NATO Ups Military Presence Amid Russian Threat

SLOVYANSK, Ukraine (AP) — The head of NATO says the alliance is strengthening its military footprint along its eastern border in response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen (AHN'-derz fohg RAHS'-moo-sihn) says NATO will immediately deploy forces to the region. He says there will be "more planes in the air, mores ships on the water, more readiness on the land."

But Rasmussen has not specified how many troops or assets will be deployed, saying only it will be "enough" and more could be done if needed. He stresses the move is about "deterrence and de-escalation" in the face of Russia's aggressive behavior.

The 28-nation alliance has already suspended most cooperation and talks with Russia. It also reinforced air patrols on its eastern border and is performing AWACs surveillance flights over Poland and Romania.