Daniel Kochis
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Articles by Daniel Kochis
Now is the wrong time for the Pentagon to pull back from Europe
Since the start of 2026, two key pillars buttressing NATO deterrence have taken a hit. The first is the ongoing rapid and deep deterioration of US munitions stockpiles resulting from the war with Iran, and the second is the May announcement of immediate and substantial limitations on US contributions to NATO’s Force Model in the event of a future conflict. Now, the Pentagon has launched a European force posture review.
Russia Is Importing Fuel and Ukraine Is Taking Ground
Russia Is Importing Fuel and Ukraine Is Taking Ground
A year ago Putin had the momentum. Now Russia is importing fuel and Ukraine is taking ground.
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A Year Ago Putin Had the Momentum. Now Russia Is Importing Fuel and Ukraine Is Taking Ground.
What a difference a year makes. Last August, Vladimir Putin landed on U.S. soil with high hopes of reaching a favorable agreement. The memory of the disastrous February meeting at the White House between President Zelenskyy, President Trump, and Vice President Vance was still fresh in everyone’s mind. Vladimir Putin at the opening ceremony of international military-technical forum. Russia was launching more drone attacks against Ukraine than at any stage of the war up to that point.
Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government
As we approach the 2026 NATO Summit, the alliance’s eastward shift in its center of gravity continues to gain momentum. Last week, reports emerged that the United States is now in the early stages of internal conversations within NATO to expand nuclear sharing arrangements to include countries that joined the alliance within the past 30 years, such as Lithuania and Poland.
Why penalizing partners like Germany would weaken US power
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Opinion - Why penalizing partners like Germany would weaken US power
Until recently, U.S.-German ties were a bright spot in the transatlantic alliance. That changed abruptly after Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly accused the Trump administration of being “humiliated” by Iran and lacking a convincing strategy for the war. Days later, Germany — recently praised as a “model ally” — was hit with news of a planned withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops. This was not an isolated move.
Why penalizing partners like Germany would weaken U.S. power
Opinion>Opinions - National Security The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill by Daniel Kochis, opinion contributor - 05/14/26 9:30 AM ET Link copied by Daniel Kochis, opinion contributor - 05/14/26 9:30 AM ET Link copied Stryker armoured fighting vehicles of the U.S. Army 2nd Cavalry Regiment Stryker Brigade drive during the Amber Shock 26 portion of the Saber Strike 26 NATO military exercises on May 07, 2026 near Bemowo Piskie, Poland.
Change in Hungary offers Trump and the U.S. new opportunities
Opinion>Opinions - International The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill by Daniel Kochis, opinion contributor - 04/23/26 10:00 AM ET Link copied by Daniel Kochis, opinion contributor - 04/23/26 10:00 AM ET Link copied Peter Magyar gestures as he speaks to the media in Budapest, Hungary, Monday, April 13, 2026, after defeating Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s party in the country’s parliamentary elections.
Opinion - Change in Hungary offers Trump and the U.S. new opportunities
After this month’s election, Hungary will, for the first time in 16 years, have a prime minister not named Viktor Orban. Americans across the political spectrum — including conservatives — should welcome the prospect for change.
Russian Aggression Heightens American Costs in Iran
In aiding Iranian strikes, Russia reverts to an old playbook to harm the U.S. Last week’s Iranian strike against the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia which injured twelve Americans, damaged U.S. refueling aircraft, and destroyed an E-3 Sentry AWACS—a vital and rare command and control aircraft—is hard to ignore. The lost aircraft is a crucial asset for situational awareness, battle management of forces, and early warning of inbound enemy assets, and one not so easily replaced.
For Putin, the Iran War Is About Ukraine — Bleeding America, Splitting NATO, and Keeping Tehran’s Regime Alive All Serve One Purpose
Russia Is Providing Iran With Satellite Imagery, Targeting Data, Intelligence Support, and Drone Deliveries In aiding Iranian strikes, Russia reverts to an old playbook to harm the U.S. Last week’s Iranian strike against the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, which injured twelve Americans, damaged U.S. refueling aircraft, and destroyed an E-3 Sentry AWACS—a vital and rare command and control aircraft—is hard to ignore. Ukraine War TOS-1A. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Russian Aggression Heightens American Costs in Iran
Last week’s Iranian strike against the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia which injured twelve Americans, damaged U.S. refueling aircraft, and destroyed an E-3 Sentry AWACS—a vital and rare command and control aircraft—is hard to ignore. The lost aircraft is a crucial asset for situational awareness, battle management of forces, and early warning of inbound enemy assets, and one not so easily replaced.
Russian Aggression Heightens American Costs in Iran
In aiding Iranian strikes, Russia reverts to an old playbook to harm the U.S.
Iran war showcases US return on investment in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday announced his country was sending drone experts and interceptors to help safeguard U.S. bases in Jordan, diverting vital resources from defending against Russia’s relentless aerial onslaught of Ukraine, to aid the United States. Conversely, as noted by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to bolster Tehran to distract and drain the U.S., freeing his hand to continue the war against Ukraine.
The U.S. Must Save the U.K.’s Foreign Policy from Itself
The U.S. Must Save the U.K.’s Foreign Policy from Itself
China is acting with impunity in the United Kingdom
A Facebook post or X retweet will get you jail time in the United Kingdom. But accusations of spying for the Chinese Communist Party result in a lighter touch. Such is the puzzling state of the U.K. today. The decision in mid-September to drop charges against two British citizens accused of spying on parliamentarians and passing information to Chinese intelligence from 2021 to 2023 is roiling London.
Opinion - China is acting with impunity in the United Kingdom
A Facebook post or X retweet will get you jail time in the United Kingdom. But accusations of spying for the Chinese Communist Party result in a lighter touch. Such is the puzzling state of the U.K. today. The decision in mid-September to drop charges against two British citizens accused of spying on parliamentarians and passing information to Chinese intelligence from 2021 to 2023 is roiling London.
Trump should approach improved trade ties with Russia with caution
By Daniel Kochis Real Clear Wire After a feverish week of negotiations, President Trump’s efforts to facilitate an end to the Russian war against Ukraine have entered a crucial crossroads. Showcasing a potential carrot, President Trump recently noted Russia would like “to get a piece” of the U.S. economy. In Alaska, Vladimir Putin himself touted the prospect of expanded business partnerships with the U.S. including in the Arctic. The administration, however, should proceed with caution.
Trump Should Approach Improved Trade Ties With Russia With Caution
After a feverish week of negotiations, President Trump’s efforts to facilitate an end to the Russian war against Ukraine have entered a crucial crossroads. Showcasing a potential carrot, President Trump recently noted Russia would like “to get a piece” of the U.S. economy. In Alaska, Vladimir Putin himself touted the prospect of expanded business partnerships with the U.S. including in the Arctic. The administration, however, should proceed with caution.
Trump must turn the tables on Putin in Alaska
If Russian President Vladimir Putin has his way, the planned Friday meeting with President Donald Trump would cement and legitimize gains won through savagery in exchange for mere promises of future peace. Trump must not let this latest effort by the Russian dictator to play for time and divide the West succeed. In advance of the meeting, Russia has reportedly offered a future ceasefire in exchange for Ukraine’s upfront withdrawal from the entirety of the Donetsk region.
Trump could still be remembered as a lasting peacemaker
Daniel Kochis is a senior fellow at the Center on Europe and Eurasia at Hudson Institute. During his election campaign, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he’d have the Russia-Ukraine War “settled within 24 hours.” But while he’s since fulfilled many of his campaign promises — from clamping down on illegal border crossings to slashing the federal workforce — a swift settlement to the war has proved elusive.
The Trump administration’s belief in multipolarity informs its transatlantic security policy
Introduction It is an often-repeated truism that the greatest strength of the US is its network of alliances. This network, cultivated over decades, persists not as a mere vestige of a bygone era, but due to a conscious recognition that these unions on balance provide net benefits to the US.
Only a Russian strategic defeat can bring peace to Ukraine Original
It is time to stop chasing the illusion that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants peace. He does not. It didn’t take long for Washington to receive clarity on Russia’s interests in following through an agreement for a 30-day halt on attacking energy infrastructure. Shortly after Putin’s call with President Trump wrapped up, Russia continued to hit Ukrainian energy targets. Putin remains as defiant, inflexible and hostile as ever.
Timid Biden stifled US aid to Ukraine
Original Article Posted By: Mercedes44, 2/7/2025 5:07:25 AM If actions speak louder than words, the Biden administration's mind-boggling throttling of military support to Ukraine last year spoke volumes. It echoed the former president's consistent theme: We want to support Ukraine, and more importantly be seen to be supporting Ukraine, but can't afford to risk it winning.
Timid Biden stifled US aid to Ukraine — if Trump wants peace, reverse course Original
Ukrainian serviceman of the 24th Mechanized Brigade firing a 2s5 152mm self-propelled howitzer towards Russian positions in Donetsk region. 24th Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian Armed Forces/AFP via Getty Images If actions speak louder than words, the Biden administration’s mind-boggling throttling of military support to Ukraine last year spoke volumes.
Trump must call Putin’s bluff on Ukraine talks
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Trump must call Putin’s bluff on Ukraine talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin is starting 2025 with a bang. In a nod to U.S. President Donald Trump’s desire for a settlement in Ukraine, the Kremlin has announced its readiness for negotiations “without preconditions.” However, the devil is in the details. For Russia, “without preconditions” translates to cutting off Ukraine from any meaningful security guarantees and downgrading NATO’s ability to deter and defend member states in Eastern Europe.
Opinion | Trump and Meloni: A Promising Friendship
No one is better positioned to do so than Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. She can empathize with the incoming U.S. president. Like Mr. Trump, she was a political outsider decried as a populist and “fascist.” She too confounded her opponents’ expectations and has built a serious political movement. Many of Mr. Trump’s closest allies, including Elon Musk, admire Ms. Meloni. Her personality mixes charm and grit in equal measure. On policy, the two leaders will find common ground.
The Next U.S. President Will Find a Europe Much Changed From Four Years Ago
If Donald Trump wins the election on Tuesday, he will encounter a Europe far different from the one he knew during his first term both in terms of personnel and policy. A second Trump term could very well be a baptism by fire for new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. After a decade of leadership by Jens Stoltenberg, whom some regarded as a Trump whisperer, NATO has turned to a leader known for being a quiet builder of consensus. The G7 has also seen significant turnover.
Opinion: It’s time to admit the West is already at war with Russia
Daniel Kochis October 29, 2024 at 1:36 PM·5 min read Another week of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has gone by, and Moscow has crossed yet another line with its aggression against Western targets. This time, the violation came in the form of a parcel bomb in the hold of a German aircraft. The device exploded on the ground at a logistics center tarmac rather than in mid-air due only to fortuitous delay.
Russia’s Imperial Ambitions: The Long-Term Threat to NATO
Russia is a Specter that Will Haunt the West for the Foreseeable Future: Once the artillery and glide bombs stop falling in Ukraine, Russia will still pose a significant threat to the West. How much of a threat depends upon how the war ends. When the fighting stops Russia will retain a sizeable population, albeit with deep demographic issues, substantial capabilities, and most damningly, an unbridled imperial mindset.
The Baltics are preparing for a future Russian invasion
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania signed an agreement in January to create a joint Baltic defense line against future Russian attacks. Last week, Lithuania announced it had deployed mines and anti-tank obstacles such as metal “hedgehogs” and concrete “dragon’s teeth” on bridges connecting the nation to Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave. Lithuania plans further deployments of counter-mobility equipment around the nation, including at three airports.
Ukraine’s Kursk Offensive: A 'Gamble' That Could Transform the War with Russia
Regarding morale, George Marshall once said, “With it, all things are possible, without it everything else, planning, preparation, production, count for naught.” With its bold strike into Kursk, Ukraine’s leadership primarily aims to bolster the morale of the nation and the allied coalition; a gamble which if successful could upend the trajectory of the war.
Serbia’s Objections Shouldn’t Thwart Kosovo’s Bid to Create Its Own Army
Kosovo, a small country in the western Balkans, declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, after sectarian wars in the 1990s. A decade later, Kosovo still doesn’t have a national army, despite being recognized by 114 other nations. That may soon change. Last week, Kosovo’s parliament passed three laws that will move the Kosovo Security Force further in the direction of becoming an army.
Russia’s links with Iran are growing stronger
Daniel Kochis is a senior fellow at the Center on Europe and Eurasia at Hudson Institute. Last week, while Secretary of Russia’s Security Council and former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was in Tehran, reports broke out that Russia had transferred Iskander short-range ballistic missile systems and Murmansk-BN electronic warfare systems to Iran. If confirmed, this transfer underscores the lengths Russian President Vladimir Putin will go to win his war against Ukraine.
The Implications of EU Elections in May for the Future of Europe
In about six weeks, from May 23 to 26, European Parliament elections will take place across Europe. Those elections could be a defining moment. The most recent prior EU Parliament elections took place in May 2014. Just a few months before, the borders of a European country were changed by force. Russia invaded Ukraine, annexed Crimea, and since then, has poured military capabilities into the annexed territory.
Der Kreml wird beschuldigt, einen „Schattenkrieg“ gegen den Westen zu führen - so schätzt ein Spezialist die Situation ein
Ministerpräsident Donald Tusk vermutet eine russische Beteiligung am Brand im polnischen Einkaufszentrum Marywilska 44, so Autor Daniel Kochis. Dabei spreche Estlands Premierministerin Kaja Kallas von einem russischen „Schattenkrieg“ gegen westliche Ziele. Vor dem NATO-Gipfel im Juli könnte daher umfassende Diskussionen über eine mögliche russische Sabotagekampagne stattfinden. Daniel Kochis ist Senior Fellow am Center on Europe and Eurasia des Hudson Institute.
The Kremlin is accused of waging a 'shadow war' against the West with incidents of Russian sabotage on the rise
Military & Defense The shadows of Russian soldiers are seen on the ground as they march at the Red Square during the Victory Day military parade general rehearsal in Moscow. Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? . The Kremlin is accused of waging a "shadow war" against the West amid Russian sabotage incidents.
Russia’s Shadow War Against the West Gains Momentum
In the wee hours of Sunday, May 12 a fire broke out at the Marywilska 44 shopping center, one of Poland’s largest. The conflagration ultimately destroyed 80% of the complex, which housed 1,400 shops and outlets. This week, Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that it is “quite likely – that the Russian services had something to do with the Marywilska fire.” If true, the loss of a Polish shopping center by means of Russian arson would be shocking on its own.
American conservatives love Hungary’s Orbán - but ignore his wooing of China
Hungary’s flowering relationship with China, on full display during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s triumphant two-day visit to Budapest, is a blazing three-alarm fire. Will America conservatives respond to the call? For many on the American right, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s defense of traditional values against “woke” ideology absolves all other sins. We must not fall for Orbán’s games. Orbán’s devotion to deepening relations with China makes him an unreliable partner.
American conservatives love Hungary’s Orbán - but ignore his wooing of China
Hungary’s flowering relationship with China, on full display during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s triumphant two-day visit to Budapest, is a blazing three-alarm fire. Will America conservatives respond to the call? For many on the American right, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s defense of traditional values against “woke” ideology absolves all other sins. We must not fall for Orbán’s games. Orbán’s devotion to deepening relations with China makes him an unreliable partner.
Russian Recklessness Over the Skies of Europe
Britain's Defence Secretary Grant Shapps arrives in Downing Street for a cabinet meeting in London, on March 6, 2024. Britain says a plane carrying Defense Secretary Grant Shapps had its satellite signal jammed as it flew near Russian territory. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File) Russia’s stepped-up campaign of electronic warfare (EW) attacks all along the skies of central and eastern Europe is putting the lives of civilians increasingly at risk.
Russian Recklessness Over the Skies of Europe
Russia’s stepped-up campaign of electronic warfare (EW) attacks all along the skies of central and eastern Europe is putting the lives of civilians increasingly at risk. The contested Baltic Sea region is the current focal point of the campaign. Over the past eight months, 46,000 aircraft flying in the region have experienced issues with their GPS signals. One EW attack in March alone lasted nearly 64 hours and impacted 1,600 flights.
Russian Recklessness Over the Skies of Europe
Russia’s stepped-up campaign of electronic warfare (EW) attacks all along the skies of central and eastern Europe is putting the lives of civilians increasingly at risk. kAm%96 4@?E6DE65 q2=E:4 $62 C68:@? :D E96 4FCC6?E 7@42= A@:?E @7 E96 42>A2:8?] ~G6C E96 A2DE 6:89E >@?E9D[ ce[___ 2:C4C27E 7=J:?8 :? E96 C68:@? 92G6 k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^BK]4@>^CFDD:2\;2>D\8AD\D:8?2=D\A=2?6D\7=:89ED\6FC@A6\F<C2:?6\`gd`cag_d`Qm6IA6C:6?465 :DDF6Dk^2m H:E9 E96:C v!$ D:8?2=D] ~?6 t( 2EE24< :?
It’s time for Europe to ground Iran Air
On April 13, Iran launched over 300 projectiles at Israel, hoping to overwhelm their air defenses and spill Israeli blood. Thankfully, the attack was thwarted by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, as well as the aid of allies France, Jordan, the United Kingdom and the United States, who were ultimately responsible for destroying the majority of Iran’s aerial weapons.
Opinion: Norway’s announcement is a reminder that defense spending is a NATO success story
Last week, the government of Norway presented a new long-term defense plan, which if adopted, the size of the country’s defense budget in just over a decade. The latest proposal calls for a further ramping up of spending, climbing to reach 2.7 percent by 2030. Much of that funding will be routed towards buying systems from American firms including Lockheed Martin’s F-35 joint strike fighter and Boeing’s P-8 maritime patrol aircraft.
Kudos to Speaker Johnson: Moving Ukraine aid is critical to national security
Speaker Mike Johnson announced that he will bring a new Ukraine aid package to a vote. AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File Speaker Mike Johnson’s Easter announcement that he’ll bring a new Ukraine aid package to a vote when the House returns next week, despite the political risk to his speakership, is welcome news. Congressional backing for Ukraine assistance has been mired in the political muck for months.
The Murky Depths of Chinese-Russian Cooperation
A vessel known as Newnew Polar Bear appeared to be quite busy on the night of October 7. The Chinese cargo vessel is suspected of damaging at least two underwater telecommunications cables and a natural gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea before scurrying to the safety of Russian waters. The audaciousness of the sabotage, coupled with the ship’s murky ownership, suggests the depths to which China and Russia are now engaged in coordinated efforts to undermine the West.
The Murky Depths of Chinese-Russian Cooperation
A vessel known as Newnew Polar Bear appeared to be quite busy on the night of October 7. The Chinese cargo vessel is suspected of damaging at least two underwater telecommunications cables and a natural gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea before scurrying to the safety of Russian waters. The audaciousness of the sabotage, coupled with the ship’s murky ownership, suggests the depths to which China and Russia are now engaged in coordinated efforts to undermine the West.
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