European leaders are concerned after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said during an interview that the EU is "basically a vehicle for Germany" and reiterated that NATO is "obsolete."
By refusing to respond to the sanctions, Russian President Putin spurned Obama and kept up what has looked like a public bromance with the president-elect, who in turn called him "very smart!"
U.S. troops are training in Estonia, just 70 miles from the Russian border. It points to NATO's increased activity in the Baltic states and Poland amid the growing tensions with Moscow.
Turkish officers in Brussels say their government is firing them and sending them home. Some are in hiding or seeking asylum, fearing imprisonment or worse. They deny they were part of a coup attempt.
The president-elect called the alliance "obsolete" and said European countries weren't paying their share. This has created hand-wringing in the bedrock institution of Western security.
U.S. military personnel came under fire while assisting Afghan partners battling the Taliban in Kunduz district, NATO says. Local officials are reportedly investigating claims of civilian casualties.
A convoy of Russian warships is bound for the Mediterranean, and some were planning to stop for fuel at a Spanish enclave. NATO is concerned the ships are heading to support Russian strikes in Syria.
Rear Adm. Mustafa Zeki Ugurlu, who had just finished a NATO job in Norfolk, Va., is among the "pro coup fugitives" being pursued by Turkey following last month's failed coup attempt.
Russia recently introduced a new warship in the Black Sea, an area of heightened tension since Russia's seizure of Crimea two years ago. NPR's Corey Flintoff was invited on board.