Joint Chiefs nominee: Russia greatest threat to U.S.
Is Russia the #1 threat to the U.S.? 02:14
Washington (CNN)Russia currently poses the greatest global threat to the United States, according to the man slated to be President Barack Obama's top military adviser.
"Russia presents the greatest threat to our national security," Gen. Joseph Dunford told the Senate Armed Services committee during his confirmation hearing to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
With its large nuclear arsenal, destabilizing role in Ukraine and threat to NATO nations on its borders, Russia presents a significant challenge to the U.S., even as it faces threats like that of ISIS.
"If you want to talk about a nation that could pose an existential threat to the United States, I would have to point to Russia," Dunford said. "And if you look at their behavior, it's nothing short of alarming,"
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Dunford told committee Chairman John McCain, an Arizona Republican, that it would be "reasonable" for the United States to provide sophisticated anti-tank and artillery assistance to the Ukrainian government in response to the situation in eastern Ukraine.
"Frankly, without that kind of support, they're not going to be able to protect themselves against Russian aggression," he said.
Other top U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, have also voiced their support for supplying such weapons to Ukraine, but the Obama administration has declined to do so at this point.
When asked about other top challenges, Dunford said China falls right behind Russia because of their capabilities and their behavior throughout the Asia Pacific.
China has been increasingly assertive in the South China and East China Seas, building up artificial islands for possible military use and asserting territorial rights disputed by their neighbors, most of whom are American allies.
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