Secretary Blinken’s Call with Romanian Foreign Minister Aurescu
04/18/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Romanian Foreign Minister Aurescu
04/18/2022 03:03 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu. They underscored the importance of Transatlantic unity in the face of the Kremlin’s brutal war against Ukraine. The Secretary emphasized the need for NATO Allies to continue to work tirelessly to support Ukraine’s efforts to defend against Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Romania’s tremendous welcoming of nearly 700,000 refugees from Ukraine. Both reaffirmed our steadfast support for the Ukrainian people and their historic fight for freedom, democracy, and the ability to chart their own course. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Aurescu highlighted the importance of our bilateral relationship as signified by the 25th anniversary of the United States-Romania Strategic Partnership.
Acting Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center Bray’s Trip to Belgium
04/18/2022
Acting Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center Bray’s Trip to Belgium
04/18/2022 03:10 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Acting Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center Leah Bray will travel to Brussels, Belgium from April 19 to 22 as part of the U.S. delegation for the third High Level Meeting of the U.S.-EU Dialogue on China on April 21. Acting Coordinator Bray will meet with NATO Allies and EU partners to discuss our continued close coordination on identifying and exposing the Kremlin’s use of disinformation in support of Putin’s war of choice against Ukraine and other State Department efforts to counter disinformation around the globe.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Travel to Belgium
04/18/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Travel to Belgium
04/18/2022 03:07 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will travel to Brussels, Belgium from April 19 to 22 to lead the U.S. delegation for the third High Level Meeting of the U.S.-EU Dialogue on China on April 21 and the U.S.-EU Consultations on the Indo-Pacific on April 22. On April 21, the Deputy Secretary will give remarks and participate in a moderated discussion at an event hosted by the Friends of Europe think tank about U.S.-European relations and our close partnership and collaboration on a wide range of shared challenges. The Deputy Secretary will also meet with NATO Allies and EU partners to discuss our continued close coordination on Putin’s war of choice against Ukraine and other global issues.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu Before Their Meeting
04/18/2022
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu Before Their Meeting
04/18/2022 07:23 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Thomas Jefferson Room
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. It’s a pleasure to be able to receive Foreign Minister Popescu, to return some of the very warm hospitality that the foreign minister, the president, the prime minister showed me and our team when we were in Moldova just a couple of months ago. And needless to say, this is an especially timely visit given the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and the challenge that it poses to other countries in the region.
We in the United States strongly support Moldova’s independence, its sovereignty, its territorial integrity, and we continue to work very closely together in practical support of all of those things. I have to say, Nicu, that the humanitarian response that you’ve provided to the Russian aggression in Ukraine is extraordinary, something like 400,000 refugees from Ukraine going to and through Moldova, about 100,000 or so will remain in Moldova. And the generosity that Moldova is showing – the Moldovan people are showing – is really exceptional. We have tried to be as helpful as we can be, including at the most recent conference that took place to help support the efforts that you’re undertaking, and we’ll continue to do that.
I’m very pleased much more broadly, though, that we are actually coming together as a result of our strategic dialogue. We welcome you for that, glad that you had an opportunity to meet with other colleagues and for the dialogue to go forward so that our partnership could even strengthen, especially in these challenging times. So welcome. It’s great to have you.
FOREIGN MINISTER POPESCU: Thank you very much for this – for these kind words. And this year the United States and Moldova have 30 years of diplomatic relations. This is happening around with – in these first few months of the year. And in this period, the United States has been a strong supporter of Moldovan independence, of Moldovan reforms, of Moldovan democracy.
And we are very grateful for this support, and this occasion of my visit to Washington with strategic dialogue that we are relaunching now is focused on key elements that would allow Moldova to continuously strengthen its resilience, its capacity to perform as a democratic state and society. And today I met your colleagues, and we have been – we’ve structured our dialogue on three – on three pillars, if you want. One working group was on energy and economic issues; the second working group on rule of law and anti-corruption; and the third group on political and security cooperation. And all – on all of these three fronts, we think that our relation is excellent. We have a very good interaction with your colleagues, and we’ve always felt U.S. support for Moldova.
Of course, we are in a very difficult region at a very difficult time. And everyone in Europe is affected by this war. Everyone in Europe feels less secure than just two months ago, but that is a new situation that is challenging also us in Moldova. As you mentioned, we have had a huge wave of refugees. Almost 4 percent of our population are refugees today. Half of them are minors under 18 years old, so this represents 10 percent of our population of minors in Moldova. With that dramatic numbers, we have been handling the situation reasonably well, but of course that affects us all and that will continue to affect our region and our society for a long time.
Of course, we from the first days and hours of the war, we have strongly condemned the Russian aggression of Ukraine – against Ukraine, and we’re looking forward for a peaceful resolution of this war which is completely unjustified and is making whole of Europe less secure. And just this last thing that matters for us and for our government is to continue our strong focus on reforms, strong focus on delivering of the mandate given by our population, and this mandate presupposes a fight against corruption, economic progress, modernization of our country, because I think it’s important for us but it’s also important for everyone else in the region to show that democracy works in our part of the world and that the reforms pay off and that people can feel the results of these reform efforts. Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you very much.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Moldovan Foreign Minister Popescu
04/18/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Moldovan Foreign Minister Popescu
04/18/2022 07:34 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Moldovan Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popescu today in Washington, D.C. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Popescu commended the relaunch of the U.S.-Moldova Strategic Dialogue to further strengthen bilateral relations and continue our close cooperation to support Moldova’s reform agenda. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed Moldova’s humanitarian response to Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine. Secretary Blinken emphasized continued U.S. support to assist Moldova in addressing the economic impacts of the crisis and advancing democratic reforms. The parties also discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen Moldova’s energy security. Since February 24, the United States has committed more than $30 million in humanitarian assistance to support the humanitarian response in Moldova and $100 million in development assistance to strengthen its long-term democratic and economic resiliency.
Deputy Secretary Sherman to Participate in a Conversation Hosted by Friends of Europe
04/19/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman to Participate in a Conversation Hosted by Friends of Europe
04/19/2022 11:08 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Deputy Secretary Sherman will participate in a conversation hosted by the Friends of Europe at 9:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday, April 21, 2022, in Brussels, Belgium. Deputy Secretary Sherman will discuss U.S.-EU cooperation on a range of topics, including our shared approach to the People’s Republic of China, our cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, assistance to Ukraine, and sanctions on Russia.
This event will be livestreamed at https://www.friendsofeurope.org/events/in-conversation-with-wendy-sherman/#about
For further information, please contact the Public Affairs Office of the U.S. Mission to the EU at useupressteam@state.gov
Biennial Review Under the United States-Singapore Memorandum of Intent on Environmental Cooperation: Public Session
04/20/2022
Biennial Review Under the United States-Singapore Memorandum of Intent on Environmental Cooperation: Public Session
04/20/2022 11:43 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The United States and the Republic of Singapore will hold a biennial review under the Memorandum of Intent (MOI) between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Singapore on Cooperation in Environmental Matters, on April 21. The meeting’s virtual public session will be held on April 21, at 9:15 p.m. EDT. The U.S. Department of State invites interested organizations, the press, and members of the public to attend the virtual public session and submit written comments or suggestions in advance regarding the following subjects: implementation of the 2020-2021 Plan of Action, the 2022-2023 Plan of Action that will be approved at the meeting, and other relevant topics. Information about this public session can be found at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/19/2022-08290/biennial-review-under-the-united-states-singapore-memorandum-of-intent-on-environmental-cooperation .
This public session allows members of the public to engage with government officials on the status of cooperative environmental activities. John Thompson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Environment in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, and Tze-Ch’in Ong, the Second Deputy Secretary for the Singapore Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, will deliver opening remarks.
Requests for sign-in instructions to attend the virtual public session should be submitted to: Brian Bedell, in the Office of Environmental Quality, in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, via e-mail to BedellBT@state.gov with the subject line “United States-Singapore Biennial Review.” Mr. Bedell will also receive any comments or questions from the interested parties.
For press inquiries, contact OES-PA-DG@state.gov.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Geoană
04/20/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Geoană
04/20/2022 12:12 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met today in Brussels with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană. Deputy Secretary Sherman shared U.S. priorities for the revision of NATO’s Strategic Concept, which will ensure that NATO remains ready to respond to the rapidly evolving 21st century security landscape. The Deputy Secretary also discussed NATO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defenses against Russian aggression, as well as U.S. efforts to support Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with NATO Permanent Representatives
04/20/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with NATO Permanent Representatives
04/20/2022 12:19 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met today in Brussels with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană and NATO Permanent Representatives. Deputy Secretary Sherman discussed continued strong coordination at NATO to ensure robust deterrence and defense, and shared U.S. priorities for NATO’s next Strategic Concept, which will make clear that NATO is stronger and more united than ever. She noted U.S. concerns about the PRC’s support for Russia’s aggression, including through its amplification of Russian disinformation about NATO and Russia’s war in Ukraine, and called for continued strong Transatlantic coordination to defend the rules-based international order.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Geoană and European External Action Service (EEAS) Secretary General Stefano Sannino
04/20/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Geoană and European External Action Service (EEAS) Secretary General Stefano Sannino
04/20/2022 12:16 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met jointly today in Brussels with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană and EEAS Secretary General Stefano Sannino. Deputy Secretary Sherman praised the strong NATO-EU coordination in responding to Russia’s unprovoked and brutal war against Ukraine. Deputy Secretary Sherman, Deputy Secretary General Geoana, and Secretary General Sannino agreed that NATO-EU coordination is essential for Transatlantic security and prosperity and they discussed further steps to enhance the NATO-EU strategic partnership.
Promoting Accountability for Human Rights Abuses in Russia and Belarus and Taking Action Against Sanctions Evaders
04/20/2022
Promoting Accountability for Human Rights Abuses in Russia and Belarus and Taking Action Against Sanctions Evaders
04/20/2022 02:57 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
President Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine, conducted with the complicity of the Lukashenka regime, continues to cause needless suffering and thousands of civilian casualties. The world has witnessed the horrors of this war in the images from the Ukrainian towns of Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel, and in Ukrainian towns and cities still occupied or under siege, such as Mariupol.
As a result, the United States is taking further actions to promote accountability for human rights abuses and violations, to include:
Action to impose visa restrictions on 587 Russian individuals pursuant to a new policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which was announced March 15. The policy applies to Russian government officials involved in suppressing dissent in Russia and abroad. Today’s action includes Duma members who have been involved in repressing independent media. Family members of those who fall under the policy will also be ineligible for visas.
Designation of three Russian officials, Khusein Merlovich Khutaev, Nurid Denilbekovich Salamov, and Dzhabrail Alkhazurovich Akhmatov, pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2022. Khutaev, Salamov, and Akhmatov were publicly designated for their involvement in a gross violation of human rights perpetrated against human rights defender Oyub Titiev.
Action to impose visa restrictions on 48 individuals pursuant to a policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act that applies to those who are believed to have taken, supported, or been actively complicit in actions that threaten or violate the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of Ukraine. Today’s action includes ten purported “authorities” of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic who are further reported to have been involved in human rights abuses at prison facilities and places of unofficial detention in Russia-controlled areas of the Donbas since 2014.
Action to impose visa restrictions on 17 individuals responsible for undermining democracy in Belarus pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 8015, including Belarusian nationals involved in the intimidation, harassment, and repression of strikers supporting the pro-democracy movement and the expulsion of students for participating in peaceful pro-democracy protests. Specific individuals include officials from state-owned factories and universities.
The United States is committed to a world in which human rights are respected, their defenders are free from repression, and those who commit human rights abuses are held accountable. We will use every tool to promote accountability for human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine. The actions today hold to account individuals participating in Putin and Lukashenka’s repression, and those who seek to enable it.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating entities and individuals involved in attempting to evade sanctions imposed by the United States and its international partners on Russia. OFAC is designating Russian commercial bank Transkapitalbank and a global network of more than 40 individuals and entities led by U.S.-designated Russian oligarch Konstantin Malofeyev, including organizations whose primary mission is to facilitate sanctions evasion for Russian entities. OFAC also designated companies operating in Russia’s virtual currency mining industry, reportedly the third-largest in the world. For more information on OFAC actions, see the Treasury’s press release: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0731
Pursuant to Executive Order 14024 section 1(a)(iii)(C), the Department of State is designating 16 Bank Otkritie Board Members: Kseniya Valentinovna Yudayeva, Mikhail Yurevich Alekseev, Anatoly Mikhailovich Karachinskiy, Vladimir Vladimirovich Kolychev, Alexey Yurevich Simanovskiy, Andrey Fedorovich Golikov, Elena Borisovna Titova, Mikhail Mikhaylovich Zadornov, Dmitriy Olegovich Levin, Svetlana Petrovna Emelyanova, Tatyana Gennadevna Nesterenko, Irina Vladimirovna Kremleva, Viktor Andreevich Nikolaev, Sergey Georgievich Rusanov, Nadia Narimanovna Cherkasova, and Paul Andrew Goldfinch for being or having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors, or members of an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked.
We will continue to target those who take part in or facilitate sanctions evasion for sanctioned Russian entities, as they are complicit in President Putin’s brutal war. We will ensure that the sanctions we have imposed in close coordination with our international partners degrade the Kremlin’s ability to project power and fund its war of aggression.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with European External Action Service Secretary General Sannino
04/21/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with European External Action Service Secretary General Sannino
04/21/2022 10:10 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman met today in Brussels with European External Action Service Secretary General Stefano Sannino prior to their participation in the third High-Level Meeting of the U.S.-EU Dialogue on China. Deputy Secretary Sherman welcomed the EU’s efforts to provide significant economic, military, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. They agreed to continue close U.S.-EU coordination to support Ukraine and hold the Russian Federation accountable for Putin’s unprovoked war and abhorrent attacks on civilians in Ukraine.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Head of Cabinet of the European Commission President Seibert
04/21/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Head of Cabinet of the European Commission President Seibert
04/21/2022 10:06 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met today in Brussels with Bjoern Seibert, Head of Cabinet of the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They agreed to continue the close and coordinated transatlantic efforts to support the Ukrainian people and impose severe costs on the Russian Federation for Putin’s war of choice and the abhorrent attacks on civilians in Ukraine. Both sides underscored a continuing commitment to urge the People’s Republic of China not to circumvent or undermine sanctions against Russia, and not to provide any form of support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Deputy Secretary Sherman reaffirmed the United States’ support for the formal opening of EU accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania as soon as possible. Both sides highlighted the importance of the Trans-Atlantic Data Privacy Framework to our economies and societies, and committed to its swift implementation.
$800 Million in Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine
04/21/2022
$800 Million in Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine
04/21/2022 10:32 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his premeditated, unprovoked, unjustified, and brutal war on Ukraine, the ceaseless bombardment of Ukraine’s cities and critical infrastructure by Russia’s forces has created one of the fastest-growing humanitarian crises in decades. This is a tragic and catastrophic war of choice entirely of Russia’s making, and the United States, its Allies, and partners will stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in their just cause ̶ the defense of their country and their democracy. Together, we continue to support Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity and to strengthen Ukraine’s position on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.
Today, as Russia begins its renewed offensive in Ukraine’s east, I have authorized, pursuant to a delegation from the President, a drawdown to provide further immediate military assistance to Ukraine, valued at up to $800 million worth of arms and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense inventories. This authorization, building on last week’s $800 million package, is the eighth drawdown of arms, equipment, and supplies from Department of Defense inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.
We will continue to provide Ukraine the arms its forces are effectively using on the ground to defend themselves. These efforts, combined with direct U.S. humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine, support documenting evidence of Russia’s war crimes against Ukraine’s civilians, and continued efforts to ratchet up pressure on Putin’s crumbling economy together will help weaken the Russian Government’s position and further isolate them from the world until Russia ends its unprovoked and unjustified war on Ukraine.
For almost eight weeks, Russia has waged its savage assault against Ukraine, its sovereignty, its independence, its freedom, and its people. From Bucha to Kramatorsk, from Kharkiv to Mariupol, we have seen Russia’s brutalities and its atrocities laid bare for the world to see. And yet Ukrainian Winter has turned to Ukrainian Spring. The people of Ukraine will prevail.
Anzac Day
04/21/2022
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I am honored to commemorate Anzac Day this April 25, 2022, together with all Australians and New Zealanders.
Today we honor the memory of the heroes of Gallipoli and pay tribute to all those who served, and currently serve, in the defense forces of Australia and New Zealand. These brave men and women fought courageously to defend freedom and democracy, and we are forever grateful.
We, too, will remember them.
More than a century after that fateful battle, the United States remains a proud partner of Australia and New Zealand. Together, our democracies will continue to advance prosperity, security, and liberty in the Indo-Pacific in the century to come.
I send the highest regards and appreciation for our abiding and deep friendship to all Australians and New Zealanders on this historic day.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis
04/21/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis
04/21/2022 10:37 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis. The Secretary thanked Greece for its steadfast support to Ukraine, including Greece’s strong sanctions enforcement and its extensive humanitarian and defensive assistance. The two discussed additional ways to assist Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s unprovoked and brutal war. The Secretary and Prime Minister also discussed an upcoming meeting of the 3+1 mechanism to strengthen energy and economic cooperation between Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, and Israel, plus the United States and advance our goals, bolstered by shared democratic ideals, for regional stability and prosperity.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Slovenian Prime Minister Janša
04/21/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Slovenian Prime Minister Janša
04/21/2022 12:08 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša. Secretary Blinken thanked Slovenia for its outspoken support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and emphasized the need for robust security assistance in response to Russia’s brutal war. Secretary Blinken condemned the horrific atrocities committed by Russia’s forces in its unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine and stressed the need to hold Moscow accountable. Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Janša discussed Slovenia’s candidacy to the UN Security Council for 2024-2025, and the Secretary repeated the United States’ belief that Slovenia is a very well qualified candidate that, if elected, would be a credible voice in contributing to the maintenance of international peace and security.
Opening of U.S.-Czech Republic Defense Cooperation Agreement Negotiations
04/21/2022
Opening of U.S.-Czech Republic Defense Cooperation Agreement Negotiations
04/21/2022 12:17 PM EDT
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
The United States welcomes Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová’s announcement today to begin negotiating a bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement. When concluded, this agreement will deepen our close security partnership, further strengthen cooperation in NATO operations, and together, contribute to continued growth in Transatlantic security.
The agreement builds on the provisions of the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and is similar to other bilateral agreements the United States has concluded with other NATO Allies, including many of the Czech Republic’s neighbors along NATO’s Eastern Flank. This agreement, when concluded, will help create an overarching framework to codify already existing cooperation between our two militaries, formalizing procedures, and providing a more transparent, predictable, and robust framework for both bilateral and enhanced NATO cooperation.
Our alliances are a tremendous source of American strength. Since 1993, the United States and the Czech Republic have worked closely together on a wide range of issues important to both countries, the NATO Alliance, and the world. Opening these consultations with the Czech Republic reflects our commitment to reaffirming and reinvigorating America’s alliances to meet common security challenges while protecting shared interests and values.
Suspension of Russia’s Permanent Observer Status at the Organization of American States
04/21/2022
r Status at the Organization of American States
04/21/2022 04:17 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Today, the United States welcomes the adoption of a resolution at the Organization of American States (OAS) suspending Russia as a Permanent Observer to that institution. With the passage of this resolution, OAS member states demonstrated that we do not stand on the sidelines in the face of the Russian government’s violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses. Our Hemisphere stands with Ukraine.
The Kremlin’s inhumanity in its premeditated, unprovoked, unjust war against Ukraine is horrifically clear. Deaths and destruction mount daily. More than 10 million Ukrainian citizens and others have been uprooted by the Kremlin’s coldblooded aggression. On a global scale, Putin’s senseless war of choice has hurt economies and threatened the food security of the world’s most vulnerable. As President Biden stated, “An overwhelming majority of nations recognize that Putin is not only attacking Ukraine, he is attacking the very foundations of global peace and security.”
The Russian government’s brutal attack against Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty demonstrates the Kremlin’s utter contempt for the values of democracy and respect for human rights, values that form the bedrock of the Inter American system. We commend the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Guatemala for leading the adoption of the resolution, and all the governments that supported it.
The OAS action today sends a clear message to the Kremlin. The overwhelming number of countries in the Americas called upon the Kremlin to end its unconscionable war of choice, withdraw its forces, and comply with international law.
U.S.-EU: Consultations between EEAS Secretary General Stefano Sannino and United States Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman
04/22/2022
04/21/2022 04:17 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Today, the United States welcomes the adoption of a resolution at the Organization of American States (OAS) suspending Russia as a Permanent Observer to that institution. With the passage of this resolution, OAS member states demonstrated that we do not stand on the sidelines in the face of the Russian government’s violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses. Our Hemisphere stands with Ukraine.
The Kremlin’s inhumanity in its premeditated, unprovoked, unjust war against Ukraine is horrifically clear. Deaths and destruction mount daily. More than 10 million Ukrainian citizens and others have been uprooted by the Kremlin’s coldblooded aggression. On a global scale, Putin’s senseless war of choice has hurt economies and threatened the food security of the world’s most vulnerable. As President Biden stated, “An overwhelming majority of nations recognize that Putin is not only attacking Ukraine, he is attacking the very foundations of global peace and security.”
The Russian government’s brutal attack against Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty demonstrates the Kremlin’s utter contempt for the values of democracy and respect for human rights, values that form the bedrock of the Inter American system. We commend the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Guatemala for leading the adoption of the resolution, and all the governments that supported it.
The OAS action today sends a clear message to the Kremlin. The overwhelming number of countries in the Americas called upon the Kremlin to end its unconscionable war of choice, withdraw its forces, and comply with international law.
U.S.-EU: Consultations between EEAS Secretary General Stefano Sannino and United States Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman
04/22/2022
U.S.-EU: Consultations between EEAS Secretary General Stefano Sannino and United States Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman
04/22/2022 09:21 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is the text of a joint press release by the U.S. Department of State and the European External Action Service.
Begin text:
On April 21 and 22, United States Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met European External Action Service Secretary General Stefano Sannino in Brussels to once again underscore the unique strength of the U.S.-EU strategic partnership. They reaffirmed the joint transatlantic resolve in standing up for and defending freedom, democracy, and human rights, and to use all tools available in the Transatlantic relationship to take further coordinated action to tackle the current global challenges.
They commended the exceptional display of transatlantic unity and U.S.-EU coordination in response to Russia’s unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine, including on sanctions and export controls. They condemned in the strongest possible terms the reported atrocities committed by the Russian armed forces in a number of now liberated Ukrainian towns, during the period when Russia had effective control of the area. Likewise, the U.S. and the EU condemned the continual shelling of civilians and civilian infrastructure by Russian armed forces. These horrific actions show the true face of the brutal war of aggression Russia is waging against Ukraine and its people. There can be no impunity for war crimes. They plan to coordinate their activities with the objective of ensuring the perpetrators are held to account.
They welcomed the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-EU High-Level Dialogue on Russia on March 30 and stressed the importance of continued coordination on the provision of security assistance to Ukraine and the implementation and enforcement of sanctions targeting Russia and Belarus, together with other like-minded partners. They discussed coordinating global outreach efforts to maintain a broad-based international coalition of support for Ukraine, in the face of Russia’s aggression. They discussed further efforts to increase humanitarian support and initiatives to provide coordinated political, financial, material and humanitarian support to the government and people of Ukraine. They also took stock of U.S. and EU efforts to counter the Kremlin and Beijing’s propaganda and disinformation program. They stressed continued U.S.-EU cooperation in favor of long-term sustainable peace, enhanced resilience, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability in the wider region, including in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. They also discussed the global economic disruptions caused by the Russia’s war of aggression, underlining that Russia bears full responsibility for the global negative impact of the war it is waging against Ukraine. In this context, they highlighted the need to address the negative impact of Russia’s invasion on global food security through a coordinated effort, in close cooperation with international bodies.
Deputy Secretary Sherman and Secretary General Sannino held the third high-level meeting of the U.S.-EU Dialogue on China. Together, they exchanged views on their respective bilateral relations with China. In particular, they held an in-depth discussion on their recent engagement with China on Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine. They underscored they will continue to urge China not to circumvent or undermine sanctions against Russia, and not to provide any form of support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and reaffirmed that such support would have consequences for our respective relationships with China. They also expressed concern about China’s repeated information manipulation, including amplification of Russia’s disinformation regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On Taiwan, they underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait to regional and global security and prosperity. They expressed their support for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues, and discouraged any actions, which undermine the status quo. Deputy Secretary Sherman and Secretary General Sannino also discussed China’s stances and activities in multilateral fora, noting that U.S. and EU objectives will continue to focus squarely on upholding international law and principles, the maintenance of the centrality of the UN Charter, and respect for human rights. They expressed particular concern about, and opposition to, recent incidents of economic coercion by China, affirming their solidarity with those targeted and underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing growing instances of economic coercion. They also reviewed the outcome of senior officials’ and expert-level exchanges on multilateralism, human rights, and engagement with China. They condemned the situation in Xinjiang, notably the existence of a large network of “political reeducation” camps, widespread surveillance, systemic restrictions on freedom of religion or belief against Uyghurs and other persons belonging to minority groups, as well as the use of forced labor.
Deputy Secretary Sherman and Secretary General Sannino held the second high-level Consultations on the Indo-Pacific, reiterating their resolve to engage with partners in the Indo-Pacific and reinforcing their shared interest in upholding the rules-based multilateral order in the region and advancing democracy and human rights. They exchanged views on their respective recent engagements with Indo-Pacific partners. They identified opportunities to tackle manipulation of the information space and counter disinformation, and ways to step up security and defense cooperation to enhance maritime awareness and build regional capacity to improve law enforcement and coordination in the maritime domain. They also recognized the importance of promoting due diligence and labor standards to fight child labor and address its root causes in the region. They reiterated their condemnation of the military takeover in Myanmar. They discussed synergies and cooperation between the U.S. Build Back Better World and the EU’s Global Gateway initiatives. They decided to continue close consultations with a view to coordinating the implementation of their respective Indo-Pacific strategies.
Deputy Secretary Sherman and Secretary General Sannino also had the opportunity to discuss other key foreign policy issues of shared interest, including ongoing strong coordination and cooperation in the Western Balkans to advance its European integration and stability. They expressed their support for the formal opening of EU accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania and for the EU facilitated Belgrade Pristina Dialogue. They recognized the importance of the stabilization and security provided by EUFOR’s ALTHEA mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and coordination on fighting corruption, and promoting free and fair elections. On Afghanistan, they condemned the Taliban’s decision not to allow girls access to secondary schools, calling for the immediate reversal of this decision and pledged joint efforts to stabilize the economic and financial situation in the country, as well to push for an inclusive political process. They underlined the need to organize elections in Mali with the full support of ECOWAS’ mediation, while strongly condemning the reported abuses of human rights by the Malian armed forces and the Wagner group. They also acknowledged the need for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali to conduct accurate investigations and release reports on all human rights abuses in Mali. The Sahel remains a region of priority interest where the U.S. and the EU are undertaking civilian, political, and security efforts as well as development and humanitarian aid. They remain particularly concerned about the humanitarian crisis in the Sahel, where over 20 million people could be in need of assistance this year. In this context and in line with the conclusions of the EU co-organized pledging event of April 6, 2022, they agreed on the need to continue to take concrete immediate and long-term actions to address the ongoing food and nutrition crises in the region.
Deputy Secretary Sherman and Secretary General Sannino welcomed that the first meeting of the U.S.-EU dialogue on Security and Defense will be held with the participation of the U.S. Departments of State and Defense, the European External Action Service, as well as the European Commission and the European Defense Agency on 22 April 2022. The meeting represents an important milestone towards closer partnership between the U.S. and the EU in the area of security and defense.
Deputy Secretary Sherman and Secretary General Sannino committed to continue their close consultations on foreign policy and security issues of shared concern and decided to hold the next high-level meetings under the Dialogue on China and the Consultations on the Indo-Pacific towards the end of 2022.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal Before Their Meeting
04/22/2022
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal Before Their Meeting
04/22/2022 04:36 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Thomas Jefferson Room
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. It’s a pleasure to welcome Ukraine’s prime minister here to the State Department after a couple of days in Washington, most notably with President Biden. I had a chance to visit with the prime minister before Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and I’m very pleased to be able to receive you now here. I think this is the first visit since the Russian aggression by a senior official of the Ukrainian Government, further evidence that a independent, sovereign Ukraine is going to be around a lot longer than Vladimir Putin.
We continue to work to support Ukraine with the assistance that it needs – military, economic, humanitarian. We continue in coordination with allies and partners as well to exert significant pressure on Russia to end the aggression, and of course, we continue to take steps to shore up the defense of our NATO Alliance. But I’m looking forward to having an opportunity to hear from the prime minister about all of these ongoing efforts and what we can continue to do to support Ukraine in its fight for independence, for sovereignty – a fight that it will win.
Mr. Prime Minister.
PRIME MINISTER SHMYHAL: Your Excellency (inaudible). It’s an honor to be here. My country now is on the 58th day of war, and United States support Ukraine so much, so strong. We feel this support because – weapon, financial support, and the personal involvement of President of United States, your personal involvement in support of Ukraine. It’s – we feel it, we appreciate it so much, and we are really grateful to you and to your people, to your country for support of us before the face of this bloody war from Russian side. So, they really make atrocities, they make war crimes in our country, but we have support of all civilized world. We feel it, and we would like – and we absolutely sure that we will win in this war. There is no other way for us and for all civilized world.
So, during my visit to here, we have absolutely amazing meeting with President Biden. I am sure that today we also will have very fruitful and productive meeting. Yesterday, we have many, many meetings, including a roundtable with all ministers of finances from all around the world. We also discuss possibility of supporting of Ukraine before the face of this war. So, thank you for this possibility because this visit is absolutely fruitful, absolutely fulfilled by very important meetings. And I am sure that after this visit and during the next day, days, weeks, and months, Ukraine will win. We’ll have absolutely perfect recovery plan. And we will fulfill the recovery funds with proper finances.
For our support, we need – we strongly need four things, and I (inaudible) communicated with all of our counterparts during all of our meetings. The first one is ammunition and weapon because we should stop aggressor on the – our borders and don’t let them to go to the democratic Europe, to European countries. The second, is sanctions because it’s the most important instrument of influence of the – on the aggressor. The third one is financing; it will let us and will help us to save macroeconomical stability of our country, to execute our humanitarian and social responsibilities from the side of our state. And the fourth, very important issue is our European perspectives, because the biggest of – the biggest quantity of our people, more than 96 percent of Ukrainians, strongly would like to be part of European family, part of civilized world, but not part of Soviet Union or a Russian empire.
So, it’s very important for us, and because of this, many of our young guys and girls pay their lives in this war for this Ukrainian perspectives – European perspectives, and civilized perspectives. So, thank you so much for this strong support, for sustainable support of our country before the face of this war, and in our development. Thank you so much. Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you very much.
