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U.S. To Expand Military Presence In Eastern Europe

President Obama talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry during the 70th United Nations General Assembly Sept. 28, 2015.
Pete Souza
/
The White House
President Obama talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry during the 70th United Nations General Assembly Sept. 28, 2015.

In the wake of Russian aggression in the region, President Obama announced Wednesday that he will be strengthening America’s military presence in Eastern Europe.

"As we approach the 2016 NATO Summit in Warsaw, it is clear that the United States and our allies must do more to advance our common defense in support of a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace," President Obama said in a statement.

Obama added that the increased funds will not only allow the United States to strengthen their military presence in Europe and assist the US in upholding its commitment to NATO, but it will also send the clear signal that the US stands in support of shared values and international justice.

“The US has said this week that they are going to quadruple their military spending in this region, going from $800 million to $3.4 billion which is a significant amount,” Oklahoma College of International Studies assistant dean Rebecca Cruise told KGOU's World Views.

Cruise said it’s likely Russia will react.

“We are not anticipating a full on arms race, but officials from Russia have said they are going to take compensatory measures,” Cruise said.

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