Nato remains vital to the security of europe and the United States. The European Union is a critical partner in trade and politics and global humanitarian efforts. France and the United Kingdom russias bad acts complicate much of the good that the United States tries to do. The Russian Federation possesses not only the second Strongest Military power in the world but a seat on the United Nations security council. Years,last several. Ussia invaded ukraine Vladimir Putin entered the syrian war on the side of the regime and has repeatedly used chemical weapons on its millions. Last year, russian efforts to influence the 26 in u. S. Election fund mentally damaged our bilateral relationship. U. S. Election fundamentally damaged our bilateral relationship. Hand, we have issues of common interest. We have to figure out a way to. Thatetween these issues will be a challenge for our next ambassador. Todays nominee will need to perform some of the most important diplomatic work that our country requires to preserve our interest throughout europe and guard against for the russian aggression. We thank them for their willingness to serve and welcome them to the committee today. Sender cardin . Senator cardin . It really is a pleasure to us. The two nominees before i cant think of two more important positions that this committee will consider than the two positions we are considering today. I had a chance to meet with both of our nominees and i found the discussions to be extremely helpful and very encouraging. As to the amount of agreement as to the importance of the assignment and the manner in carryour nominees will the responsibility if confirmed fo. Are entitled to a little time off, but you dont seem to want time off from Public Service. I particularly want to thank your family because this is a family commitment. You have taken on some of the most difficult challenges in our country. Russia is really a challenged relationship we have. The attack our democracy and 2016, they invaded ukraine and they still illegally occupy crimea. They support the assad regime in syria. We look forward to you implementing that legislation. Our goal is to change russias behavior, particularly as it reflects u. S. Interests. Not to have a chummy relationship with russia without a change in behavior. Yes, we always want to have constructive relationships with all countries. But, for us to have that bond, we need to have a country that respects our independence and respects universal values. Today, russia has done neither. Sias fighting for freedom which has been the tradition of the u. S. Representation and mission. I appreciate your commitment to continue that tradition. I hope there will be regular dialogues sponsored by the u. S. On human rights. Leader opposition in Opposition Leader we will be looking to you to help us implement that prorussian legislation. We look forward to a good discussion today. We thank you for your willingness to serve. Mr. Mitchell, thank you for your willingness to serve. Week knowledge your family i cant think of a more important region of the world. The transatlantic relationship is incredibly important to our country. Wen sanctions were applied, were able to get irans attention. The same thing will be true with russia. We have been in unity with europe on russia. We believe we have to take it to the next plateau. Your response ability will be two maintain that unity. We need to build resiliency in our Democratic Institutions across europe. Russias aggression is not just aimed at the United States, its principal targets are in europe. We welcome working with our European Partners to strengthen that resiliency. Many challenges in addition to russia. You have brexit, you have turkey, you have the migration issues, you have unity against isil, erosion in the democratic process in some of the European Countries that are members of nato. We thank you for your willingness to be here and to take on this response ability. We thank you for being here. I want to join in with sender senator cardin in thanking you for your many years of service. Great meeting with you yesterday. Strongly support your nomination and im glad your family is willing to do this. We had some conversations about your wonderful spouse and why she would do this and maybe he will speak to that in a moment. We hope you will introduce them and we thank you for bringing them with you. We know its a partnership. We are anxious to hear your testimony. If you could summarize in five minutes any materials you want to enter into the record, we are glad to do so. Thank you for your distinguished past service and your willingness to serve our country in this way. Corker. You, chairman two Ranking Member cardin, thank you for your comments as well. Also fitting in my time as governor of the great state of utah. I have to say i never once invaded one of my surrounding states. Casevery close in the stat of nevada from time to time it is truly an honor to appear before you today as president trumps nominee to be the u. S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation. I want to thank the president for his confidence in me and for this opportunity with your approval to represent the American People during a critical period in u. S. Russian relations. I want to express my gratitude to Rex Tillerson for his support as well. Most important to all of this are the people who are sitting behind me. Thank you for pointing that out. A wonderful family. I want to start by thanking my , without whom we wouldnt be here today, and all of our here. En, six of seven are marianne is here with her husband. Abby is here with geoff our daughter is , ourwith Eduardo Hernandez , john, otherwise known as here with his lovely wife morgan. Our son, will, who is also a naval officer, is not with us, unfortunately. He couldnt get a few hours off. Who will have to consult with the Armed Services committee. Gracie, and our daughter, asha. Their love and support has absolutely sustained me through many phases of my life and the different hats ive had the pleasure of wearing both in public and private sectors. We could not undertake this new challenge with your support and without the complete endorsement of our family. Ive had the privilege of serving as ambassador three times including to china and singapore. Im fully cognizant of the profound responsibilities a chief of mission must assume. During my previous service, ive always prided myself on leading dynamic teams and achieving important goals by bringing individuals together from different backgrounds in different points of view. If confirmed, i look forward to working while i am confident that my previous experience does prepare me for the sensitive automatic mission, i am under no illusion that serving as the u. S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation will be easy or simple. A relationship with russia is among the most consequential and complex foreignpolicy challenges we face. As the nuclear superpower, a permanent member of the un security council, we have no choice but to deal with russia on a range of issues touching on global stability and security. Yet we also need to recognize the today, contrary to principles and international law, russia continues to threaten stability in europe including by violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbors. Russia restricts the human rights of its own people. Question, underlined no question, that the russian government interferes in the u. S. Interfered in the u. S. Election last year and moscow continues to metal in our friends and allies. Russia is disregarding its arms control obligations and commitments. As we were to balance these challenges, i appreciate the leadership and insight that this committee has demonstrated on russia. If confirmed, i welcome the opportunity to collaborate with all of you in the months and years ahead. Short, if confirmed, i will focus on four primary approaches. First, i will engage russian government officials from the highest tears to the local levels to advance american interests. Among our goals are defeating isis, countering terrorism, upholding arms control and numb and commitments, finding a political solution to the conflict in syria, and resolving the crisis in the ukraine in a way that respects ukraines sovereignty and restores its territorial integrity. I will also not hesitate to remind government officials that they are accountable for their actions. Exhibit a is a fact that interference in the u. S. Election has led directly to the current low level of trust in the relationship. The views of congress were heard loud and clear on this point with the near unanimous passage as senator carton cardin mentioned, first the sanctions act. Second, i will work to protect the interests of the American People. To include u. S. Business, scholars, tourists, and other american visitors who spend time in russia and engage its good citizens. I believe people to people exchanges and private interactions are an important way to show that our disagreements are with the government of russia, not with its people. Third, i will seek out fresh in people from across all walks of life to share perspectives, to relay American Values, and to deepen my appreciation for russias rich and fascinating history and culture. As i have done in previous assignments, i look forward to meeting with Civil Society leaders including those in the religious and human rights communities. While the russian government has sought to limit u. S. Public diplomacy, our Diplomatic Mission in russia continues to engage ordinary russians and thought leaders, and maintains a diverse outreach approach. I plan to take part in that effort as i strongly believe cultural understanding is enriched by an open and respectful exchange of ideas and thoughts. I look forward to meeting as many russian citizens as possible during my travels. Not lastut certainly in importance, i will work to ensure the safety and security of my team. Americas team. Who work tirelessly on behalf of our nation. Despite russias actions against u. S. Mission diplomatic staffing, the team both the americans and the russian staff, continues to serve with professionalism and an unwavering commitment under difficult conditions. In particular, i want to pay tribute to outgoing ambassador for taft, one of the finest his dedicated leadership and courage under challenging times. I will be honored to work sidebyside with the mission team to ensure the continued critical work of the u. S. Diplomatic and counselor mission. I want to extend my personal appreciation for those americans and and russians who served in the u. S. Missions and have since left because our staff has been cut short by the russian governments unfortunate decision. Mr. Chairman, mr. Ranking member, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you , i welcome your comments and your questions. Thank you very much, senator cardin. I must tell you, i listen to a lot of statements made by nominees. And asatement is clear direct on the major issues. I applaud you for that. I appreciate your candor with committee. And the manner in which you have presented the challenges he would have if confirmed as ambassador. I might tell you, our cfo gives toseries of areas they want question on to make sure there is clarity. You have already provided clarity in your opening statement. That will not prevent me from asking you a couple questions anyway. Let me move to the human rights issues that you mentioned in your statement. Our concern is not with the russian people. He russian people are good people. The russian people are good people. Our issue is with the russian government that has denied basic rights to its own citizens and has interfered with the sovereignty of other countries. You mentioned you would be meeting with leaders in the Civil Societies and be a platform for that type of discussion. To use peopleend to people contact between russians and americans and using our embassy in order to further the hopes . Let me just tell you, i am impressed when i meet with russians and i have met with a lot of russians, when they look at the United States as their hope for their future. And giving them an avenue in order to be able to keep hope alive in russia. How do you intend to use the position as ambassador in moscow to further those objectives . Mr. Huntsman thank you for that question senator cardin. I enjoy the conversation we were able to have together in your office. Me, the United States mission, whether the embassy or consulates come in this case three throughout russia, should be seen as beacons of hope. Aspirational for the russian people. As i know they were for the Chinese People when i served there. Ambassador,title of although it might get you in a in it where you may not otherwise get him, should also be seen as aspirational and tied to u. S. Values. I have worn this title before. I have seen when you express those values and go to the aid are under assault from their governments, they find there is hope in what america does. I found that to be senator, our most powerful weapon at the end of the day. I hope to use it effectively. I hope to use it tactically. I hope to use it tastefully. There is one certainly certainty, i will be active in promoting American Values. As part of my up bringing upbringing. I will never forget visiting one case in china. If you would allow me the reflection. A young woman who had been beaten because her home had been torn down by the chinese authorities, there was no petitioning of government and there was no appeal process. It was just gone. She took up the issue herself. And was beaten for it and paid a price. I went went to visit her in her apartment, the ambassadors car driving through the back alleyways where an ambassadors car should not bp or i walked into her room. She had been cut off from the internet and a lot of other things. She had a tear in her eye. Not because mr. Huntsman arrived, but rather because the United States arrived. I could tell just by being with her that meant the world, where no one else would show up. Nobody else would stand behind people who do not have that kind of support. It meant the world. That thatections like i carry every day of my life. Im reminded of the values we stand for, root whether republican or democrat. I would ensure that our embassy and missions shine that light in a way that is aspirational, that is positive, and that does represent the best of the United States. I can assure you have this committee that stands with you in these struggles and please feel comfortable in working directly with us on advancing those issues. I want to raise one more issue to let you know that we are deeply concerned about the security of our mission in russia. We know that there have been efforts made to deal with the safety of our personnel in an appropriate way, there have been incursions into listening devices in different places to compromise the u. S. Mission, so we invite your assessment. You mentioned the safety of your personal. We want you to know that we hope you will be very candid with congress as to the needs, so that we can Work Together to make sure those that are on the front line of diplomacy have the protections they need. Mr. Huntsman thank you, senator. The unfortunate decision by the russian government to cut our staff significantly will impact our ability to carry on anything representing a normal relationship. Although, i have every confidence that those who remain. Thethat we have met, russians have demanded to be a sense of parity. Best andng among the brightest in the Foreign Service and other agencies will carry up emissions. I have no doubt about that. I have seen it happen before. For me, Mission Security and Mission Integrity will be top of the list. With your support and your endorsement, once i arrive at commission, the first order of business is to assess what the cut down and cutbacks of personnel have meant in terms of overall security. Because security has an impact on our ability to do the work which has an impact on overall operating more all of any and the. I have seen them over the years. When missions can operate at a high level of more outcome of things get done. The work of the American People get accomplished. Mission safety will be top of mind for me. It always has been. I know we have challenges, particularly as it relates to the harassment of our diplomats, which continues. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you ambassador huntsman for being here. Thank you for to the family thank you to the family as well. We have had the privilege to know the huntsmans for a wild. 1992, my wife cheryl taught one of the girls. Right there. Anyway, it is a pleasure to be here and a pleasure to have you. I want to thank you for your willingness to serve and thank the family for the willingness to sacrifice, not just this time, but many times in the past for your Public Service. It is a family sacrifice, certainly. That is appreciated. That is appreciated. Let me just ask one question. What can congress do to help you succeed in your mission on behalf of the United States in russia . Mr. Huntsman thank you, senator. It is a pleasure to see you again. Think you for the musical legacy your family left in my own family that continues to live on as our daughter returned from performing rachmaninoff second concerto in china. [laughter] it is a far cry from what her dad used to play. Allowing me the reportnity to return and on the key issues, whether they syria, dprk, arms magnitskyuman rights, act, i think we will all have to be together. This is executive and legislative respect to the last round of sanctions. Because you have a significant role in how that goes. You are then going to have to face your decisions on input from the ground. On site, you will get the information you need. Having somebody at post can help provide a different perspective will be important. Just the very thought, senator, that we could Work TogetherGoing Forward and maintain an open dialogue with you and your staffs, on whether there is progress on these issues. If there is progress, we need to ave the relationship to higher altitude. Right now, we are at a low point. It reminds me of 1986, i remember that year. The 1986 levelat forever. It does not serve the purposes of the region or the world well. Nor does it serve the purposes of people in both countries. Working on those issues together allowing me a fair hearing when i returned to report on progress so that we can see there is reason to move the relationship to a different level. As ank that has to be done joint effort between executive and legislative branches. In terms of progression travel to russia, delegations from the senate and house, is that helpful . Share one experience i few codeina where very l scrapple because it was a tough gig. A tough assignment. It was not easy to explain to your constituents. Brought forward to some of your colleagues the idea that maybe we could organize a large bipartisan republicans and democrats code l. They spent three days. Senatorny Isakson Isakson was part of that. He still remembers that trip. Three days, they were able to articulate at the highest levels of the United States some of our concerns around these issues in ways that the chinese really understood in new and important ways. It left a lasting impression on both sides. I would say if we can organize some such mission, bipartisan, we have some important messages to send and to receive. I would very much welcome that opportunity as well. Thank you. So much. Thank you no one has to convince me for your ability to serve. You and i worked together when you were in china and helped us in idaho. Of me say that probably one the most confounding things for the American People is to position youn the are in with russia, we have some issues with russia which would be an understatement to say the least. Having said that, we also have to do with russia. I think the biggest challenge you will be facing, we all will be facing, is to assist with the north korean situation. The world has tos has turn against north korea in a united fashion. It is going to take both russia and china. They have already indicated at least a willingness to help. Whothere is a lot of people think this cannot end well on the trajectory it is on. We need everyone together. Do you have thoughts on that as we move as you move into this position . Mr. Huntsman specific to db car specific to dprk. This falls into the side of the Balance Sheet that represents the issues where we have some overlapping and common interests. I think we should always take the time to explore where we have overlapping and common interests. I think one is dprk. We take different approaches, and we have different attitudes about denuclearize and the korean peninsula. I think ultimately we want greater safety in that region. Countries share concerns about proliferation. That brings us together with russia for purposes of addressing dprk. I think the last round of expression ofan the United Nations security with theoming together most aggressive approach to north korea in history. That included russia and it included china. It is targeting areas of north koreas economy that are most lucrative for them and if the sanctions are implemented, that will be part of our work once we are on the ground, it will take a toll on things like trade and textiles, which is maybe a 800 million category 4 north korea. Trade and raw material for gas and oil which is a large money category as well. I think the remittances of workers may be 50,000 or 60,000 which is another large cash flow for north korea. Onm heartened by the support the last round of sanctions, just september 11 a few weeks ago. We will see if that is historic where we can come together more and more in addressing this significant threat, not just to northeast asia, but to the world. Thank you, i appreciate your thoughts. We are hopeful the sanctions will be helpful in that regard they are about as the strictest sanctions you can get. The regime does not care about the people. Is, howuestion effective of the sanctions going to be on leadership versus on the people . Unfortunately, they have shown in the past that the sanctions has not been a good conduct changer as it would be in other civilized nations. Although we are hopeful, i think we have to think about what the next step is going to be. That is not when to be pretty. No question about that. Thank you very much for coming, are there any further questions . Well, i see none. Mr. Huntsman i hope we did not scare everyone away. We are just starting to vote on the floor of the senate. I am going to adjourn this hearing, excuse you and your beautiful family, and those who have come here to hear this. Again, we appreciate your willingness to serve, john. Thank you so much. With that, subject to the call of the chair. The committee will come back to order and we will finish up with the honorable Jon Huntsmans hearing and i understand senator shaheen, you have a comment . Question . Yes, thank you very much. First of all, i would like to thank governor huntsman for his willingness to continue to serve the country and also for taking a few minutes to meet with me. I appreciated our conversation. One of the things we discussed a little bit was the challenges given russias attempt to influence our elections in 2016, their thepation of ukraine, annexation of crimea, some of the other challenges facing russian aggression and in the baltics in eastern europe. The need to counter those efforts and at the same time, the need to look at places where we can work with russia because we have mutual interests. How, astalk about ambassador, you will try to balance those two needs, and the kinds of efforts you think are helpful in responding to russian aggression versus the kinds of efforts that you would employee to try and engage with them on areas of mutual interest . Your microphone on. Mr. Huntsman thank you. It was a pleasure to see you. I think we have to convince both bilaterally and multilaterally through our friends and allies, particularly nato, that aggression does not pay. There will be a response. We have already seen that in the case of crimea. 2014, in the case of ukraine in the eastern provinces of on bus. And of course we do not need to go back too far previous to that, 2008, in the case of georgia, with south a set yet. We have got the challenges of the constant pushing that is taking place in europe. We have friends and allies who we support. And whose sovereignty we stand behind from a security standpoint. Andink we have to live up respect of those commitments, which i think is the case. We have that going on, at the same time, we have areas of overlapping and common interests. Challengingwith any relationship, and i would say in the case of russia, it is a challenging but necessary relationship, we have to be at the table together. Ground to find common we have to solve problems. We have to move to a higher altitude. No question about it. Part of that effort is to show that we can succeed in what we do together. There may be early signs of success, for example in syria, to disarm andpt quiet the southwestern region, just south of damascus. It is early days, but there may be successes from there. Is another area where we can find there are successes. In the case of ukraine, we are nowhere. Of d have to say, a lot the main highway that leads to an improvement in u. S. Russia relations, goes right through ukraine. That is living up and respecting the minx accord through the wasmity process that actively being worked by ambassador volcker, our special representative for ukraine affairs. It is an important issue, not just for ukraine, for the region, but for people in the United States. That will be an important area. Then we have issues such as space, which for example, it must be the level of oxygen when youre at that level. Maybe no oxygen at all that keeps us together in a collaborative fashion. There has been a Great Success between the United States and russia. Example, liesr out there, is another issue we will have to come together on. And maybe in ways that are positive. I see the Balance Sheet. I see the need to come up with a very clear and crisp list of priorities that we can meet on, we can hopefully make progress on, and i can return to you and report on. Thank you. And ambassador, can you talk about whether you are going to be willing to continue to meet with opposition figures in russia, canada citizens who may not agree with the 10 rain putin reign . Mr. Huntsman that has always been my practice. Yes, senator. Thank you. Thank you. Ambassador, governor, i really wanted to come back to this asring to come lament you one of the highest quality nominees for an ambassadorial post i have ever seen in my seven years on the Foreign Relations committee. And our personal meeting and your opening statement, i think he represented the very best. In Public Service and leadership at home and abroad. You have answered clearly, forcefully, and directly a series of questions i had for you. Willingnesst your to continue meeting with opposition figures, standing up for human rights, the value of our western european allies, and many others. To you and mary kay, to your beautiful family, thank you for your dedication to Public Service. Or threek two questions. I look forward to supporting your nomination. In any event. How do you think we could more successfully counter russian disinformation campaigns in western europe . As we talk about talked about in my office, our challenge is raising the costs for russia for their continued interference and of their continued illegal actions in ukraine and in other places in the world. And, do you think it is critical we maintain sanctions on russia until they and their distant their destabilizing actions in ukraine and meddling in european elections, or could you imagine a path where we would lighten some sanctions and not others . Obviously given the action of this committee, we would have a hand in any decision on that front. Mr. Huntsman thank you for those warm comments that you previously made. Verynk ukraine becomes much a centerpiece here when we look at sanctions. Rungs ofaybe five sanctions when you count the act as well. Thei think a lot of barometer on where the basedonship goes will be on ukraine and the kind of have in the area, living up to the minsk accord. When i think about the different are there, some from crimea, some from eastern ofaine, some as a result meddling in our election. Tied to more human rights focused. I really do see that the ukraine is critically important, as a barometer of whether or not we can make progress in our bilateral relationship. With respect to the kind of hybrid warfare that were includes malign activity, goes well beyond conventional warfare, that my was accustomed to, as was yours growing up, where you field andent on the you practiced and you hopefully go to war, so what we see today, which is very different. Disinformation campaigns, networks that are dedicated to the dissemination of news of different sources, ofre we see the support political movements on the example. Nd, for all kind of in the category of that are nowties focused on europe and specifically the periphery just adjacent to russias western border. I think the first order of business, senator, is to recognize that it does exist and delusional about it. And then to say, what is the of this hybrid campaign . What toll or what cost is it taking on the very survivability nascent democracy . Because i think thats the undercut the credibility of the political system, which is the most that someoneroach could take to another nation date. Then i think we have to say, what are the options in terms of tools one might have . There may be some options on the Technology Side with the private that would be worth looking at. And i think we always ought to private Sector Technology approaches. But then i think the work that you are doing with others, murphy, onenator really funding some efforts that would maybe produce a counternarrative is really important. And i know it may seem to be a bucket or a start as compared to what were up andnst, but it is a start, i think thats important to begin to work our way through what ultimately a longerterm solution might look like. I appreciate, in your written statement, in your opening our privatend in conversation, the clarity and forcefulness of your view about malign actions in our election, in the region against europe,ances in western the ongoing threat they pose to human rights, both at home and yourd the world, and commitment to joining with us in working to advance American Values in this context. Very much look forward to working with you. Thank you. Thank you. Senator murphy . Much,nk you very purchase. Mr. Chairman. I always appreciate my name namedropped in thats called pandering. It will get you everywhere. Thank you very much, governor, for taking on this responsibility. I do appreciate your commitment center,lobal engagement senator portman and i are very that the administration, after some question, has now transferred 40 million to help capacity to help young nations build independent and objective media. Think that you will be instrumental in helping figure out how that plays out Going Forward. With that being said, let me ask a little thornier question here. Clearly appreciated your statement regarding russian the u. S. Nce in election. But i want to put the sort of table here. On the youre gonna be working for a president who has done the who has very intentionally, over and over again, cast doubt on whether the russians interfered in this election. Hoax. D its all a big its all a big dem scam, when he earlier this year. He said, it could have been russia but it could have been a other people. And the results are real. The latest poll suggests that 43 of americans dont believe that russia interfered in the u. S. Election. And, you know, importantly, only about 9 of republicans believe that russia interfered. And so just let me ask you that, because everybody is wondering. Represent to the russians your belief that, and beliefs, that they unquestionably interfered in the u. S. Election, when your boss, the president of the United States, is engaged in a fairly at theonal campaign to, very least, cloud the issue . How do you manage that . Think its a fair question, senator. I think its important to note that the odni has spoken, the director of national intelligence. Its a powerful symbol when you nationalirector of intelligence, the director of the n. S. A. ,head of f. B. I. , who come together in unison about their findings. As a consumer of their material for years, i very rarely see together in such a coordinated fashion, of one mind and one conclusion. Where theat expresses facts are. With respect to russias involvement in our election. I have to say that for me as as governorernor, kaine was, youre tasked with integrity of your election system. As a lieutenant governor, as a secretary of nothing moreve important than the integrity of your election process as the local level. Undercut or subvert or sew seeds of doubt about that system is the highest level of think can be laid on any local election system. To it, not just as a u. S. Ambassador to russia, somebody who had responsibility for the integrity of elections in my state. I thank you for that answer. I just dont want us to normalize this moment. Job will be made very difficult by the fact that you will put pressure on the interfering inp our elections while you have a president in the United States tryingactively, actively to cloud this question and often personal communication device to call it a hoax. I just dont want us to normalize what is happening where our diplomats are towing one line and the completelys towing a different one on his twitter feed. And i greatly appreciate the capacity who are willing to do these jobs. Uniquelyjob is made hard in a very unprecedented way. Seconds, i would like to get a commitment from you to follow up on something we talked about in my office. And i and senator cardin, senator rish, we talk about the balkans a lot but not a lot of other people do globally. Is where wars have started. Its a place that remains very unstable. The last six months, since this president took office and signaled that we were sort exiting the diplomatic playing field, russia has gone into the balkans with gangbusters. They have started buying up all sorts of media sources. New have started paying off and interesting people. I just wanted to have you reiterate your commitment amongst all of the things youre going to be paying attention to sure to keep make an eye on, for us, increased russian interference in the balkans. Its a very unstable place that more unstablemuch if we dont check that interference. Commitment,my senator. Example of is an what we have described earlier, dont tolly when you serbia and kosovo. A vacuum behind, things happen. I think this is an example of what has happened in that vacuum. I will watch it. I have taken note of it. It will certainly be part of my discussions. You. Ank senator cane . Mr. Chair and governor. Superbly qualified for this position. I look forward to supporting your nomination. Very tough job. The president asked you to do it. Involved in some of the circumstances that senator asking you about. Ill switch and tell you an interesting irony while i was thatste in an election been much discussed for these reasons. In thewas deployed european reassurance initiative, entire Marine Battalion was reassureto try to help our allies on the border that the United States was still there for them and would help protect them against russia. Im going to ask you about that, because im going to be following up with the next on similar questions. In your capacity as ambassador to russia, should you be confirmed, youll also have the opportunity to dialogue with ambassadors in russia. And i think an important part of your job is going to be working, can, with the russian government to make sure that we nations on protect their border that are currently under serious assault in many domains by russia. Just addressou can that aspect, how you might approach that aspect of your job. My approach, senator, will be friends and our allies in europe, specifically the g5, who i think are very the issues that are prominently on our security agenda. The vulnerable states, right on the periphery. And they need the help and support that nato and specifically the United States can provide. I think were better and when were coordinating who are regionally focused, on the ground and maybe have a slightly different perspective. Serving inhis while china, while working with the g5 other contexts, including north korea, including the south china sea. I would fully expect to consult on a regular basis with my g5 colleagues to make sure that we the work ofin to the supreme allied commander in europe, along with the nato command as well. To make visitst to both those areas to ensure that we are all of one mind as it relates to, for example, trainingding the last exercise playing out that will through september 20. Im not sure they have invoked the vienna documents that are required as far as transparency is concerned. It may be that they should have. Nobody quite knows exactly the numbers of troops involved. Or exactly how this is likely to play out. Thats not good. I think were together on the issues that will matter most and i look forward to working with and allies on these very issues. You also will have a very perspective, having been ambassador to china. China and russia both being such critical nations. Both nations where we have many points of disagreement, but there are areas where we need to together. For example, we had a briefing recently. It was classified. Wasnt. Tion of it it was about north korea and the Trump AdministrationNational Security officials said over and over again, we are pursuing diplomacy if we can, if its a a 5 chance or a 3 chance. Pursue diplomacy and a diplomatic resolution of the situation in north korea. And i assume you share that view. Would you also share my view that pursuing a diplomatic koreation with north would likely involve having insia and china involved those discussions . Russia and china were both, of course, original members of sixparty talks, discussions that i participated in while in beijing. Both critical members of that process. China, of course, is absolutely indispensable in terms of delivering messages and controlling the flow of goods in and out of north korea. They have influence and clout that no other nation state has pyongyang. Second to that would be moscow. And therefore, the dialogue with russia on dprk, on denuclearization, on calming the down, is absolutely critical. Ableo think that we were to get a United States security on septemberution 11 without a veto. Veto, that speaks remittances of 50 to 60,000 north koreans in are big deals. So for us, it really comes down to, are the sanctions going to implemented . Thats where weve had difficulties in the past. Will china do what theyve do . Ed up to will russia do what theyve signed up to do . Thats where you roll up your to work. Nd get might i ask one more question, mr. Chair . Please be brief, because we do have another ill be very brief. Called gubernatorial privilege. Very brief. Having acknowledged that china if russia would be critical, there was an ability to find a nuclear deal of some kind with korea, you would also agree, would you not, that their belief about whether or not the u. S. Would follow a deal if we reached it, that could be important to them in determining they wanted to work with us to press for a deal . Obviously there are trust issues all around. Have to bently worked on to shore up that trust deficit. Fad, foryment of example, among other things is with bothnsternation china and russia. But weve worked together successfully in the sixparty context. I have seen examples where three anus can in fact take on issue, share information, work from a common sheet, a common try to get things done. Thanks for your continued willingness to serve. You. Ank governor, ambassador, thank you so much for taking this big on. Onsibility thank you to your family, who are also willing to undertake sacrifices. Mr. Chairman, i just want to thank the governor also. That senatorg kaine said. Enforcement of the sanctions on north korea, very important. Enforcement of the sanctions against russia, very important. Your helpoing to need in enforcing the sanctions, in with turkey,sale that the sanctions may be in fact being violated. So were going to need your attentions if were going to be effective in the messaging and action against russia. Balancing act. For members of the committee, we will keep the record open until close of business on thursday. That includes members ability to submit questions for the record. So much and you and your family are free to go. Thank you. Mr. Mitchell, would you care to join us . The pentagon says the u. S. Has flown a mission in International Airspace over the waters east of north korea. The u. S. Says its the farthest demilitarized join, fighter orerican bomber has flown in this century. Dana white says in a statement that the mission shows how seriously the u. S. Takes what she calls north koreas reckless behavior. She says we are prepared to use the full range of military capabilities to defend the u. S. Homeland and our allies. Today, we heard from north koreas