While Russia has supported some common security efforts in counterterrorism and counternarcotics, these contributions are overshadowed by its disregard for the sovereignty of its neighbors in Europe and its violation of numerous agreements which require Russia to act within international norms.

The Defense Department has “put on hold” military-to-military activities with Russia, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said this evening.

The Michigan National Guard celebrates their 20-year partnership with Latvia with a look back at how the partnership started and and some milestones along the way.

NATO defense ministers are meeting this week as the alliance faces what many here call an inflection point: how to preserve hard-earned NATO operational capabilities while winding down operations in Afghanistan over the coming months

Recently I have read of concern in Poland of decreasing U.S. engagement due to the U.S. “rebalance” to Asia, thereby losing interest in Poland and Europe as strategic partners. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel met with Russian Federation Security Council Secretary General Nikolai Patrushev today at the Pentagon to discuss a range of issues including missile defense, increasing military to military cooperation and the ongoing crisis in Syria. Secretary Hagel looks forward to continued dialogue with Russian security leaders and meeting with his counterpart, Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, in the future.

What a voyage! Certainly I've had my fair share of challenges along the way but we have also had plenty of great successes (due largely to the hard work of those on my various teams), and a few tie scores as well. As I look back over these past four years in particular, there were a number of solid accomplishments and a few stubborn difficulties -- but at the center of it all were wonderful human relationships.

The multinational training exercise FRUKUS 2012 came to an end with a closing ceremony in St. Petersburg, Russia, July 1.

The multinational training exercise FRUKUS 2012 continued its training with at-sea force protection exercises, June 28.

The multinational training Exercise FRUKUS 2012 conducted its first series of training evolutions, June 27.

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

The multinational training exercise FRUKUS 2012 began with an opening ceremony held at the Baltic Fleet Headquarters in Baltiysk, Russia, where participating senior leaders from France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States discussed the exercise objectives, June 25.

Maritime forces participating in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2012, the largest multinational maritime exercise this year in the Baltic Sea, demonstrated a land, sea and air amphibious operation for international distinguished visitors here, June 11.

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 influence.