Title: Longtime Pentagon Official Laura Cooper Leaves Key Post on Russia, Ukraine
In a significant departure, Laura Cooper, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia, has stepped down from her position at the beginning of 2025. Cooper played a pivotal role in coordinating U.S. military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2022.
Politico reports that Cooper, a 20-year veteran of the Pentagon, was instrumental in facilitating massive U.S. military assistance to Ukraine. She also developed strong ties with various Ukrainian government officials, who consider her a reliable mediator in negotiations.
First gaining public attention in 2019 when subpoenaed to testify before Congress about President Trump’s efforts to pressure Ukraine, Cooper discussed the delay in providing $400 million in military aid. She testified that the funds were held without explanation and raised concerns about their legal provision.
Colleagues at the Pentagon and State Department, speaking anonymously to Politico, expressed fears that Cooper might face repercussions under the Trump administration due to her testimony and role in shaping Ukraine policy under President Biden.
In the interim, Stephen Shlein, head of the Office of Continuity of Defense Operations and Missions, is temporarily taking over Cooper’s responsibilities. This change comes on the heels of former general and Trump’s appointee, Keith Kellogg, postponing his trip to Ukraine.
Source: "Ukrainian-NATO relations" by Eurointegration
