Report to Congress on Russian Foreign Policy

U.S. Naval Institute ^ | Congressional Research Service

[Retain Mike]

Russian authorities have demonstrated a capacity and willingness to use force to accomplish its foreign policy goals. In 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine’s Crimea region and instigated an ongoing insurgency in eastern Ukraine. In 2015, Russia intervened to support the government of Syrian President Bashar al Asad, including through the use of “private” military companies that Russia has deployed in conflicts elsewhere. Russia has been linked to numerous malicious cyber operations, including interference in U.S. elections. Russia uses disinformation and propaganda to undermine opponents and promote favorable narratives. Its intelligence agencies reportedly conduct wide-ranging and often brazen operations against perceived opponents, including assassinations and the use of chemical weapons.

Energy exports, primarily oil and natural gas, are an important pillar of Russian foreign policy. Energy resources are central to the Russian economy, help fund military modernization, and give Russia leverage over energy-importing countries. Russian authorities seek to increase Russia’s market share and access by constructing natural gas pipelines, such as Nord Stream 2 (under construction to Germany), TurkStream (to Turkey and southeastern Europe), and the Power of Siberia (to China). Russia also conducts an aggressive and often militarized approach to the Arctic to exert control over current and potential energy deposits and shipping routes. Russia’s arms exports, behind only the United States in monetary value, also are an important source of hard currency and fulfill key foreign policy objectives.

[Retain Mike]

I don’t attempt to read an entire report like this, but using the contents I can pick out the areas of interest to me.

[kaehurowing]

Russia was on the right side in Syria, supporting the government and the Christian minority. Obama supported the Islamic terrorists, including ISIS, although he would never admit it. Obama could never bear to pronounce their proper name, always calling them “ISIL,” it’s like pretending the terrorists he supported didn’t exist.

[silverleaf]

I think you could easily substitute the United States for Russia in this piece and just change out the names of countries mentioned

[dfwgator]

I don’t give a s___ about Russia.

[AZJeep]

In Europe, they reporting, that Putin considers Biden weak and his thinking impaired. Basically, he shares his opinion about Biden abilities with most Freepers.
So, he thinks he has free hand, free to do all as he pleases.

[Retain Mike]

Nothing like having Democrats in office. I am sure that became basic to Russian foreign policy at least as far back as Stalin and Molotov schooling Roosevelt and Truman.