United States and European Union leaders strongly advocated for transatlantic unity in response to Russia’s “illegal annexation” of Crimea, in a lengthy 33-point joint statement that addresses everything from security, trade, and environmental issues to economic cooperation initiatives. “Today in Ukraine, the basic principles of international law and security in the 21st century are being challenged,” reads the statement, which was released March 26. “Further steps by Russia to destabilize the situation in Ukraine would lead to additional and far reaching consequences for the EU’s and United States’ relations with Russia in a broad range of economic areas,” it adds. US and EU leaders also urged strengthening of EU and NATO cooperation in areas of crisis consultation and “developing allies and member states capabilities.” (See also And Eight Become Seven and Obama Heads to Europe as Tensions Rise in Ukraine, as well.)
President Donald Trump projected confidence Nov. 19 that a proposed sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia will sail through the Foreign Military Sales process, an early test of the Pentagon’s acquisition reforms. The deal is also likely to face scrutiny from ally Israel over how it could affect the balance…
