WASHINGTON — The United States is considering deploying about 150 soldiers for military exercises to begin in Poland and Estonia in the next few weeks, a Western official said.
The exercises would follow Russia’s buildup of forces near its border with Ukraine and its annexation last month of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula.
Ground exercises in Poland and Estonia would last about two weeks but such exercises would continue on a rotating basis off and on over time.
And other locations in Eastern Europe would be considered, the official said Saturday.
The official requested anonymity because the plan has not been made final.
No specific date has been set for the deployment of an Army company, which usually consists of 150 soldiers, but an announcement is expected this week.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said last week that the United States is looking for ways to reassure its NATO allies of its strong commitment to collective defense.
The Pentagon’s press secretary, Rear Admiral John Kirby, said American officials are considering a range of additional measures to bolster air, maritime, and ground readiness in Europe.
Kirby’s statement about additional measures did not offer specifics.
‘‘Some of those activities will be pursued bilaterally with individual NATO nations. Some will be pursued through the alliance itself,’’ he said.