Russia 's 'significant forces ' Putin 's decision to amass 40,000 troops along Ukraine 's eastern border triggered fears of an invasion ahead of the election . Obama was skeptical about Trump 's order . NATO said it would be ` ` first step to de - escalating the situation '' NATO has said they were conducting a routine exercise that has stalled . The presence of 40,000 Russian troops on the border has spurred fears of an invasion .
Obama was skeptical about Trump 's order . NATO said it would be ` ` first step to de - escalating the situation '' NATO has said they were conducting a routine exercise that has stalled . The presence of 40,000 Russian troops on the border has spurred fears of an invasion .