Militarization of Crimea heightens threat to NATO’s southeastern flank Print this article The U.S. European Command confirmed to the Washington Examiner that enhancing defense partnerships in the Black Sea region is a new focus area.
As Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin mulls over European force posture changes, the United States and NATO are already bolstering land, sea, and air exercises in addition to heavy military investment in the Black Sea region, where Russia is threatening NATO partners with hybrid warfare and a growing military presence in Crimea.
NATO partner Romania is vying to be a hub for that effort and win an increased U.S. troop presence, spending $10 billion on military infrastructure, including rail, road, airstrip, and base upgrades aimed at creating strategic flexibility for the U.S. on NATO s southeastern flank.