Amid Russian Aggression, Senator Hassan Works to Strengthen Alliance with Critical Baltic States

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) cosponsored bipartisan legislation led by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) to strengthen U.S. security and economic cooperation with the Baltics. Given their critical location on Russia’s border and as NATO partners, the Baltics are crucial to containing Russia and have also faced continued economic pressure from China. Specifically, the bipartisan Baltic Defense and Deterrence Act seeks to codify the Baltic Security Initiative effort and create a complementary initiative at the U.S. Department of State. Jointly, these two efforts will enhance and strengthen U.S. security and economic cooperation with the Baltics amid Russia’s continued aggression and heightened tensions with China.

“We need to do more than just counter Putin, we need to shore up our alliances with democratic partners around the world, particularly those who share a border with Russia,” said Senator Hassan. “This legislation comes at a critical time as Russia’s aggression poses an immediate threat to the Baltic States, and the region faces increasing pressure from China. The U.S. must continue to use every diplomatic and economic tool at its disposal to combat Putin.”

“The three Baltic countries have been model NATO allies, contributing above two percent of GDP on defense, fighting alongside American soldiers in various missions and providing invaluable expertise in cyber defense, strategic communications and energy security. The Baltics have been warning about the nature of the Putin regime for years and were among the first to provide critical lethal military aid to Ukraine. It is past time to close strategic gaps in NATO’s most exposed flank. Ukraine’s experience shows that Vladimir Putin does not respond to warnings or signals, so deterrence requires a robust defensive military capability in place,” Senator Grassley said.

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