NATO Gen.: Russia Creating Buffer States

In prepared testimony Wednesday before Congress, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander General Philip Breedlove declared that Russia is working to create buffer client states in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Breedlove claimed that when it comes to Ukraine, “Russia views Ukraine as part of its sphere of influence, regardless of the views of the Ukrainian people.” Breedlove also claimed that Russia has increased its antagonism toward potential rivals by shadowing U.S. vessels in international waters, the militarization of the Arctic, and military exercises in its dispute with Japan.