NATO Puts Forces , On Standby Amid Concerns , Over Russian Forces Near Ukraine.<br />ABC reports that the United States and Britian <br />have announced that they will withdraw some <br />diplomatic staff and their families from Ukraine. .<br />ABC reports that the United States and Britian <br />have announced that they will withdraw some <br />diplomatic staff and their families from Ukraine. .<br />The news comes amid increased tension over <br />the possibility of an invasion by Russia, who has amassed <br />tens of thousands of troops near Ukraine's border. .<br />ABC reports that NATO announced it would put extra forces on standby and deploy ships and fighter jets to strengthen its presence in the region. .<br />According to a NATO statement, Denmark has deployed a frigate to the Baltic Sea and four warplanes to Lithuania. .<br />According to a NATO statement, Denmark has deployed a frigate to the Baltic Sea and four warplanes to Lithuania. .<br />Meanwhile, the United States, France, Spain and the Netherlands are also prepared to deploy forces to defend NATO allies in the region. .<br />Meanwhile, the United States, France, Spain and the Netherlands are also prepared to deploy forces to defend NATO allies in the region. .<br />NATO will continue to take <br />all necessary measures to <br />protect and defend all Allies, <br />including by reinforcing the<br />eastern part of the Alliance, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's Secretary General, via ABC.<br />On January 24, both the U.S. and Britain <br />ordered some of their embassy staff and their <br />dependents to be pulled out of Ukraine.<br />According to the British Foreign Office, the decision was made , "in response to the growing threat from Russia.".<br />The U.S. State Department reportedly emphasized <br />that the withdrawal was just a precaution <br />and not an emergency evacuation. .<br />Officials in Ukraine have reportedly called the evacuations, "premature" and "excessively cautious." .<br />ABC reports that Ukrainian officials generally doubt that Russia will launch a major attack and worry that exaggerating the risk could spread unnecessary panic.
