Savannah Council on World Affairs

“Russia’s War on Ukraine: What Got Us Here and What’s Next?” Council on World Affairs to host former U.S. defense official on this vital topic.

SAVANNAH – On November 19, the Savannah Council on World Affairs will  host Laura Cooper, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia,  Ukraine and Eurasia from 2017 to 2025. From this position, Cooper played a  central role in decisions concerning U.S. assistance to Ukraine in the wake of the  invasion by Russia.

Cooper will provide SCWA members and their guests an insider’s analysis of  U.S. policy toward Ukraine and Russia, and then assess the latest battlefield  developments and negotiations. She will discuss what can be expected in terms of  “next steps” and look ahead to how the conflict might end.

Cooper, is a career member of the Senior Executive Service with more than 25  years in the federal government. As Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for  Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia from 2017 to 2025, she spearheaded U.S. security  assistance to Ukraine, delivering billions of dollars 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. She also strengthened U.S. defense  relationships through the Caucasus, Central Asia, Moldova and the Wester  Balkans.

Her federal service was long and varied and included a stint on the faculty of the  National War College. She is now a senior fellow with the Center for European  Policy Analysis, a Washington-based think tank.

This SCWA Speakers Program will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, November  19, at the Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm Street in Savannah. Planters Inn is  the Platinum Sponsor for this meeting.

All SCWA programs are free for members and $20 for non-members who would  like to attend. Entrance is free for full-time students, faculty and active military. Final details for this and future meetings can always be found on the SCWA  website at savannahcwa.org .