The US remains committed to finding a diplomatic solution to Russian aggression in Ukraine, though officials are disappointed that Russia continues to stoke unrest in the region, Secretary of State John Kerry said. “If Russian elements continue to sabotage the democratic process and prevent Ukraine from holding a free and fair election 19 days from now on the 25th, then we stand ready to implement additional sanctions,” Kerry said in a press statement after meeting with a European Union representative on May 6. The Russian-backed referendum to split Eastern Ukraine from the rest of the country “is really the Crimea playbook all over again” Kerry said. “No civilized nation is going to recognize the results of such a bogus effort,” he threatened. “We are not going to sit idly by while Russian elements fan the flames of instability.”
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.