We are particularly fortunate to welcome Dan Loftin, a former career CIA officer who focused primarily on countering the Soviet Union/Russia and former Warsaw Pact countries. Dan spent a large part of his 55 year career analyzing, and countering Russian initiatives and ventures. His in-country experience included two years in Leningrad in the 1970s, at the height of the Cold War. He has maintained extensive personal contact with Russian citizens and officials, as well as with knowledgeable Russia-watchers. In retirement he has been called upon to prepare young government professionals for the challenges and realities of dealing with Putin’s Russia.

Dan also spent many years in other overseas diplomatic and intelligence assignments, from Latin America to Africa. In Washington, D.C. he engaged in several inter-agency services, including his selection as the first CIA Representative to General Colin Powell’s Joint Staff Pentagon, as Associate Director of Operations of DIA’s new Defense HUMINT Service, and as CIA Liaison with U.S. Military Special Operations, among other posts. In recognition of his service, he was recipient of the CIA’s Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal and Donovan Award.

At a time when many of us are trying to make sense out Vladimir Putin’s aggression against Ukraine as well as earlier attacks against Crimea, Georgia and Moldova, it will be helpful to engage in a free-flowing discussion about his motivation and end game. It will also be relevant to consider the conduct of the Russian people. Please join us in what promises to be an informative meeting of the Committee.

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