“Russia, Ukraine and Europe” presented by Laura Cooper

Laura K. Cooper served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia from 2017 to 2025. She spearheaded U.S. security assistance to Ukraine – delivering billions in support – and orchestrated the 50-nation Ukraine Defense Contact Group to unify partners and catalyze assistance. She championed novel unmanned systems and air defense programs, supporting Ukrainian battlefield successes. A career member of the Senior Executive Service, Cooper served as the top Pentagon strategist on Russia. She also strengthened U.S. defense relationships across the region, including the Caucasus, Central Asia, Moldova, and the Western Balkans.