Congressman Cohen Expresses Concern Over Russian Aggression on NATO’s Eastern Flank

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the House Ranking Member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, on Monday questioned expert witnesses at a hearing titled “Deterrence on NATO’s Eastern Flank.”

In his remarks, Congressman Cohen said in part that the United States must act “boldly” in response to Russian aggression and Vladimir Putin is intent on reestablishing the kind of power it had internationally during the Soviet era. “Putin only knows power…I hope that we get bolder.”

As Russia intensifies its war of aggression on Ukraine, it is simultaneously escalating its shadow war against the NATO alliance. In order to deepen defense cooperation with these allies and direct U.S. support where the threat is the highest, bipartisan members of the U.S. Helsinki Commission introduced the Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act. Congressmen Cohen and Joe Wilson of South Carolina introduced the measure in the House. Senators Roger Wicker of Mississippi and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire introduced it in the Senate.

This hearing sought to assess Russia’s overt and covert tactics, evaluate allied readiness to respond effectively, and determine how the United States and partners can deter and defeat Russian aggression.

Witnesses at today’s hearing were:

• Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Estonia;
• Seth Jones, President, Defense and Security Department, Center for Strategic and International Studies; and
• Peter Rough, Director, Center on Europe and Eurasia, Hudson Institute

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