The biggest defense against Russia is strong democratic institutions in the Black Sea region, said US Senator Jeanne Shaheen at a Senate hearing.

As she noted, countries such as Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia must continue to reverse Russia’s evil activities by stepping up the necessary democratic reforms to reflect the will of the people and bring them closer to the transatlantic community.

“In 2008, Russia launched a war against Georgia and illegally seized the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, sparking a separatist uprising in the Donbas region. This is a conflict that continues and is takes the lives of innocent Ukrainians on a daily basis.

Russia has always been ready to use economic, military and political power to stop NATO enlargement and strengthen control over the Black Sea.

Russia’s evil intentions became apparent earlier this summer, when Senator Murphy and I visited Ukraine and Georgia. We have seen the ongoing borderization by Russia and hostile actions against Georgia.

The Transatlantic Alliance, which has maintained world order for more than 70 years, has played a key role in responding to Russia"s military behavior since the annexation of Crimea. NATO has successfully strengthened its support for our Eastern European allies. The Sea Breeze is an annual exercise involving NATO allies and partners and sends an important message of solidarity to our Black Sea Allies”, - added the Senator.