* Joe Biden his decision to deploy troops to Eastern Europe amidst rising tensions is 'totally consistent' with what he has communicated to Russian President Vladimir Putin
* 'As long as he's acting aggressively, we are going to make sure we reassure our NATO allies in Eastern Europe that we're there and Article 5 is a sacred obligation,' he told reporters at the White House on Wednesday
* Biden approved deployment of 3,000 American troops to Eastern Europe 'in the coming days'
* 2,000 troops stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina will deploy to Poland and Germany this week
* Another 1,000 troops part of a Germany-based infantry Stryker squadron will reposition to Romania at NATO's closest flank to Russia
* Russia accused the U.S. of taking 'destructive steps' in moving troops to the region
* Republicans are warning Biden against another Afghanistan-type situations with a 20-year conflict
* Letters sent by US and NATO to Vladimir Putin offering to deescalate Ukraine crisis leaked by Spanish media
* Missives, which both sides refuse to confirm are genuine, show Putin was offered a deal to keep missiles out of Ukraine and renegotiate Cold War-era weapons treaties in return for withdrawing his troops
* Putin is also warned that deploying more troops to the region will force NATO to strengthen its own forces
* Letters leaked as satellite images revealed increased Russian troop activity in regions bordering Ukraine
Joe Biden says his decision to deploy troops to Eastern Europe amidst rising tensions is 'totally consistent' with what he has communicated to Russian President Vladimir Putin as Moscow accuses the U.S. president of taking 'destructive steps.'
'As long as he's acting aggressively, we are going to make sure we reassure our NATO allies in Eastern Europe that we're there and Article 5 is a sacred obligation,' he told reporters at the White House on Wednesday.
The Pentagon revealed Wednesday that President Biden approved deployment of 3,000 American troops to Eastern Europe 'in the coming days' as the world watches Russia move closer to invading Ukraine.
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MIDDLE EAST
Turkish warplanes hit Kurdish militant targets in Iraq, Syria - defence minister.
UAE says it destroyed three drones with ‘hostile’ intent.
US military fired missiles during Yemen Houthi attack on UAE.
Iran setting up naval militias to carry out attacks, smuggling in Middle East.
Iran gas crunch forces Mideast buyers to seek alternative supply.
Iranian political prisoners stage hunger strike to protest 'murder' of jailed poet.
Israel participates in huge US Mideast naval exercise.
Omicron stretches Israel's hospitals to the limit.
Israel upholds use of surveillance technology on protesters.
ASIA
Soaring pneumonia and starvation is killing thousands of children in Afghanistan.
More proof Biden wasn't prepared for chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal: White House were still figuring out evacuation plans the day BEFORE Taliban took Kabul, leaked Situation Room notes reveal.
US gives global banks the OK to transfer aid funds to Afghanistan.
Afghan universities reopen with small number of women attending.
Putin & Xi meeting revealed.
Russia, China preparing many gas agreements to Putin’s visit to Beijing, says Kremlin aide.
Beijing's bid to scupper Western sanctions against Moscow: China looks to create closer financial ties with Russia which could protect both countries from monetary punishments.
Beijing says COVID-19 situation ‘controllable,’ ‘safe’.
US asks UN to meet on North Korea’s long-range missile test.
Myanmar on brink of economic collapse one year after military coup.
Myanmar coup anniversary leads to sanctions against top junta officials, but not from Australia.
Beijing provokes India by sending Chinese soldier who was involved in deadly Himalayan skirmish to carry torch during Winter Olympics relay.
Sri Lanka seeks IMF advice amid worsening crisis.
COVID digest: Volcano-hit Tonga in lockdown as infections detected.
AFRICA
Guinea-Bissau president says many dead after 'failed attack against democracy'.
Guinea-Bissau launches major probe into foiled coup.
At least 60 people killed in militia attack in eastern DR Congo.
Ten killed as rival clans clash in central Somalia.
Ethiopia ups use of drone strikes in conflict prompting worries about civilian toll.
France to decide soon on military’s future in Mali.
Hunger crisis looms in Nigeria’s ‘food basket’ amid conflict.
High-voltage power cable kills 26 in Congo’s capital.
Africa's COVID-19 cases surpass 10.8 mln: Africa CDC.
EUROPE
Biden orders forces to Europe amid stalled Ukraine talks.
Putin accuses US, allies of trying to lure Russia into a war in Ukraine.
UK, Russian leaders discuss Ukraine crisis in phone call.
Kremlin calls Boris Johnson’s Ukraine diplomacy efforts ‘utterly confused’.
US suggests Russia pull troops out of Crimea, Transnistria, Abkhazia — El Pais.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister rules out special status for Donbass.
German government under fire over Russia and Ukraine.
Sweden's Gotland gets ready for anything amid rising Russian threats.
Putin: 'Life goes on' despite 'difficult' COVID-19 situation.
Climate change: EU moves to label nuclear and gas as sustainable despite internal row.
AMERICAS
U.S. COVID death toll tops fall peak and is higher than in other wealthy countries, as global deaths climb 9% in latest week.
Canadian Conservative leader O'Toole ousted in confidence vote.
Ottawa police considering military intervention to end ‘unlawful’ blockade.
US national debt surpasses $30 trillion for the first time.
Biden appoints top official to coordinate ‘Havana syndrome’ probe.
US Army to immediately start discharging vaccine refusers.
Haiti struggles to provide water, food after heavy floods.
Landslides kill at least 24 people as rains deluge Ecuador's capital Quito.
Guatemala detains 9 ex-soldiers, militia in 1982 massacre.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
British ISIS Beatles 'turn supergrass and reveal masterminds behind European terror attacks' ahead of US trial.
Islamic State hits back, aided by power vacuum in Iraq and Syria.
France’s Macron tries to reclassify Muslim terrorism as mental illness.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Stocks rise on Wall Street, extending their weekly gains.
OPEC+ sticks to modest output rise despite surging oil prices.
Inflation in 19 countries using the euro hits another record.
CNN's Jeff Zucker resigns over undisclosed relationship.