Laura Cooper | Russia's Invasion of Ukraine: Wake Up Calls and What's Next for the US and Allies

The Moynihan Institute presents Laura K. Cooper, adjunct professor at Georgetown University. Cooper was most recently the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia.

Drawing on her eight years as deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia—the last three leading U.S. wartime security assistance to Ukraine—Laura Cooper will offer a strategic perspective on the wake up calls that have shaped U.S. and European policy choices since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.  Ms. Cooper will illuminate policy dilemmas on deterring Russia; delivering security assistance; and working with Ukraine, NATO and a global coalition.  Finally, she’ll discuss the next steps for ending the largest war in Europe since World War II.

Laura K. Cooper is an adjunct assistant professor at Georgetown University. She served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia from 2017 to 2025. She was the lead for wartime U.S. security assistance to Ukraine—delivering billions in support—and orchestrated the 50-nation Ukraine Defense Contact Group. She championed novel unmanned systems and air defense programs, supporting Ukrainian battlefield successes.

Ms. Cooper served as the top Pentagon strategist on Russia and led defense partnerships in the Caucasus, Moldova, the Western Balkans and Central Asia.  A career member of the Senior Executive Service, her prior assignments include: in the Defense Department: Faculty, National War College; Principal Director, Homeland Defense; Director, Strategy Office; Afghanistan Team Chief; and at the State Department: Policy Planning Officer, Counterterrorism Office. She holds a master of science in foreign service from Georgetown University, a master of science in national resource strategy from the Industrial College of Armed Forces at National Defense University, and a bachelor of arts from Northwestern University.