Russia, Ukraine, and U.S. Policy

Testimony by Stephen Sestanovich

April 28, 2015

Download PDF

Testimony: Testimony by CFR fellows and experts before Congress.

More on:

Defense and Security

In his testimony before the Senate Committee on Armed Services, Stephen Sestanovich argues that if Russian President Vladimir Putin emerges victorious in his conflict with Ukraine, Russian nationalist mood deepens, or the democracies of Europe and the United States fail to stay the course, Putin will grow more dangerous in the future—both for his neighbors and for the United States.

More on:

Defense and Security

Explore More on Russia

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

What Is NATO?

The alliance is bolstering its military deterrent in Europe amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has expanded to include Finland and Sweden.

Backgrounder by Jonathan Masters March 18, 2024

Ukraine: Conflict at the Crossroads of Europe and Russia

Ukraine’s Westward drift since independence has been countered by the sometimes violent tug of Russia, felt most recently with Putin’s 2022 invasion.

Backgrounder by Jonathan Masters February 14, 2023

Oil and Petroleum Products

OPEC in a Changing World

Western leaders have long criticized OPEC’s power to raise oil prices, and the bloc continues to influence the global market even as U.S. oil production has soared and alternative energies have come to the fore.

Backgrounder by Anshu Siripurapu and Andrew Chatzky March 9, 2022

Top Stories on CFR

Modi’s Historic, Sobering Elections and His Economic Challenge

The third term win for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was an unsurprising result, but the loss of Parliament seats means his party will need to work with a fragile coalition government to enact polices effectively.

Blog Post by Manjari Chatterjee Miller June 5, 2024 Asia Unbound

Seeking Protection: How the U.S. Asylum Process Works

Record numbers of migrants seeking to cross the southern U.S. border are challenging the Joe Biden administration’s attempts to restore asylum protections. Here’s how the asylum process works.

Backgrounder by Diana Roy June 4, 2024 Renewing America

U.S. Foreign Policy

Washington’s Ill-Fated Mideast Ambitions

U.S. administrations have backed sweeping efforts for societal change in the Middle East in recent decades, with poor results. But Washington can still achieve more modest, essential goals in the region.*

Expert Brief by Steven A. Cook May 31, 2024 Middle East Program