According to Lt. Gen. Hodges, the decision to increase the number of armored vehicles in Europe was made two years ago and has no relation to Ukrainian conflict.
In addition to the supply of tanks and armored personnel carriers in training centers in Germany, the possibility is also being considered of placing armored vehicles in Poland, Romania and the Baltic states. A final decision on the issue is still pending, according to Lt. Gen. Hodges.
"By the end of 2015 we will have enough equipment for an armored brigade, that is three battalions and a reconnaissance company, an artillery headquarters and engineering staff," Hodges said.
As reported earlier, on December 26 , the U.S. Destroyer Donald Cook entered the Black Sea, on a mission "to strengthen peace and stability in the region," according to the U.S. government.
