Obama in Europe, Ukraine issue at top of agenda

President Obama's trip to Europe had been planned, but the timing was important for the situation in Ukraine. This overview in the Washington Post's Wonkblog lays out the critical issues going forward:

Wonkbook: How the crisis in Ukraine is shaking up Obama’s trip to Europe

Obama emphasized unity between the U.S. and Europe, although differences remain, particularly on the issue of military spending.

Obama: U.S. and Europe united over Ukraine crisis

Despite ‘wake-up call’ in Ukraine, Europe reluctant to bolster its militaries

The sanctions regime will take time to impact Russia, as explained by former LBJ faculty member James Lindsay:

What U.S. sanctions against Russia will (really) do

In the latest news, Secretary of State John Kerry is returning earlier than planned to Europe, to explore new prospects for diplomacy...

John Kerry Changes Course On Overseas Trip, Stays In Europe For Ukraine Talks

Ukraine highlights the dangers ahead for the EU:

Ukraine Upheaval Highlights E.U.’s Past Miscalculations and Future Dangers