Obama Pushes to Boost Military Presence in Europe
12-31-1969
President Barack Obama is asking Congress to approve a $1 billion boost to the U.S. military presence across Europe, calling it a necessary step to curb Russia's actions in Ukraine.
The president announced the plan Thursday during a four-day trip to Europe.
The news comes as deadly clashes between Kiev forces and pro-Russia separatists continue to escalate in eastern Ukraine.
Moscow recently called a United Nations meeting to push for a ceasefire.
But the U.S. State Department called Russia "hypocritical" because it's "doing nothing to stop" pro-Russian forces.
Nevertheless, Obama says it's still possible to rebuild trust with Moscow.
"We are interested in good relations with Russia. We are not interested in threatening Russia," Obama said.