proposed weapons deployment would send a clear message of resolve to allies and to Russia's president, Vladimir V. Putin, that the United States would defend the alliance's members closest to the Russian frontier.

The Pentagon's proposal, however, still requires approval by Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter and the White House. There is also concern among NATO allies about Russia's reaction to the weapons and troops buildup.

Senior officials, who have been briefed on the proposals, have said that they expect the approval to come before the NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels this month.