"The relationship with Russia is likely to be more difficult to manage in coming years than any time since the end of the Cold War," General John Craddock told a congressional hearing in written testimony.

Citing Russia's military action supporting breakaway regions in Georgia in August 2008 and disputes over gas supplies to Europe in January this year, Craddock wrote Moscow's actions "suggest that their overall intent may be to weaken European solidarity and systematically reduce US influence."

The stark warning comes as President Barack Obama's administration seeks to reduce tensions with Russia, offering Moscow possible concessions on plans for missile defense weaponry in Central Europe in exchange for support on diplomacy over Iran's nuclear program.

Craddock, who also serves as head of US European command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Russia had adopted a "newly assertive posture" towards its neighbors and to European states that rely on Russian energy.

"We are in a time of uncertainty in the US-Russian relationship brought about by disagreements over European security, Russia's role in what it regards as its neighborhood, and Russia's decision to send forces into Georgia and to recognize the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia," he wrote.

The refusal of other neighboring countries to back Russia's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia reflected "regional unease over a revanchist Russia," the commander said.

The US military sought "a pragmatic military-to-military relationship" and hoped that talks with Russian counterparts would resume soon, he said.

While Washington has planned to reduce the size of US forces stationed in Europe, Craddock said he recommended army brigades designated to return in coming years should remain, saying they contribute to "deterrence efforts" -- though he did not mention Russia.

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