WASHINGTON, February 25. /TASS/. The sanctions imposed by Western countries and repeatedly tightened against Russia have failed to restrain the strengthening of the combat potential of the Russian armed forces, Stephen A. Feinberg, the nominee to be Deputy Secretary of Defense said in replies to questions from members of the US Congress Senate Committee on Armed Services.
"Despite facing international sanctions since 2014, which were further strengthened during the first Trump Administration, Russia has maintained a capable military, developed strategic capabilities, and increased production of crucial military equipment," Feinberg pointed out. "Of particular concern is Russia's expansion of its nuclear arsenal, posing a threat to the US homeland, as well as its tactical nuclear weapons, which threaten its European and Asian neighbors. Russia also presents challenges in cyberspace, information warfare, undersea warfare, space, and the Arctic."
Trump nominated investor and billionaire Feinberg to be the Pentagon's top deputy chief. During Trump's first term, Feinberg chaired the US president's Intelligence Advisory Board.