Kremlin Decision on Eastern Ukraine
02/21/2022
Kremlin Decision on Eastern Ukraine
02/21/2022 04:54 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
We strongly condemn President Putin’s decision to recognize the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” as “independent.” As we said when the Duma first made its request: this decision represents a complete rejection of Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements, directly contradicts Russia’s claimed commitment to diplomacy, and is a clear attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
States have an obligation not to recognize a new “state” created through the threat or use of force, as well as an obligation not to disrupt another state’s borders. Russia’s decision is yet another example of President Putin’s flagrant disrespect for international law and norms.
President Biden will sign an Executive Order that will prohibit all new investment, trade, and financing by U.S. persons to, from, or in the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” regions of Ukraine. We will continue to coordinate with Ukraine and our Allies and partners to take appropriate steps in response to this unprovoked and unacceptable action by Russia. The E.O. is designed to prevent Russia from profiting off of this blatant violation of international law. It is not directed at the people of Ukraine or the Ukrainian government and will allow humanitarian and other related activity to continue in these regions.
Our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as for the government and people of Ukraine is unwavering. We stand with our Ukrainian partners in strongly condemning President Putin’s announcement.
Department of State Presence in Ukraine
02/21/2022
Department of State Presence in Ukraine
02/21/2022 09:08 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Today the Department of State is again taking action for the safety and security of U.S. citizens, including our personnel. For security reasons, Department of State personnel currently in Lviv will spend the night in Poland. Our personnel will regularly return to continue their diplomatic work in Ukraine and provide emergency consular services. They will continue to support the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian government, coordinating on diplomatic efforts. The United States’ commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s aggression is unwavering. The fact that we are taking prudent precautions for the sake of the safety of U.S. government personnel and U.S. citizens, as we do regularly worldwide, in no way undermines our support for, or our commitment to, Ukraine. Our commitment to Ukraine transcends any one location.
We strongly reiterate our recommendation to U.S. citizens to depart Ukraine immediately. The security situation in Ukraine continues to be unpredictable throughout the country and may deteriorate with little notice. There is a strong likelihood that any Russian military operations would severely restrict commercial air travel. Russian troops have continued to move closer to the border in what looks like plans for an invasion at any moment. There have been reports of increased ceasefire violations in Kharkiv, Luhansk, and Donetsk in recent days. And Russia has ordered troops to deploy into the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine. U.S. citizens who choose to remain in these areas despite our advice to depart Ukraine immediately should remain vigilant and alert to their surroundings. In the event of an attack, U.S. citizens should seek shelter in a hardened structure and monitor major news outlets for guidance on when it is safe to move.
U.S. citizens seeking to depart Ukraine needing further information should communicate with the Department of State via our online assistance request form or call 1-833-741-2777 (in the United States) or 1-606-260-4379 (from overseas) for immediate assistance. U.S. citizens planning to depart Ukraine should consult our guidance on how to cross land borders when departing Ukraine. We have stationed support teams near the Ukrainian border in Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova to provide assistance to U.S. citizens, and have opened a Welcome Center for U.S. citizens in Poland.
U.S. citizens can seek consular services at Embassies and Consulates in the region listed below, or any U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Visit our United with Ukraine website for more information about U.S. government actions to support the Ukrainian government and people.
U.S. Embassy Poland: https://pl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Embassy Hungary: https://hu.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Embassy Romania: https://ro.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Embassy Moldova: https://md.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Embassy Czech Republic: https://cz.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Embassy Slovakia: https://sk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Mission to Germany: https://de.usembassy.gov/services/
U.S. Embassy Lithuania: https://lt.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Mission to the United Kingdom: https://uk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Mission to Turkey: https://tr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Embassy Bulgaria: https://bg.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with French, German, Italian, and UK Counterparts
02/23/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with French, German, Italian, and UK Counterparts
02/23/2022 11:49 AM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with French MFA Secretary General Francois Delattre, German MFA State Secretary Andreas Michaelis, Italian MFA Secretary General Ettore Sequi, and UK Minister of State for Europe and North America James Cleverly. Deputy Secretary Sherman and her counterparts condemned the Russian Federation’s decision to recognize the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” as “independent.” They expressed unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a strong commitment to transatlantic unity. The Deputy Secretary and her counterparts underscored that Russia’s flagrant disregard for international law demands a severe response from the international community and agreed to coordinate closely on next steps, including massive additional economic sanctions, should Russia continue to escalate its aggression against Ukraine. They highlighted their continuing commitment to diplomacy, while reiterating that progress can only be made in an environment of de-escalation.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Hasler
02/23/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Hasler
02/23/2022 01:16 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler about continued diplomatic engagement to prevent further Russian aggression against Ukraine, including sanctions and other deterrents. They also discussed our close ties and common support for democracy, human rights, and free markets.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Truss
02/23/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Truss
02/23/2022 01:42 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss. Secretary Blinken condemned the Russian Federation’s decision to recognize the so-called “independence” of the purported republics controlled by Russian proxies in eastern Ukraine and send Russian troops to these areas as a “peacekeeping” force. They discussed the extensive bilateral coordination on developing and executing swift and severe economic measures against Russia. Secretary Blinken expressed unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and commitment to European security.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with NATO Deputy Secretary General Geoana, the OSCE Chair-in-Office represented by Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Przydacz, OSCE Secretary General Schmid, and EEAS Secretary General Sannino
02/23/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with NATO Deputy Secretary General Geoana, the OSCE Chair-in-Office represented by Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Przydacz, OSCE Secretary General Schmid, and EEAS Secretary General Sannino
02/23/2022 01:37 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz, representing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office, OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid, and European External Action Service (EEAS) Secretary General Stefano Sannino. Participants expressed their steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Deputy Secretary underscored that Russia’s flagrant disregard for international law demands a severe response from the international community and briefed the group on U.S. sanctions, coordinated with our Allies and partners, in response to Russia’s decision to recognize the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” as “independent.” Participants expressed their shared readiness to respond in a forceful and coordinated manner to any further Russian aggression against Ukraine. Participants also highlighted their shared commitment to transatlantic unity and reaffirmed that while all remain committed to diplomacy, progress can only be made in an environment of de-escalation.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with French, German, Italian, and UK Counterparts
02/23/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with French, German, Italian, and UK Counterparts
02/23/2022 03:53 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with French MFA Secretary General Francois Delattre, German MFA State Secretary Andreas Michaelis, Italian MFA Secretary General Ettore Sequi, and UK Minister of State for Europe and North America James Cleverly. Deputy Secretary Sherman and her counterparts condemned the Russian Federation’s decision to recognize the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” as “independent.” They expressed unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a strong commitment to transatlantic unity. The Deputy Secretary and her counterparts underscored that Russia’s flagrant disregard for international law demands a severe response from the international community and agreed to coordinate closely on next steps, including massive additional economic sanctions, should Russia continue to escalate its aggression against Ukraine. They highlighted their continuing commitment to diplomacy, while reiterating that progress can only be made in an environment of de-escalation.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with EU High Representative Josep Borrell
02/23/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with EU High Representative Josep Borrell
02/23/2022 04:28 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with EU High Representative Josep Borrell. The Secretary and HRVP Borrell reaffirmed their steadfast support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and underscored the importance of continued transatlantic unity in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine. They condemned in the strongest terms the Russian Federation’s decision to recognize the “independence” of the purported republics in Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine and the order to dispatch additional Russian troops. The Secretary and the High Representative agreed that Russia’s flagrant violation of international law demands a firm response from the international community, beginning with the measures the United States, the EU, and other partners announced February 22. The Secretary reaffirmed the readiness of the United States, in coordination with the EU and other partners, to impose additional powerful sanctions and economic measures in the event of a further Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Norah O’Donnell of CBS Evening News
02/23/2022
Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Norah O’Donnell of CBS Evening News
02/23/2022 07:34 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
QUESTION: We want to bring in Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Mr. Secretary, thank you for joining us.
The U.S. has been warning Ukraine that a full-scale invasion is imminent. The President’s swift and severe sanctions have not deterred the Russians. So does that mean this was a failure of American diplomacy?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: To the contrary – first of all, diplomacy succeeded very effectively in bringing the world together, the United States and Europe together, in standing up to Russian aggression. At the same time, we’ve made it clear that if Russia continues to escalate, if it engages in a full-scale invasion of Ukraine beyond what it’s already doing, we’ll escalate too. And I hope that that knowledge may still act as a deterrent, but if it doesn’t we’ve been clear that Russia will face massive consequences for its actions – and it will.
QUESTION: I wonder if it’s too late. I mean, how can the world stand by and watch what could be the beginning of the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, we’re not standing by and watching. To the contrary, we’ve spent months building with allies and partners these very significant consequences for Russia. Already, just yesterday, Germany took off the table a major pipeline, an $11 billion project that Russia was counting on to be a cash cow for selling energy to Europe. That is now off the table. That’s something we’ve been working on for months. Additional sanctions that are going to make it very hard for Russia to raise money around the world to finance its projects.
If this goes forward, what we have on the table – unprecedented sanctions – will have a severe impact.
QUESTION: But Mr. Secretary, this is not stopping Vladimir Putin from a full-scale invasion. You have – even estimating over 100,000 civilians dead. Why is —
SECRETARY BLINKEN: We’re —
QUESTION: — the world going to wait for this to happen? And do you believe Putin will stop at Ukraine?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Again, we’re not waiting, we’re acting. We’re acting in unison, we’re acting swiftly, and we’re doing everything we can to deter him. And if it doesn’t deter Putin from further aggression in Ukraine, there will be a very swift and severe response. This is a price that Vladimir Putin and Russia will pay for a long, long time.
QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, thank you for your time.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good to be with you.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken With David Muir of ABC World News Tonight
02/23/2022
Secretary Antony J. Blinken With David Muir of ABC World News Tonight
02/23/2022 08:04 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
QUESTION: Secretary Blinken, thank you for joining us here tonight. I want to get right to what was reported late today from Russian state news, reports that those Russian separatists in those two regions inside Ukraine that Vladimir Putin declared as independent, that those separatists have now made a formal appeal to Vladimir Putin for military help in, quote, “repulsing Ukrainian aggression,” accusing Ukraine of genocide. This was announced in the middle of the night in Moscow. And you’ve been saying all along the U.S. has been predicting that there could be some sort of manufactured plea for help here, that Putin might then use it to send in Russian troops. Is that what we’re witnessing here?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: David, I’d say this is exactly that. This is right out of the Russian playbook, to manufacture a provocation as a justification for invading Ukraine. And this is part and parcel of what we predicted all along.
QUESTION: Secretary, I wanted to ask you about what we heard from John Kirby over at the Pentagon late today. When pressed, what has the U.S. seen inside eastern Ukraine, has the U.S. seen Russian forces move into the Donbas region, he said that we certainly believe that additional Russian military forces are moving into that region but we can’t confirm the numbers, the capabilities, but that we certainly believe that’s happening.
So just to be clear tonight, the U.S. believes Russian forces have moved into eastern Ukraine. Can you shed any more light on the numbers? What do we know right now?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: David, I can’t give you light on specific numbers. But what I can tell is this: Everything we’ve seen over the last 24 to 48 hours has Russia putting the final touches on having its forces in place across all of Ukraine’s borders – to the north, to the east, to the south – to be ready for a full-on invasion.
QUESTION: We know they’re assembled on the borders, though. He made it sound like they’ve begun to push in. Is that your belief, too?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: We’ve certainly seen the presence of Russian forces inside of – inside of Ukraine.
QUESTION: We all watched as Vladimir Putin suddenly declared those two regions independent, then sanctions from President Biden; 24 hours ago, President Biden telling the American people that the invasion was beginning, and then we saw more sanctions. Now tonight Putin giving every signal that he’s now moving forward. So are the sanctions working here?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: David, the sanctions are designed to do two things. And first of all, we’ve spent a lot of time working with allies and partners to build the sanctions to be able to act in unison, to be able to act quickly, which is just what we did yesterday with significant sanctions against major Russian financial institutions, their ability to raise money around the world for their projects, and critically, the step that Germany took in close coordination with us to end this pipeline, the so-called Nord Stream 2 pipeline that would have been a cash cow for Moscow going forward, $11 billion project that’s now on the ice.
But the sanctions are designed, in the first instance, to try to deter Russia from taking further aggression, from engaging in a massive invasion of Ukraine beyond the steps that they’ve already taken; but if that doesn’t succeed in deterring them, to make it very clear that there are going to be massive consequences, and to punish them for the actions they take.
QUESTION: Will the U.S. sanction Putin —
SECRETARY BLINKEN: All of that is in place.
QUESTION: Will the U.S. sanction Putin directly?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: As Russia – if and as Russia escalates, we will look at every other step to do the same ourselves.
QUESTION: You don’t need me to tell you this. We all know that Russia has been sanctioned before. Putin just told the Russian people this week that the West is going to sanction us. So if sanctions don’t work here, are there any non-economic moves President Biden can take?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: First, the sanctions that we have, not only the ones we’ve already initiated based on Russia starting its invasion of Ukraine but the ones we have in reserve if they actually continue down this path, are unprecedented, and not just from us, in coordination with our European partners, with partners around the world.
Second, beyond that, we’ve made very clear that we’re going to do a number of things that Russia is not going to like, including reinforcing the NATO defensive alliance, including right near Russia’s borders to make sure we’re protecting allies and partners, as well as doubling down on our support to Ukraine. Security, economic, political, diplomatic: All of that will be forthcoming. All things that President Putin says he wants to prevent will be happening.
QUESTION: But bottom line: If sanctions don’t work, is there anything else President Biden can do here?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, if there is any opportunity for diplomatic engagement in – if Russia demonstrates that it’s actually serious about that, which unfortunately it’s doing just the opposite, we’ll certainly pursue that. But we’ve said all along that we’re prepared for this either way. We’re prepared to try to avert this diplomatically, through dialogue. We’re also prepared if Russia decides to choose the path of aggression because ultimately, they get a vote. President Putin gets a vote. And if his vote is for aggression, we’re fully prepared for that.
QUESTION: With just a few seconds left here, we appear to be in the 11th hour here. Do you still believe there’s a diplomatic path?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Until you hit midnight, there always is, and we’ll – we’re certainly looking for it. But it requires Russia to demonstrate that it’s serious about diplomacy. Every step that it’s taken in recent days is moving in exactly the opposite direction.
QUESTION: Secretary Blinken, thank you for joining us here tonight.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, David.
Sanctioning NS2AG, Matthias Warnig, and NS2AG’s Corporate Officers
02/23/2022
Sanctioning NS2AG, Matthias Warnig, and NS2AG’s Corporate Officers
02/23/2022 08:16 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States applauds Germany’s decision to take administrative steps to halt the certification process for Nord Stream 2, which will prevent the pipeline from becoming operational. After consultations with Germany and the EU, I have terminated the waiver and imposed sanctions on Nord Stream 2 AG (NS2AG), its CEO Matthias Warnig, and NS2AG’s corporate officers. This action is in line with the United States’ longstanding opposition to Nord Stream 2 as a Russian geopolitical project and the President’s commitment that Nord Stream 2 would not move forward following the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
I determined on May 19, 2021, in a report to Congress, that NS2AG and Mr. Warnig knowingly facilitated deceptive or structured transactions to provide the pipe-laying vessel Fortuna for the construction of NS2. I further determined it was in the national interests of the United States to waive sanctions on NS2AG, Mr. Warnig, and NS2AG corporate officers, in order to enable diplomacy with Germany to address the negative impacts of the pipeline, should it become operational. To this end, on July 21, we joined with Germany to issue the “Joint Statement of the United States and Germany on Support for Ukraine, European Energy Security, and Our Climate Goals.” This close diplomatic coordination has continued, including throughout Russia’s military build-up in recent months. Following Russia’s actions this week, the United States and our European allies implemented strong coordinated sanctions, and Germany announced that it was halting the certification process for Nord Stream 2. In this context, I have determined those waivers are no longer in the national interest of the United States.
As a result of the termination of the waiver of sanctions, NS2AG and Mr. Warnig are now sanctioned under the Protecting Europe’s Energy Security Act (PEESA), implemented through Executive Order (E.O) 14039. Pursuant to PEESA and E.O. 14039, corporate officers of NS2AG are also subject to visa restrictions. All property and interests in property of those sanctioned that are in or come within the United States or are in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Individuals and entities knowingly engaged in sanctionable conduct related to Nord Stream 2 face similar sanctions risks.
The United States remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia’s flagrant disregard for international law in repeatedly invading Ukraine’s sovereign territory demands a firm response from the international community. Our actions today are in line with our commitment, in close coordination with our Allies and partners, to impose massive consequences and severe costs on Russia in response to its unlawful and unprovoked actions in Ukraine. While we remain committed to diplomacy, if Russia continues to escalate its aggression, we are prepared to implement additional unprecedented measures designed to cripple the Russian economy.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Lester Holt of NBC Nightly News
02/23/2022
Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Lester Holt of NBC Nightly News
02/23/2022 08:12 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
QUESTION: For more on where things stand, I’m pleased to be joined by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. Do you have reason to believe that before this night is over, Russian forces will be engaged in something akin to a full invasion of Ukraine?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: I do. Unfortunately, Russia has positioned its forces at the final point of readiness across Ukraine’s borders – to the north, to the east, to the south. Everything seems to be in place for Russia to engage in a major aggression against Ukraine.
QUESTION: To be clear, you think tonight that could happen or will happen?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, I can’t put a date or an exact time on it, but everything is in place for Russia to move forward.
QUESTION: The first round of sanctions has apparently not deterred President Putin, and given the attack posture you just described, that the Pentagon describes, it sounds like follow-on sanctions won’t be – deter him either. Is the administration out of options here? Is Russian control of Ukraine a fait accompli?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: No, it’s not. And there, I think, is still an opportunity to avert a major aggression, although, again, they’re in their final stages of being able to engage in one. Yesterday when they when they began this invasion of Ukraine, we hit them hard – not just us, but in unison with Europe, in unison with other allies and partners – going against major financial institutions, taking out a major project, the so-called Nord Stream 2 pipeline that Germany took off the table, a major cash cow for Russia going forward, an $11 billion project that’s not going forward.
But at the same time, we’ve said very clearly that if Russia continues to escalate, so will we. And so they have to factor that into what they’re thinking. At the end of the day, if that doesn’t stop President Putin, we’ve made very clear along with all of our allies and partners that there will be massive consequences going forward, a price that Russia will have to pay for a long, long time.
QUESTION: Russia will have to pay, but in the meantime, Ukraine would be in Russian hands. What does Europe look like with Ukraine in Russian hands?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, two things, Lester. First, we’ve also made clear – and we’ve already begun to do this – that we will reinforce NATO, we will reassure all of our allies and partners, by positioning forces to the east among our partners and allies to make sure that they’re protected. At the same time, we’re doubling down on our assistance to Ukraine itself, making sure, as we’ve already done, that we’re providing additional security assistance, diplomatic support, economic, humanitarian support. That will continue, and in fact, the President says we’re doubling down on that.
QUESTION: All right. Secretary Blinken, good to talk to you. Thanks for joining us tonight.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, Lester. Good to be with you.
Estonia National Day
02/24/2022
Estonia National Day
02/24/2022 12:01 AM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Estonia as you celebrate your independence on February 24.
The United States and Estonia have a close partnership grounded in our shared commitment to promoting global security, economic opportunity, and democratic values. As we proudly commemorate 100 years of diplomatic relations this year, we will continue to deepen our cooperation to meet the global challenges of our time. As NATO Allies, we stand together to build stronger transatlantic ties and to deter and defend against threats to our security, economies, democratic institutions, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. The United States is fully committed to Estonia and our joint efforts to respond firmly to attempts to undermine the rules-based international order and our democratic values.
As we enter the next 100 years of our friendship, I look forward to a shared future that will benefit our citizens and further expand our vibrant people-to-people ties. Best wishes to all people in Estonia for prosperity and health in the coming year.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with EU High Representative Borrell
02/24/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with EU High Representative Borrell
02/24/2022 01:04 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with EU High Representative Josep Borrell. The Secretary and High Representative Borrell condemned the premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack against Ukraine by Russia’s military forces. They reiterated in the strongest terms their commitment to European security and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Secretary expressed appreciation for the close and ongoing coordination between the United States and the EU to confront Russia’s aggression. The Secretary and the High Representative underscored their commitment, along with other like-minded partners, to impose severe sanctions and economic measures to hold Russia to account for its unlawful aggression against Ukraine.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu
02/24/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu
02/24/2022 03:55 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. Secretary Blinken strongly condemned Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine. The Secretary emphasized that Russia’s destructive actions will reverberate throughout Europe and the broader world. Secretary Blinken thanked Turkey for its strong and vocal support in defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
02/25/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
02/25/2022 02:24 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to offer support and condemn reports of mounting civilian deaths, including those of Ukrainian children, due to air strikes and rocket launch systems in and around Kyiv. The Secretary expressed his outrage at the Kremlin’s brutal tactics and underscored continued U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Secretary also emphasized to Foreign Minister Kuleba that the United States would continue to provide support to Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russian aggression.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Moldovan President Sandu
02/25/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Moldovan President Sandu
02/25/2022 03:53 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. Secretary Blinken strongly condemned Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine. The Secretary underscored continued U.S. support for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Secretary Blinken also thanked President Sandu for Moldova’s commitment to provide international protection for those seeking refuge from Russian aggression in Ukraine.
