MEDYKA, POLAND — Following overnight attacks by Russian forces on Ukraine, the overseas role of thousands of 82nd Airborne troops has changed.
Troops that were in place to “deter and assure” are now assigned to help with traffic at the border of Poland and Ukraine and to assist refugees fleeing the conflict, official sources told WTVD in Raleigh on Thursday.
With Ukrainian airspace shut down, military sources told ABC News they expect traffic at checkpoints, including citizens of NATO, to increase. European authorities declared it an “active conflict zone” Thursday evening.
Russia launched several premeditated attacks on Ukrainian cities on Thursday.
At least 40 people are estimated to be dead. Ukraine has announced an end to diplomatic relations with Russia and declared martial law.
More troops from the 82nd Airborne division arrived at the Medyka border crossing checkpoint in a small village near the Poland-Ukraine line, according to ABC News crews.
There are currently 3,000 82nd Airborne troops in Poland.
A Fort Bragg spokesperson told WTVD the goal is to reassure NATO allies like Poland, Romania and Germany.
Additional sanctions were promised by President Joe Biden, but he said American troops will not engage with Russian forces in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, at home, military spouses told WTVD no news is good news as they wait for calls from soldiers. Businesses around Fayetteville said they are seeing little impact from the current deployment but are ready to pivot services if need be.
(WATCH BELOW: Local residents with family members in Ukraine hold onto hope as Russia invades country)
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