WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — In his Thursday confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, General Dunford stated that he considers Russia to be the greatest threat to US national security.
“Take him at his word… He is not predicting war,” McCain said of testimony given on Thursday by General Joseph Dunford, the nominee to become the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
McCain explained that Russia presented a “challenge,” but added he too does not predict war.
“What I am predicting is, if we don’t show the same kind of strength we showed during the Cold War, you will see more efforts at the restoration of the Russian Empire.”
The United States has focused significant attention on what it considers Russian aggression against Ukraine, and countries on NATO’s eastern front.
Russia has clarified that its military posture is based on the defense of its national interests. Moscow has also raised concerns over NATO’s expansion and increased military build-up and exercises on its borders.
