KEY POINTS
  • More than 3,000 U.S. troops recently deployed to Poland are preparing to assist refugees who flee Ukraine in the event of a Russian invasion, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Monday.
  • Kirby noted that this was one of many things the 82nd Airborne Division forces are capable of doing.
  • Both the United States and its European allies made concrete preparations Monday to defend NATO members and protect civilians as military action by Russia grew increasingly likely.
U.S. soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division walk near the G2A Arena following their arrival at Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, in Jasionka, Poland February 8, 2022.

WASHINGTON – More than 3,000 American soldiers who were recently deployed to Poland are working with authorities there to prepare for a potential wave of people fleeing Ukraine if Russia invades the country, a Pentagon spokesman said Monday.

"Assistance with evacuation flow is something that they could do, and could do quite well," said Defense Department spokesman John Kirby. "And they're going to be working with Polish authorities on what that looks like and how they would handle that."