Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Michele J. Sison’s Travel to Switzerland
05/08/2022
Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Michele J. Sison’s Travel to Switzerland
05/08/2022 11:00 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Michele J. Sison will travel to Switzerland May 9-11 for consultations on a wide range of U.S. priorities in the United Nations, including global health, health security, human rights, and preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
In Geneva, Assistant Secretary Sison will co-host with her UK counterpart a meeting of the Geneva Group on UN reform. She will also meet with World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros to discuss the U.S. commitment to strengthening the health workforce and global health security at the WHO, including through sustainable financing and progress on reforms. Ahead of the World Health Assembly, Assistant Secretary Sison will also meet with the Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Nicole Su. She will meet with UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mami Mizutori to discuss the agency’s work on climate action, food security, and global health. She will meet with International Organization for Migration Director General António Vitorino to discuss migration issues worldwide, including in the Americas. In addition, Assistant Secretary Sison will meet Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the U.S. candidate for Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union. Following meetings in Geneva, Assistant Secretary Sison will meet with Swiss officials in Bern to discuss shared interests at the United Nations.
For updates, follow @State_IO on Twitter.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
05/08/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
05/08/2022 12:04 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke by phone today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to commemorate Ukraine’s Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation to recognize the sacrifices of those lost in World War II. The Secretary informed Foreign Minister Kuleba that our Charge d’Affaires Kristina Kvien and a small group of diplomats, accompanied by State Department security, traveled to Kyiv to conduct diplomatic engagement in advance of the planned resumption of Embassy Kyiv operations, as the Secretary pledged to President Zelenskyy they would during his most recent visit to Kyiv. The Secretary also shared additional detail of new security assistance packages to support Ukraine’s gains on the battlefield, including the ninth drawdown from U.S. stocks authorized by President Biden and the expanded authorities that will be offered under the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022. The Secretary emphasized the United States’ enduring commitment to Ukraine and its ultimate victory against Russian aggression.
State Department Actions to Promote Accountability and Impose Costs on the Russian Government for Putin’s Aggression against Ukraine
05/08/2022
te Accountability and Impose Costs on the Russian Government for Putin’s Aggression against Ukraine
05/08/2022 12:58 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The Department of State is taking additional actions to hold accountable those engaged in human rights abuses, to impose severe costs on the Government of the Russian Federation (GoR), and to degrade the Kremlin’s ability to support Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine and fund its war of aggression.
Visa Restrictions
Today, the Department of State is announcing a series of actions to promote individual accountability for human rights abuses, to include:A new visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act that applies to Russian Federation military officials and Russia-backed or Russia-installed purported authorities who are believed to have been involved in human rights abuses, violations of international humanitarian law, or public corruption in Ukraine, including in the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic” or “Luhansk People’s Republic.” Family members of those who fall under the policy will also be ineligible for visas.Action to impose visa restrictions on 2,596 members of the Russian Federation military and 13 Belarusian military officials 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 supported, been actively complicit in, or been responsible for ordering or otherwise directing or authorizing actions that threaten or violate the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of Ukraine.Designation of three Belarusian officials, Dzmitry Paulichenka, Yury Sivakov, and Viktar Sheiman, pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2022 for their involvement in a gross violation of human rights. Under this authority, immediate family members are also ineligible for entry to the United States, to include Viktar Sheiman’s wife, Elena Sheiman, and his adult son, Sergei Sheiman.
Targeting Russia’s Maritime Sector
The GoR leverages maritime shipping and other marine sector companies to advance its strategic aims, including by supporting the resupply of its troops and the continuation of its occupationof Crimea, and exploiting and exporting energy reserves. Today, the Department of State is designating eight Russian maritime-related companies. This includes the Russian Ministry of Defense’s shipping company, Oboronlogistika OOO, which has been involved in Russia’s illegal seizure and occupation of Crimea since 2014, as well as private Russian maritime shipping companies that transport weapons and other military equipment for the GoR. The Department of State also took action against vessels these maritime shipping companies have an interest in with the addition of 69 vessels to the Department of the Treasury’s List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. The Department of State is also designating one maritime engineering company that works with the GoR and Russian state-owned entities. This action serves as a warning to private Russian companies that those who support Putin’s war machine risk severe costs.
ENTITES DESIGNATED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENTOboronlogistika OOO is a Russian shipping company that operates within the Russian Ministry of Defense’s military-construction complex. The main objectives of Oboronlogistika OOO are to guarantee the needs of the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding transportation, storage, and production of military and special purpose goods. Oboronlogistika OOO is the Russian Ministry of Defense’s sole provider of troop transport to certain regions of Russia. Oboronlogistika OOO is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(i) because it operates or has operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. Following Russia’s illegal seizure of Crimea in 2014, the GoR issued a decree defining Oboronlogistika OOO as the sole provider of transportation services for the Russian Ministry of Defense for the delivery of cargo to Russian-occupied Crimea. Three vessels in which Oboronlogistika OOO has an interest are blocked as a result of this action.SC South LLC, a Russian maritime shipping company, is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(i) because it operates or has operated in the marine sector of the Russian Federation economy. Additionally, SC South LLC is a subsidiary of Oboronlogistika OOO and SC South LLC delivers cargo for the Russian Ministry of Defense. Four vessels in which SC South LLC has an interest are blocked as a result of this action.Joint Stock Company Northern Shipping Company (Northern Shipping), a Russian maritime shipping company, performs services for Russia’s Ministry of Defense. Northern Shipping’s vessels transport tanks and other military equipment for Russia’s military, and the company participates in and supports Russian military exercises. Northern Shipping is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(i) because it operates or has operated in the marine sector of the Russian Federation economy and because it operates or has operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. Twenty-seven vessels in which Northern Shipping has an interest are blocked as a result of this action.Transmorflot LLC, a Russian maritime shipping company that transports weapons for the GoR, is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(i) because it operates or has operated in the marine sector of the Russian Federation economy. Sixteen vessels in which Transmorflot LLC has an interest are blocked as a result of this action.M Leasing LLC, a Russian maritime shipping company that transports weapons for he GoR, is designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(i) because it operates or has operated in the marine sector of the Russian Federation economy. Three vessels in which M Leasing LLC has an interest are blocked as a result of this action.Marine Trans Shipping LLC, a Russian maritime shipping company that transports weapons for the GoR, is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(i) because it operates or has operated in the marine sector of the Russian Federation economy. One vessel in which Marine Trans Shipping LLC has an interest is blocked as a result of this action.Nord Project LLC Transport Company (Nord Project), a Russian maritime shipping company that transports weapons for the GoR, is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(i) because it operates or has operated in the marine sector of the Russian Federation economy. Fifteen vessels in which Nord Project has an interest are blocked as a result of this action.Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostyu Fertoing (“OOO Fertoing”), a Russian maritime engineering company, is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(i) because it operates or has operated in the marine sector of the Russian Federation economy. OOO Fertoing performs a large amount of work in the fields of complex marine surveys, navigational, hydrographic and underwater technical support for the construction and operation of facilities for subsea production complexes, offshore, river, and pipeline transport for state-owned entities, and projects on the behalf of the GoR.
VESSELS IDENTIFIED AS BLOCKED PROPERTY
The three vessels in which Oboronlogistika OOO has an interest that are blocked as a result of this action are:
VESSEL NAME: Sparta II
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9160994
VESSEL TYPE: Roll-on Roll-off
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 7260
VESSEL NAME: Ambal
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8807416
VESSEL TYPE: Roll-on Roll-off
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 20729
VESSEL: MARIA E
VESSEL NAME FKA: Maria
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9617923
VESSEL TYPE: Roll-on Roll-off
VESSEL TYPE: Passenger
VESSEL FLAG: Togo
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 3069
The four vessels in which SC South LLC has an interest that are blocked as a result of this action are:
VESSEL: Pizhma
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8814354
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 3466
VESSEL: Sparta
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9268710
VESSEL TYPE: Roll-on Roll-off
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 8831
VESSEL: Sparta III
VESSEL AKA: Ursa Major
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9538892
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 12679
VESSEL: Sparta IV
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9743033
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 7522
The twenty-seven vessels in which Joint Stock Company Northern Shipping Company has an interest that are blocked as a result of this action are:
VESSEL NAME: Belomorskiy
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8305781
VESSEL TYPE: Dredger
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 2628
VESSEL NAME: Chizhovka
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8730455
VESSEL TYPE: Hopper Barge
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 745
VESSEL NAME: Dvinskiy Zaliv
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8922486
VESSEL TYPE: Dredger
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 2081
VESSEL NAME: Inzhener Trubin
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8502080
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 6418
VESSEL NAME: Inzhener Veshnyakov
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8502107
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 6418
VESSEL NAME: Iohann Mahmastal
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8603406
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 6395
VESSEL NAME: Kapitan Kokovin
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9279422
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 2474
VESSEL NAME: Kapitan Ryntsyn
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8618073
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 2601
VESSEL NAME: Kapitan Sakharov
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9279434
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 2474
VESSEL NAME: Kholmogory
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9109081
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 2986
VESSEL NAME: Lapominka
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8928143
VESSEL TYPE: Hopper Barge
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 643
VESSEL NAME: Mekhanik Brilin
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8904408
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo Ship
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 2489
VESSEL NAME: Mekhanik Kottsov
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8904410
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 2489
VESSEL NAME: Mekhanik Kraskovskiy
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8904458
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 2489
VESSEL NAME: Mekhanik Makarin
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8904379
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 3178
VESSEL NAME: Mekhanik Pustoshnyy
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8904422
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 2489
VESSEL NAME: Mekhanik Pyatlin
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8904434
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 2489
VESSEL NAME: Mekhanik Yartsev
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8904367
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 2489
VESSEL NAME: Mikhail Lomonosov
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9216482
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 2990
VESSEL NAME: S. Kuznetsov
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9210359
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 6204
VESSEL NAME: Siyanie Severa
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9250385
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 6577
VESSEL NAME: SMP Arkhangelsk
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9240550
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 7752
VESSEL NAME: SMP Novodvinsk
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9398046
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 4106
VESSEL NAME: SMP Severodvinsk
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9376440
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 4106
VESSEL NAME: Teriberka
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8931748
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: MMSI 273913200
VESSEL TYPE: Hopper Barge
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 643
VESSEL NAME: Triton
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 7236141
VESSEL TYPE: Tug
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 161
VESSEL NAME: Viktor Zabelin
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9210256
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONAGE: 6204
The sixteen vessels in which Transmorflot LLC has an interest that are blocked as a result of this action are:
VESSEL: Anastasiia
VESSEL FKA: Viktoria Shain
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9349291
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 9611
VESSEL: Askar-sarydzha
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9082142
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 4991
VESSEL: Etim Emin
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8700010
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 1853
VESSEL: Gasret Aliev
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9083330
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 4991
VESSEL: Genrikh Gasanov
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9083196
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 4991
VESSEL: Kompozitor Gasanov
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8606628
VESSEL TYPE: Roll-on Roll-off
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 6894
VESSEL: Lady D
VESSEL FKA: Maliy B.S.
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9349289
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 9611
VESSEL: Lady Mariia
VESSEL FKA: Stella-Maria
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9220641
VESSEL TYPE: Roll-on Roll-off
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 8831
VESSEL: Lady R
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9161003
VESSEL TYPE: Roll-on Roll-off
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 7260
VESSEL: Maia-1
VESSEL FKA: Neptun
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9358010
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 9611
VESSEL: Olga
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8700046
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 1853
VESSEL: Port Olya-1
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9481922
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 4878
VESSEL: Port Olya-2
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9481881
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 4878
VESSEL: Rasul Gamzatov
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8861058
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 4991
VESSEL: Sona
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8700060
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 1853
VESSEL: Valentin Emirov
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8866591
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 4110
The three vessels in which M Leasing LLC has an interest that are blocked as a result of this action are:
VESSEL: Adler
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9179854
VESSEL TYPE: Roll-on Roll-off
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 8811
VESSEL: Angara
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9179842
VESSEL TYPE: Roll-on Roll-off
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 8811
VESSEL: Ascalon
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9198226
VESSEL TYPE: Roll-on Roll-off
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 8821
The vessel in which Marine Trans Shipping LLC has an interest that is blocked as a result of this action is:
VESSEL: Polar Rock
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9116632
VESSEL TYPE: Crude Oil Tanker
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 56924
The fifteen vessels in which Nord Project LLC Transport Company has an interest that are blocked as a result of this action are:
VESSEL: ENISEY
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9079169
VESSEL TYPE: Bulk Carrier
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 27078
VESSEL: NP DIKSON
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9255270
VESSEL TYPE: Chemical/Oil Tanker
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 15980
VESSEL: NP DUDINKA
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9183831
VESSEL TYPE: Chemical/Oil Tanker
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 14400
VESSEL: RZK CONSTANTA
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8711289
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 7095
VESSEL: SEVERNIY PROECT
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9202053
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 13066
VESSEL: SIBERIA
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9239458
VESSEL TYPE: Bulk Carrier
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 17665
VESSEL: TAIBOLA
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9086253
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 8448
VESSEL: TAIMYR
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8821797
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 7949
VESSEL: TAMBEY
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9014872
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 7949
VESSEL: TERIBERKA
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9081291
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: MMSI 273211090
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 8448
VESSEL: TERSKIY BEREG
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9081368
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 8448
VESSEL: TIKSY
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 8821802
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 7949
VESSEL: TURUKHAN
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9081332
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 8448
VESSEL: UTRENNIY
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9347059
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 12936
VESSEL: SABETTA
VESSEL REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION: IMO 9347061
VESSEL TYPE: General Cargo
VESSEL FLAG: Russia
VESSEL GROSS TONNAGE: 12936
SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) will add the entities and vessels above to the list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the entities above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt. These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
Targeting Russia’s Financial, Defense, and Marine Sectors and Promoting Accountability for Russian and Belarusian Military Officials
05/08/2022
Targeting Russia’s Financial, Defense, and Marine Sectors and Promoting Accountability for Russian and Belarusian Military Officials
05/08/2022 01:48 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
As President Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified war enters its fourth month, the United States recognizes the staggering human toll of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Civilian casualties continue to mount, as do widespread reports of war crimes and other atrocities perpetrated by Russia’s forces in Ukraine. As the people of Ukraine continue to fight bravely against Russia’s brutality, we will continue imposing severe costs to hold President Putin accountable for his utter disregard for human rights and fundamental freedoms. We also will hold to account those involved in his war of choice, including those suspected of taking part in atrocities and human rights abuses against civilians.
Today, the United States, in coordination with our allies and partners, is taking further actions to increase the pressure on the Russian Federation by designating the executives and board members of two of Russia’s most important banks, Sberbankand and Gazprombank; a Russian state-owned bank, Moscow Industrial Bank, and 10 of its subsidiaries; and a state-supported weapons manufacturer, Promtekhnologiya.
Further, following our recent port ban, we continue to target Russia’s maritime defense logistics capabilities by designating the Ministry of Defense’s shipping company and six other maritime shipping companies that transport weapons and other military equipment for the Government of Russia, while identifying 69 of their vessels as blocked property. Additionally, we are designating Fertoing, a specialized marine engineering company that produces remotely operated subsea equipment, among other activities. Fertoing will now be blocked from accessing critical U.S. technologies.
In addition, the Treasury Department is designating Russia-1, Channel One, and NTV, all of which are directly or indirectly state-owned and controlled media within Russia, spreading disinformation to bolster Putin’s war. These television stations have been among the largest recipients of foreign revenue, which feeds back to the Russian state. The United States remains a steadfast champion for media freedom.
We are also taking steps today to impose visa restrictions on over 2,600 Russian and Belarusian military officials who are believed to have been involved in actions that threaten or violate the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of Ukraine. Included among this group are personnel who reportedly took part in Russian military activities in Bucha, the horrors of which have shocked the world. We are further announcing a new visa restriction policy targeting Russian Federation military officials and Russian-backed or Russian-installed purported authorities who are believed to have been involved in human rights abuses, violations of international humanitarian law, or public corruption in Ukraine.
In addition to holding the Lukashenka regime accountable for its complicity in enabling the Kremlin’s war, we continue to promote accountability for those involved in the decades-long violent repression of the political opposition in Belarus. In that context, the State Department has designated three Belarusian officials, Dzmitry Paulichenka, Yury Sivakov, and Viktar Sheiman, pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for their involvement in gross violation of human rights, namely the enforced disappearance of at least one of Lukashenka’s political opponents in 1999. Under this authority, immediate family members are also ineligible for entry to the United States, to include Viktar Sheiman’s wife, Elena Sheiman, and his adult son, Sergei Sheiman.
Finally, the United States is cutting off Russia’s access to certain key services from U.S. companies that the Russian Federation and Russian elites use to hide their wealth and evade sanctions. We are prohibiting U.S. persons, wherever located, from providing accounting, trust and corporate formation, and management consulting services to any person located in the Russian Federation, under Executive Order (E. O.) 14071. We are also identifying the accounting, trust and corporate formation services, and management consulting sectors of the Russian economy pursuant to E.O. 14024, which will allow the United States to target any person who operates or has operated in these sectors of the Russian Federation economy.
Our actions today complement previous steps we have taken with our allies and partners since the beginning of Russia’s unconscionable war. As long as the Russian Federation continues its aggression against Ukraine, the United States will continue implementing new economic measures against Russia, in particular against its institutions and elites enabling the destruction of entire cities and the killing of thousands of civilians in Ukraine.
For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release and State Department Fact Sheet.
G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Hong Kong Chief Executive Selection
05/09/2022
G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Hong Kong Chief Executive Selection
05/09/2022 08:02 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union.
Begin Text:
We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, underscore our grave concern over the selection process for the Chief Executive in Hong Kong as part of a continued assault on political pluralism and fundamental freedoms.
Last year, PRC and Hong Kong authorities moved away from the ultimate aim of universal suffrage as set out in Hong Kong’s Basic Law by increasing the number of non-elected members appointed to the Election Committee and dramatically curtailing the number of voters eligible to participate in the Committee elections.
The current nomination process and resulting appointment are a stark departure from the aim of universal suffrage and further erode the ability of Hong Kongers to be legitimately represented. We are deeply concerned about this steady erosion of political and civil rights and Hong Kong’s autonomy. We continue to call on China to act in accordance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration and its other legal obligations. We urge the new Chief Executive to respect protected rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, as provided for in the Basic Law, and ensure the court system upholds the rule of law.
End Text
Europe Day
05/09/2022
Europe Day
05/09/2022 10:15 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the American people, I join the citizens of the European Union in celebrating Europe Day.
On this day, 72 years ago, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman put forward the idea for what would eventually become the European Union. His vision became real 30 years ago with the signature of the Treaty on European Union in Maastricht. Schuman’s animating principle was that closer cooperation and creative thinking could bring about lasting peace in Europe and around the world. That same spirit continues to inspire cooperation both within the EU and across the Atlantic Ocean.
The U.S.-EU partnership has grown deeper and stronger in the decades since, expanding to encompass the full range of regional and global challenges that we face together. Alongside our EU partners and friends, we have brought to life the prospect of cooperation and creativity that Schuman and so many leaders on both sides of the Atlantic envisioned.
Today’s U.S.-EU relationship is a forward-looking partnership that seeks not only to respond to the crises we face but also to build the opportunities of the future. From working to end the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic to tackling the climate crisis, from strengthening our cooperation on technology and the digital economy to advocating for human rights and democracy within our own borders and worldwide, the United States and EU are working together more closely than ever to make the world a safer and more resilient place where all people can live in dignity and freedom.
The Russian government’s brutal and unjustified war against Ukraine has made clearer than ever the urgency of promoting and defending the values and ideals that the EU and the U.S.-EU relationship represent. It has also demonstrated how the dream of a Europe whole, free, and at peace continues to motivate those in Europe and beyond working for a more secure, more just, and more prosperous world.
Today, on Europe Day, I extend my congratulations and warm wishes to the European Union’s citizens, member states, and institutions.
Joint Statement on the 3+1 (Republic of Cyprus, Greece, Israel + United States) Foreign Ministerial
05/09/2022
Joint Statement on the 3+1 (Republic of Cyprus, Greece, Israel + United States) Foreign Ministerial
05/09/2022 12:02 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following joint statement was released by the Governments of the United States, the Republic of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel on the occasion of today’s 3+1 Virtual Foreign Ministerial:
Begin text:
The foreign ministers of the Republic of Cyprus, Hellenic Republic, State of Israel plus the United States held a virtual meeting today to reaffirm their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. In a critical period for Europe, the United States, and the world, the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the 3+1 format and decided to intensify their cooperation in the areas of energy, economy, climate action, emergency preparedness, and counterterrorism, contributing to resilience, energy security, and interconnectivity in the region. The 3+1 support additional initiatives such as the Negev Summit that promote cooperation in the region. The Ministers condemned the recent horrific terror attacks against Israelis, including the May 5 terror attack in Elad. The Ministers decided to develop a roadmap with tangible deliverables for the coming year, and to set the stage for a follow-on meeting before the end of 2022.
End text.
Deputy Secretary of State Sherman’s Meeting with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Landsbergis
05/09/2022
Deputy Secretary of State Sherman’s Meeting with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Landsbergis
05/09/2022 07:33 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis today in Washington. Deputy Secretary Sherman reaffirmed the strong defense and economic ties between the United States and Lithuania. The Deputy Secretary underscored ironclad U.S. solidarity with our NATO Ally and EU partner Lithuania as it faces geopolitical challenges to regional stability, security, and economic prosperity. The two leaders reviewed plans for the NATO Summit in Madrid. The Deputy Secretary stressed the importance of coordinated global action to address threats to food security caused by the Kremlin’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine.
Attribution of Russia’s Malicious Cyber Activity Against Ukraine
05/10/2022
Attribution of Russia’s Malicious Cyber Activity Against Ukraine
05/10/2022 11:08 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States is joining with allies and partners to condemn Russia’s destructive cyber activities against Ukraine. In the months leading up to and after Russia’s illegal further invasion began, Ukraine experienced a series of disruptive cyber operations, including website defacements, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and cyber attacks to delete data from computers belonging to government and private entities – all part of the Russian playbook. For example, the United States has assessed that Russian military cyber operators have deployed multiple families of destructive wiper malware, including WhisperGate, on Ukrainian Government and private sector networks. These disruptive cyber operations began in January 2022, prior to Russia’s illegal further invasion of Ukraine and have continued throughout the war.
Today, in support of the European Union and other partners, the United States is sharing publicly its assessment that Russia launched cyber attacks in late February against commercial satellite communications networks to disrupt Ukrainian command and control during the invasion, and those actions had spillover impacts into other European countries. The activity disabled very small aperture terminals in Ukraine and across Europe. This includes tens of thousands of terminals outside of Ukraine that, among other things, support wind turbines and provide Internet services to private citizens.
As nations committed to upholding the rules-based international order in cyberspace, the United States and its allies and partners are taking steps to defend against Russia’s irresponsible actions. The U.S. Government has developed new mechanisms to help Ukraine identify cyber threats and recover from cyber incidents. We have also enhanced our support for Ukraine’s digital connectivity, including by providing satellite phones and data terminals to Ukrainian government officials, essential service providers, and critical infrastructure operators. We praise Ukraine’s efforts—both in and outside of government—to defend against and recover from such activity, even as its country is under physical attack.
More information on the U.S. government’s efforts to support cybersecurity and connectivity in Ukraine is available here.
U.S. Support for Connectivity and Cybersecurity in Ukraine
05/10/2022
U.S. Support for Connectivity and Cybersecurity in Ukraine
05/10/2022 11:00 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Leading up to and during Russia’s unprovoked and illegal further invasion of Ukraine, the United States is supporting Ukraine’s continued access to the Internet and to enhance Ukraine’s cyber defenses. These efforts, coordinated across the U.S. government, include:The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has provided direct support to its Ukrainian national security and law enforcement partners, including briefing Ukrainian partners on Russian intelligence services’ cyber operations; sharing cyber threat information about potential or ongoing malicious cyber activity; helping to disrupt nation-state efforts to spread disinformation and target the Ukrainian government and military; and sharing investigative methods and cyber incident response best practices. The FBI also has received threat intelligence and leads from its Ukrainian partners for action using the FBI’s unique investigative and intelligence capabilities. FBI, State, and other U.S. government agencies have also assisted Ukraine with identifying and procuring hardware and software to support network defense.Technical experts funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) are providing hands-on support to essential service providers within the Ukrainian government including government ministries and critical infrastructure operators to identify malware and restore systems after an incident has occurred. This support builds on long standing USAID support building cyber resilience among regional utilities, particularly in the energy sector. USAID and the Department of State are also exploring new mechanisms to leverage the services offered by U.S. and Ukrainian cybersecurity service providers to support and reinforce the Government of Ukraine’s own cyber defense efforts.USAID has provided more than 6,750 emergency communications devices, including satellite phones and data terminals, to essential service providers, government officials, and critical infrastructure operators in key sectors such as energy and telecommunications.The Department of Energy (DOE) and other interagency partners are working with Ukraine on efforts related to further integrating Ukraine’s electrical grid with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), including meeting cybersecurity requirements and enhancing the resilience of its energy sector. Full ENTSO-E integration is key to protecting Ukraine’s financial, energy, and national security.The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has exchanged technical information on cybersecurity threats related to Russia’s unprovoked further invasion of Ukraine with key partners, including Ukraine. On February 26, CISA issued an alert providing technical details and mitigation guidance on destructive malware targeting organizations in Ukraine.Prior to February 2022, the U.S. government worked closely with Ukrainian government ministries and critical infrastructure sectors to support Ukraine’s cyber resilience, including by providing over $40 million in cyber capacity development assistance since 2017. Among these efforts:Beginning in 2020, USAID launched an ambitious $38 million cybersecurity reform program that will work over the next several years to strengthen Ukraine’s cybersecurity legal and regulatory environment, build Ukraine’s cyber workforce and strengthen course offerings at leading Ukrainian universities, and develop connections between critical infrastructure operators and private sector solution providers. This program has embedded more than 20 technical experts within the Government of Ukraine to bolster Ukraine’s cyber response and recovery capabilities, and deployed cybersecurity software and hardware tools to ensure the resilience of critical infrastructure to physical and cyber attacks.
DOE has a long-standing relationship with the energy sector in Ukraine, including work with Ukrainian utilities to help enhance their cybersecurity posture. In the leadup to Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine, DOE, leveraging the expertise of our National Labs, worked with utilities to focus on potential near-term cybersecurity enhancements, while also continuing our work on long-term resilience efforts.
The Treasury Department has worked with the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), via the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), to support NBU’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) to improve cybersecurity information sharing in Ukraine’s financial services sector. Leading up to Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine, Treasury offered NBU assistance on specific cybersecurity issues while continuing to work on longer-term cybersecurity projects to better ensure the cyber resilience of Ukraine’s financial sector.
From December 2021 to February 2022, cyber experts from U.S. Cyber Command conducted defensive cyber operations alongside Ukrainian Cyber Command personnel, as part of a wider effort to increase cyber resilience in critical networks. Cyber professionals from both countries sat side by side, looking for adversary activity and identifying vulnerabilities. In addition to this effort, the team provided remote analytic and advisory support aligned to critical networks from outside Ukraine.
The U.S. government’s efforts, closely coordinated with private sector and international partners, support Ukraine’s network defenders and telecommunications professionals, who continue to defend Ukrainian networks and repair infrastructure, often at direct risk to their lives. The United States condemns actions that block or degrade access to the Internet in Ukraine, which sever critical channels for sharing and learning information, including about the war.
Secretary Blinken’s Virtual Meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Petkov
05/10/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Virtual Meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Petkov
05/10/2022 08:03 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met virtually today with Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov. Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of both a unified NATO and U.S.-EU response to Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and said the United States would continue to support Bulgaria’s defense modernization and energy security priorities. The two affirmed a shared vision for our Transatlantic relationship, and the Secretary reaffirmed the importance of expeditious EU accession for qualified aspirants.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Geoana
05/10/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Geoana
05/10/2022 09:08 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met today in Washington with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana to discuss Alliance security in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Deputy Secretary Sherman and Deputy Secretary General Geoana also discussed plans for the upcoming NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Berlin May 14-15 and the June 28-30 NATO Summit in Madrid, including the new Strategic Concept.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev
05/11/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev
05/11/2022 01:03 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The Secretary and President Aliyev discussed recent positive momentum and future concrete steps on the path to peace in the South Caucasus, including border delimitation and demarcation, opening transport and communication links, and the release of the remaining Armenian detainees. Secretary Blinken reiterated the United States stands ready to help by engaging bilaterally and with like-minded partners, including through our role as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair, to help the countries find a long-term comprehensive peace. The Secretary also highlighted the importance of increased respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and recognized the important role Azerbaijan continues to play in European energy security.
Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Germany and France
05/12/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Germany and France
05/12/2022 09:09 AM EDT
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Germany and France May 14-16 to attend the informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Berlin, Germany, and join the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting in Paris-Saclay, France.
On May 14, the Secretary will travel to Berlin to attend an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers where Allies and partners will discuss their unified response to Russia’s continuing brutal war against Ukraine and the upcoming Leaders’ Summit in Madrid. Allies will also adopt a new NATO Strategic Concept to guide the Alliance’s work over the next decade.
On May 15, the Secretary will travel to Paris, joined by United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Secretary of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, to attend the second ministerial meeting of the U.S.-E.U. Trade and Technology Council (TTC). They will meet with EU leaders to discuss how democratic approaches to trade, technology, and innovation can serve as a force for greater prosperity. The Secretary, accompanied by Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose Fernandez, will also meet with business and civil society stakeholders to hear their views on the TTC’s past and future work.
Launch Event for the Establishment of the Counterterrorism Law Enforcement Forum
05/13/2022
Launch Event for the Establishment of the Counterterrorism Law Enforcement Forum
05/13/2022 03:33 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
On May 11-12 in Berlin, the Departments of State and Justice launched the Counterterrorism Law Enforcement Forum (CTLEF), co-hosted by the Government of Germany. The CTLEF, which focuses on countering racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism (REMVE) globally, brought together law enforcement, prosecutors, and other criminal justice practitioners from Europe, North and South America, and the Indo-Pacific, alongside specialists from INTERPOL, Europol, the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and other multilateral organizations.
The inaugural CTLEF meeting increased awareness and information sharing among law enforcement and criminal justice partners about global REMVE activity, including the transnational linkages between and among REMVE actors. Participants also learned about recent law enforcement actions undertaken by governments to disrupt REMVE actors’ global activity.
Officials from the U.S. Departments of State, Justice, and the Treasury, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, participated. The CTLEF will convene again in the spring of 2023.
| This email was sent to politikimx@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Department of State · 2201 C Street NW · Washington, DC 20520 |  |
