US puts 8,500 troops on heightened alert amid fears over Ukraine

Soldiers placed on standby to deploy to Europe as concerns over possible lightning attack' by Russia grow

The US has placed 8,500 troops on heightened alert to deploy to Europe as Nato reinforced its eastern borders with warships and fighter jets, amid growing fears of a possible lightning" attack by Russia to seize the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the troops, all of them currently stationed in the US, would be on standby to take part in Nato's Response Force (NRF) if it is activated, but would also be available if other situations develop".