Russia

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Capital: Moscow
Area: 17,098,242 sq km
Comparative area: 1.8 times the size of the U.S.
Population (July 2011 estimate): 138,739,892
Official language: Russian
International Organizations and Agreements: United Nations, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), European Union-Russia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, NATO’s Partnership for Peace, 1997 NATO-Russia Founding Act

Over the past several years Russia has increased its international profile, played an increasing role in regional issues, and been more assertive in dealing with its neighbors. In recent years, Russia has not shied from using its significant oil and gas exports as sources of political and economic influence.

The New START Treaty between Russia and the U.S. entered into force in February 2011 and the two work closely on other initiatives to address the threat of nuclear terrorism and keep terrorists from acquiring nuclear materials. The Bilateral Presidential Commission is dedicated to identifying areas of cooperation and pursuing joint projects and actions that strengthen strategic stability, international security, economic well-being, and the development of ties between the Russian and American people. It is intended to serve as a regular and structured mechanism to advance the highest-priority bilateral objectives through 18 working groups on topics including policy steering; arms contro and international securityl; counterterrorism; counter-narcotics; energy; environment; emergency situations; health; space cooperation; military cooperation; nuclear energy and nuclear security; intelligence sharing; and defense relations.

Russia's efforts to transform its Soviet-legacy military into a smaller, lighter, and more mobile force continue to be hampered by an ossified military leadership, discipline problems, limited funding, and demographics. Conscription remains the main source of manning, although there are initiatives to increase the level of professionalization in Russian forces. There has been an increased emphasis on practical training, and the government is introducing bills to improve the organization of the military. Despite recent increases in the budget, however, defense spending is still unable to sustain Russia's oversized military. Military spending continues to grow (the government announced in February 2011 that it would spend more than $650 billion upgrading hardware), but deep structural problems remain.

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September 15, 2012
This Week in EUCOM History: September 10-16, 1959

Nikita Khrushchev becomes the first Soviet head of state to visit the United States.
August 27, 2012
This Week in EUCOM History: August 27 - September 2, 1963

Two months after signing an agreement to establish a 24-hour-a-day "hot line" between Moscow and Washington, the system goes into effect. The hot line was supposed to help speed communication between the governments of the United States and the Soviet Union and help prevent the possibility of an accidental war.
August 13, 2012
This Week in EUCOM History: August 13-19

Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev declares that he is ready to begin disarmament talks with the West.
July 22, 2012
This Week in EUCOM History: July 22-28, 1959

During the grand opening ceremony of the American National Exhibition in Moscow, Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev engage in a heated debate about capitalism and communism in the middle of a model kitchen set up for the fair.
July 16, 2012
This Week in EUCOM History: July 16-22, 1955

President Dwight D. Eisenhower presents his "Open Skies" plan at the 1955 Geneva summit meeting with representatives of France, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union. The plan, though never accepted, laid the foundation for President Ronald Reagan's later policy of "trust, but verify" in relation to arms agreements with the Soviet Union.
July 10, 2012
This Week in EUCOM History: July 9-15, 1990

In a vindication of his sweeping economic and political reforms, Mikhail Gorbachev withstands severe criticisms from his opponents and is re-elected head of the Soviet Communist Party by an overwhelming margin.
July 2, 2012
FRUKUS 2012 Wraps Up in St. Petersburg

The multinational training exercise FRUKUS 2012 came to an end with a closing ceremony in St. Petersburg, Russia, July 1.
June 29, 2012
FRUKUS 2012 Conducts Security Exercises, Strengthens Partnerships

The multinational training exercise FRUKUS 2012 continued its training with at-sea force protection exercises, June 28.
June 28, 2012
FRUKUS 2012 Holds Joint Maneuvering and Aerial Defense Training

The multinational training Exercise FRUKUS 2012 conducted its first series of training evolutions, June 27.
June 24, 2012
USS Normandy Arrives in Baltiysk for FRUKUS 2012

The guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) arrived in Baltiysk, Russia, to participate in the annual multinational Exercise FRUKUS 2012, June 24.

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August 21, 2012
An Active Autumn Ahead

As we wrap up high summer, it's a sensible time to look ahead at the fall and think about the big tasks facing the NATO Alliance and US European Command. The Olympics and the Jubilee fade to memory, and hopefully most folks have managed to break away for a short vacation to recharge. The autumn will be a busy time.
October 12, 2011
Developing a True Strategic Partnership with Russia

My visit was part of NATO’s outreach and desire to develop a “true strategic partnership with Russia,” as it says in the Strategic Concept approved at the Lisbon Summit last fall. In my role as the Supreme Allied Commander, I continue to search for zones of cooperation with the Russian military.
April 4, 2011
A Pretty Good Birthday

Along with two of the youngest members of the command, I cut a birthday cake to celebrate the moment sixty years ago, on 2 April 1951, when SACEUR Dwight D. Eisenhower activated Allied Command Europe – the predecessor to today’s Allied Command Operations – and its headquarters, the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.
November 15, 2010
The Road Ahead

I had an experience last week I never expected when I began my naval career in the 1970s during the Cold War period: a four-day visit to Moscow and St. Petersburg, hosted by the Russian Chief of Defense.
October 6, 2010
Understanding Europe through Academic Outreach

EUCOM is working to reach out to academic institutions and researchers in the U.S., Europe, and Eurasia to expand our perspective on current events and to foster an improved understanding of our Area of Focus.
August 19, 2010
International Response to National Disasters

As we learn time and again, Mother Nature demands our respect. Although the core competency of militaries is not humanitarian work, we are sometimes called upon to help respond to natural disasters, providing life-saving support to affected communities.
August 13, 2010
Providing Relief for Our Russian Friends

What an impressive couple of days...
April 11, 2010
The Loss of a Great Friend

I'm flying over the deep blue of the southern Pacific Ocean -- enroute to New Zealand and Australia for security discussions about Afghanistan -- and I've just learned of the death of Polish General and Chief of Defense Franciszek Gagor, along with the President of Poland and much of the senior leadership.
March 11, 2010
Navy Chaplain talks with Orthodox Military Chaplains in Republic of Georgia

While in port at Batumi, Georgia onboard the USS JOHN L HALL (I had a unique opportunity to meet with two Georgian Orthodox priests, Father Theodor and Father Nikos, who are both part of the growing/emerging professional chaplaincy program in Georgia.
March 3, 2010
Off to Washington!

I’m on Capitol Hill next week to update Congress on the successes and challenges of U.S. European Command and the security environment in Europe. As you’d expect, this is a BIG deal for us, and we’ve been preparing for months.

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July 23, 2012
FRUKUS

Naval exercise FRUKUS is named after the four nations taking part: France, Russia, the United Kidom and the U.S. SSgt Nathan Parry went aboard the USS Normandy to see what sets this exercise apart from others.
October 28, 2011
USAFE Band brings varied show to Russia

The USAFE Band is currently in Russia putting on shows filled with laughter, cultural bonding, and of course, great music. SPC Abigail Waldrop was at one event and spoke to a woman who was deeply touched by the hard work band members put into the concert.
August 13, 2010
Happening Now! Video from iPhone of U.S. offloading firefighting equipment in Russia

U.S. airmen offload pallets of firefighting equipment from a transport plane in Russia that arrived from Ramstein Air Base Aug 13. The equipment is part of a joint U.S. Air Forces Europe, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa, Marine Forces Europe and U.S. Army Europe effort to assist the Russian government in fighting the wildfires in the country.
April 14, 2010
ADM Stavridis - Russian Relations

President Barack Obama says talks to reach an arms treaty with Russia have also yielded closer cooperation toward achieving sanctions against Iran's nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe calls U.S.- Russia relations one of his top priorities. AFN's Michelle Michael joins us with details.

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