Roberts Gates Discusses Vladimir Putin’s Intentions in Ukraine

Drawing down military forces in Europe sends the wrong signal to Eastern European nations, particularly as Russian forces have massed on Ukraine’s eastern border, former US Defense Secretary Robert Gates says.

In an interview with Military Times videographer Mike Morones, Gates discusses his past interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and what he believes are Putin’s ambitions.

Gates also calls for lawmakers to restore planned levels of defense spending set forth in the Defense Department’s 2014 budget proposal. More in the video above.

Last week Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called on large NATO countries to boost defense spending and contributions to the alliance as Russian military movements have shown Europe “still lives in a dangerous world.”

Marcus Weisgerber
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Marcus Weisgerber

Senior Pentagon Correspondent at Defense News
I write about broad-ranging policy, acquisition and budget issues affecting the US military.
Marcus Weisgerber
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