U.S. Defense chief criticizes Russia’s ‘saber rattling’
We will defend allies and rules-based global order, he says
Many in region concerned, particularly eastern countries once behind the Iron Curtain.
STUTTGART, GERMANY Defense Secretary Ashton Carter delivered a stern message Tuesday to Russia: The country has violated international norms with its aggressive actions and “saber rattling.”
“Russia has in recent years appeared intent to erode the principled international order that has served us, our friends and allies, the international community, and Russia itself so well for so long,” Carter said.
The Defense secretary made the remarks at a change of command ceremony at the headquarters of U.S. European Command, where Air Force Gen. Phillip Breedlove is completing his tour as head of the command.
He was replaced by Army Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, who will also become NATO’s supreme allied commander Europe.
Russia’s aggressive actions have drawn concerns from the region, particularly Eastern European countries that were once behind the Iron Curtain and remain fearful of Russia’s ambitions.
Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine and annexed it, continues to support separatists in eastern Ukraine, and has allowed its aircraft to fly dangerously close to U.S. naval vessels and planes operating in international waters in the Baltic Sea.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also has extended his military’s reach in the Middle East, where Russian aircraft and military advisers are supporting the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad in a civil war against rebel forces that include some U.S.-backed groups.
Russia’s behavior and bellicose talk also raises worries about its huge nuclear arsenal and commitment to a policy of deterrence, which has kept the peace for decades, Carter said.
“Moscow’s nuclear saber-rattling ” poses questions about “their respect for norms against the use of nuclear weapons, and whether they respect the profound caution that nuclear-age leaders showed with regard to brandishing nuclear weapons,” he said.
The United States has taken a number of steps to boost support for European allies and deter further Russian aggression.
The Pentagon has budgeted $3.4 billion for next year, an increase from $789 million requested last year, to add a fourth combat brigade in Europe, increase training with allies and position equipment in Europe.
“We do not seek to make Russia an enemy,” Carter said.
“But make no mistake, we will defend our allies, the rules-based international order and the positive future it affords us.”
For senior officers who served in the military during the Cold War, the U.S. shift toward blunting Russian aggression brings a sense of déjà vu.
“My career started here in a Cold War trying to keep the peace,” said Breedlove, who was commissioned in 1977.
“I think my career is ending here trying to prevent a Cold War and continue to keep the peace.”