“In a series of comments by senior officials, the department of defence has indicated that it intends to use its budget for the 2017 fiscal year to try and send a message to Russia in the wake of the confrontation in Ukraine.”  

“The planned increase in funding for the European Reassurance Initiative — a 2014 programme to expand the US military presence in the region — is designed to enhance deterrence against further Russian adventurism, especially in the Baltics, and to reassure allies who doubt America’s long-term commitment to their security.”