NATO states are flexing their muscles in solidarity with Ukraine.<br/> <br />In the west of the country, over 1,000 military personnel, including 200 from the U.S., are taking part in the annual Rapid Trident exercise.<br/> <br />It's a show of support by NATO states, although they're stopping short of military intervention in the Ukrainian conflict.<br/> <br />Secretary of the U.S. Army, John McHugh:<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) SECRETARY OF LAND TROOPS OF AMERICAN ARMY, JOHN MCHUGH, SAYING:<br/> <br />"The US will continue to join the international community in our support for the security, peace and the freedom that the Ukrainian nation truly deserves."<br/> <br />The U.S. is also moving tanks and 600 troops to Poland and some Baltic states for joint maneuvers in October.<br/> <br />But even without direct NATO military involvement, Russia has been hit hard by sanctions imposed by the West and the EU.<br/> <br />Those effects could be long-term, this "Rapid Trident" drill is set to end on September 26.
