With the Russian invasion of Ukraine continuing, over 4,000 US Army troops deployed to Europe are going to have their tours of duty extended.
The extension, announced Sunday, is part of the United States' effort to instill confidence in their eastern European allies during the crisis.
'I don't want to speculate on a timeline, but be assured it will only be for as long as they are needed,' John Tomassi, a spokesman for the Army in Europe, told CNN when asked about a time frame for this continued deployment.
The troops - members of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat team of the 1st Infantry Division - were scheduled to return following nine months abroad in March.
The teams will now continue their training and deterrence missions alongside troops from Poland, Romania and the Baltic states.
Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, assist with humanitarian aid in support of the US Agency for International Development
Firefighters inspect the damage at a building following a rocket attack on the city of Kyiv
A map of the United States' military bases in Europe
The Army also said that 'additional support troops' will have their deployment extended as well.
Armed forces regularly switch out combat brigades in and out of the continent to keep a consistent military presence in the region.
'The deployment of ready, combat-credible US forces to Europe in support US Army Europe and Africa is evidence of the strong and unremitting US commitment to NATO and Europe,' Tomassi added.
Russian forces are said to have taken a small Ukrainian town in the south of the country on Sunday night.
Berdyansk, is a port city with a naval base on the northern coast of the Sea of Azov, in the south-east Ukraine is home to 100,000 people.
Charred military vehicles and rubble are seen in Bucha, Ukraine
US President Joe Biden meets with the National Security Council on the Ukraine-Russia crisis
