Transatlantic Security Challenges: Central and Eastern Europe

Russia's invasion and illegal annexation of Crimea has called into question one of the key assumptions and underpinnings of 21st century transatlantic security strategy that Russia no longer poses a security threat to the alliance, and that the main challenges facing the allies emanate from beyond the Euro-Atlantic region. The winding down of the Afghanistan mission has led many to wonder if NATO, which has been the cornerstone of transatlantic reliance, would cease to be relevant. Instead, Russia's belligerent behavior may serve to reinvigorate the alliance. As Ambassador Ivo Daalder observed recently, "NATO has stood the test of time. Mr. Putin has just ensured that it will continue to do so." The most immediate security challenge in Europe is the presence of tens of thousands of troops amassed on Russia's border with Ukraine. We call this hearing today to get an update on the administration's response to the crisis in Ukraine and to discuss how the United States and our allies can deter further Russian aggression, reassure our allies, and continue to help countries in the region become strong, prosperous independent democracies.