Croatia Statehood Day
05/30/2022
Croatia Statehood Day
05/30/2022 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Croatia as you celebrate your Statehood Day.
As highlighted during our Strategic Dialogue held in March, the United States looks forward to further deepening our people-to-people connections, strengthening trade and investment ties, enhancing energy security, confronting the climate crisis, and working together to address regional and global challenges, including Putin’s unprovoked, unjust, and premeditated war against Ukraine.
At the dawn of our diplomatic relationship 30 years ago, we were proud to stand with Croatia. We are proud to stand with Croatia today as NATO Allies, Transatlantic partners, and as two peoples tied strongly to one another by shared values and unbreakable bonds of friendship.
U.S. Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Stern’s Travel to Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Sweden
05/30/2022
U.S. Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Stern’s Travel to Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Sweden
05/30/2022 12:02 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
U.S. Special Envoy Jessica Stern will travel to Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Sweden, May 31-June 8. During her visits, Special Envoy Stern will engage with local human rights defenders and civil society representatives regarding the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons globally, with a specific focus on LGBTQI+ refugees from Ukraine.
In the Netherlands and Sweden, Special Envoy Stern will meet with government and civil society counterparts to discuss advancing the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons via multilateral institutions and public-private partnerships such as the Global Equality Fund.
In Lithuania, among her engagements, the Special Envoy will participate in Baltic Pride’s Proud Cities Summit, where she will speak in the first session panel discussion on “Equality, Diversity, Inclusion: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities” and engage with youth at an informal Q&A session.
For media inquiries, please contact DRL-Press@state.gov.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Foreign Minister Dendias
05/30/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Foreign Minister Dendias
05/30/2022 02:50 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias to condemn in the strongest terms the May 27 seizure of two Greek-flagged vessels by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran’s continued harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights and freedoms are a threat to maritime security and the global economy. The Secretary and Foreign Minister agreed that Iran must immediately release the seized vessels, their cargoes, and their crews.
The United States stands with Greece, our key NATO Ally and partner in the face of this unjustified seizure.
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry and Assistant Secretary Medina’s Travel to Sweden
05/31/2022
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry and Assistant Secretary Medina’s Travel to Sweden
05/31/2022 08:51 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to Sweden June 1-3 to lead the U.S. delegation to Stockholm+50, convened by the United Nations General Assembly in Stockholm, Sweden. He will be joined by Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Monica Medina, who will travel to Sweden May 31-June 4.
Stockholm+50 will commemorate the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment and celebrate 50 years of global environmental action under the theme “Stockholm+50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity.” At the conference, Secretary Kerry and Assistant Secretary Medina will engage with government counterparts, private sector actors, and civil society partners to advance efforts related to sustainable development, environmental protection, and nature conservation.
Secretary Kerry will also participate in the LeadIT Industry Transition Dialogue on June 1 to discuss low-carbon pathways on the road to net-zero in heavy industry.
For press inquiries, contact ClimateComms@state.gov.
Our Approach to the People’s Republic of China.
05/31/2022
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FROM THE DESK OF
Secretary Antony J. Blinken
U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE
Last week I delivered an address on our Administration’s approach to the People’s Republic of China, the only country with both the intent to reshape the international order and the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do it.
Our Strategy with China is “invest, align, compete.”
We will invest in our nation’s competitiveness, innovation, and democracy, we will align our efforts with allies and partners, and we will compete with China to defend our interests and build our vision for the future.
When we can engage constructively with China, we will – not as a favor to us or anyone else, and never in exchange for walking away from our principles, but because working together to solve great challenges is what the world expects from great powers, and because it’s directly in our interests to do so.
No country should withhold progress on existential transnational issues because of differences between us. The scale and scope of the challenge posed by the People’s Republic of China will test American diplomacy like nothing we’ve seen before.
There’s no reason why our great nations cannot coexist peacefully, and share in and contribute to human progress together. That’s what everything I said in my speech boils down to: advancing human progress, leaving to our children a world that’s more peaceful, more prosperous, and more free.
I’m looking forward to staying connected in the months to come. And I’d love to hear your thoughts – please share them by writing to me and my team at EmailTeam@State.gov.
Sincerely,
Secretary Antony J. Blinken
Note to Readers
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This email was adapted from Secretary Blinken’s speech on the Administration’s approach to the People’s Republic of China on May 26, 2022.
Find all my speeches, remarks, and other press statements on State.gov. You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram to learn more about my work. I’m also on Spotify, where I'm creating playlists of my favorite music from around the world.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Italian Foreign Minister Di Maio
05/31/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Italian Foreign Minister Di Maio
05/31/2022 11:46 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Di Maio discussed Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war against Ukraine and affirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine and others suffering from the effects of the war. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation to address global food insecurity.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg At a Joint Press Availability
06/01/2022
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg At a Joint Press Availability
06/01/2022 04:25 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. It is a pleasure to welcome the NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, Jens, my friend and colleague, back here to the State Department and to Washington. We’ve seen each other quite a bit over the last 15 months, mostly in Brussels. In fact, we did a little calculation, and it turns out I’ve spent more time in Brussels than any other city other than Washington, D.C., and that’s no coincidence. It’s because NATO is there; of course, our friends at the European Union as well. But it has been a center of our engagement, a center of our activity, and that’s been made all the better by the exceptional partnership that we have with Secretary General Stoltenberg and NATO.
I join people across Europe and indeed around the world in being grateful to the secretary general for his strong and steady leadership during such a consequential period for the Alliance and for the world. And we’re very, very glad that he agreed to extend his tenure through next fall.
Today’s meeting was an opportunity for us to touch base on the upcoming NATO summit, which will take place in Madrid, as you know, in just a few weeks’ time. There the Alliance will adopt a new strategic concept, the first one since 2010, to make sure that we’re ready to meet the challenges of today and the challenges that we anticipate for tomorrow. That includes everything from malicious activity occurring in cyberspace, the People’s Republic of China’s rapid militarization, its no-limits friendship with Russia, and efforts to weaken the rules-based international order that is the foundation for peace and security around the world; and, of course, the security implications of climate change, which are profound.
We’ll strengthen our relationships with the European Union and with partners in the Indo-Pacific. We will bolster NATO’s budget. And we will renew our Alliance’s defense and deterrence capabilities. Of course, the strategic concept will reflect what we are now dealing with, and that is a new security landscape in Europe and President Putin’s decision to launch a senseless war of aggression on Ukraine, now in its fourth month.
The people of Ukraine continue to fight with extraordinary courage and skill and with military, humanitarian, and financial support from the United States and countries around the world, including virtually all of the members of NATO. Just this morning President Biden announced a significant new security assistance package to arm Ukraine with additional capabilities in advanced weaponry, precisely what they need to defend themselves against the ongoing Russian aggression. That includes more advanced rocket systems so that they can strike key targets on the battlefield in Ukraine from longer distances. This is a continuation of a strategy that began even before Russia’s invasion. We moved quickly to send Ukraine significant amounts of weapons and ammunition so that they can repel Russia’s aggression and, in turn, can be in the strongest possible position at any negotiating table that may emerge.
This isn’t only the commitment of the United States. As I said, all NATO Allies remain engaged, aligned, committed to ensuring that Ukraine can protect its sovereignty, its democracy, its independence. Our countries, along with other partners, imposed severe consequences on the Russian Government and its enablers with unprecedented sanctions, export controls, and diplomatic pressure. Together we responded to the humanitarian crisis provoked by Russia’s war of aggression. More than 6 million Ukrainians forced to leave their homeland, many others displaced within Ukraine. Countries across Europe and beyond, including the United States, have welcomed Ukrainians fleeing the violence. And countries worldwide are helping provide essential services to communities close to Ukraine that have taken on the most refugees.
President Putin hoped that his war on Ukraine would divide NATO. Instead, he’s united NATO in support of Ukraine and in defense of its own members. He’s brought countries around the world together to support the fundamental principles of sovereignty and independence. They see what’s happening in Ukraine as a direct result – excuse me, a direct assault on the foundation of their own peace and security. That is why we will continue to stand with a democratic, independent, sovereign Ukraine until this terrible war is over, and for that matter, long after.
NATO will be prepared to face challenges like these with secure cyber defenses, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced partnerships, as I said, with countries around the world. We’ll make sure that we defend every inch of NATO territory. The Allies have reinforced our collective defense posture. Since the war began, we’ve deployed more than 20,000 additional troops to NATO’s eastern flank.
Many Allies are also increasing their military presence in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Last month, Finland and Sweden, two longstanding partners of NATO, made the decision to seek NATO membership.
As President Biden has said, this decision was a victory for democracy. Finland and Sweden are seeking to join NATO not because their leaders forced it but because their citizens demanded it. Anyone who wonders at the difference between a democracy and an authoritarian state like Russia need only look at Russia, Finland, and Sweden. One would lie to its people to wage a war, two would listen to their people to prevent war.
The United States strongly supports Finland and Sweden’s applications. Both countries are more than qualified to become full members of the Alliance as soon as possible. By joining NATO, they will strengthen NATO. We look forward to quickly bringing them into the strongest defensive Alliance in history.
While Finland and Sweden’s applications for NATO membership are being considered, the United States will continue our close partnership with both countries, will remain vigilant against any threats to our shared security. We will deter and, as necessary, confront aggression or the threat of aggression.
Jens, thank you again for making this visit to Washington at an important moment as we prepare for the summit. Very much looking forward to seeing you next time in a few weeks in Madrid, and to the even stronger and more resilient NATO that our summit will help to shape. Thank you, and welcome.
SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: Thank you so much, Secretary Blinken, dear Tony. It’s great to see you again, and thank you for your strong personal engagement for our transatlantic bond in this pivotal time for our security. And this is very much reflected in your frequent visits to Brussels. You are welcome back there again, but now I really appreciate this opportunity to meet with you here in Washington.
The United States is playing an indispensible role in our response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Now, let me commend the United States for your very significant support to Ukraine, which is making a difference on the battlefield every day. I also welcome the latest package of military assistance announced by President Biden this morning. This is a demonstration of real U.S. leadership. The strong support provided by NATO and Allies helps ensure that President Putin’s brutal aggression is not rewarded, and that Ukraine prevails.
At the same time, we must prevent the conflict from escalating, so we have increased our presence in the eastern part of the Alliance to remove any room for miscalculation in Moscow about NATO’s readiness and determination to defend and protect all NATO Allies.
Let me thank the United States for increasing your military presence across Europe, with over 100,000 troops backed by significant air and naval power. European allies and Canada are also stepping up with more troops, high readiness, and increased defense spending. For the seventh consecutive year, defense spending has increased, and more and more Allies are meeting our guideline of spending 2 percent of GDP on defense.
President Putin wanted less NATO. He is getting more NATO, more troops, and more NATO members.
The decisions by Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership are historic, and they will strengthen our Alliance. We have to address the security concerns of all Allies, and I’m confident that we will find the united way forward.
To this end, I’m in close contact with President Erdoğan of Turkey and with the leaders of Finland and Sweden. And I will convene senior officials from all three countries in Brussels in the coming days.
Today, we also discussed the important decisions we will take at the NATO summit in Madrid later this month. We will agree NATO’s next Strategic Concept, strengthen our deterrence and defense, and prepare for an age of increased strategic competition with authoritarian powers like Russia and China. This includes working even more closely with our partners in the Asia-Pacific and other likeminded partners around the world.
We will also review progress on burden-sharing. We must continue to invest in our defense and to invest in NATO because only North America and Europe, working together in a strong NATO, can keep our 1 billion people safe in a more dangerous world.
So Secretary Blinken, dear Tony, once again, thank you so much.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you, Jens.
MR PRICE: We’ll now turn to questions, taking two from each delegation. We’ll start with Vivian Salama of The Wall Street Journal.
QUESTION: Thanks, Ned. Thank you very much.
Secretary Blinken, two quick questions, please. With regard to the long-range weapons, what can be done or is being done to minimize escalation with Russia? And do you believe that there is an understanding in Moscow about the nuance that the U.S. is trying to achieve with regard to the weapons that it does choose to send to Ukraine?
And unrelated, on President Erdoğan’s latest threats of force to Syria, are you concerned that Turkey is increasingly becoming a disruptive ally, and how can it be addressed?
Shall I ask my questions to the Secretary General?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Please, go ahead.
QUESTION: Welcome back, sir. Two questions for you, as well. Cracks are appearing in the Western front against Moscow, despite the both of you stating that the Alliance is very strong, and we’re seeing that there is some disagreement over shipping more powerful weapons to Ukraine. How does NATO, as an organization, work to prevent the cooperation from going south at Ukraine’s expense? And more specifically, how does Ukraine win, which seems to be a key point in this disagreement? Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks. I’m happy to start. Vivian, thanks for the questions.
First, in response to the question about escalation, let’s start with this. It’s Russia that is attacking Ukraine, not the other way around. And simply put, the best way to avoid escalation is for Russia to stop the aggression and the war that it started. It’s fully within its power to do so.
Specifically with regard to weapons systems being provided, the Ukrainians have given us assurances that they will not use these systems against targets on Russian territory. There is a strong trust bond between Ukraine and the United States, as well as with our allies and partners.
I would also say that throughout this aggression – indeed, even before – President Biden was very clear with President Putin about what the United States would do if Russia proceeded with its aggression, including continuing to provide security assistance that Ukraine needs to defend itself against the Russian aggression. There was no hiding the ball. We’ve been extremely clear about this from day one, with President Biden communicating that directly to President Putin. So we have done exactly what we said we would do. And it is Russia, again, that chose to launch this aggression, despite all of our efforts to prevent that, with intense diplomacy over many months. Again, they started the conflict. They can end it at any time, and we will avoid any concerns about miscalculations or escalation.
With regard to the other theater that you referenced, any escalation there in northern Syria is something that we would oppose, and we support the maintenance of the current ceasefire lines. The concern that we have is that any new offensive would undermine regional stability, such as it is, provide malign actors with opportunities to exploit instability for their own purpose. We continue, effectively, to take the fight through partners to Daesh, to ISIS within Syria, and we don’t want to see anything that jeopardizes the efforts that are made to continue to keep ISIS in the box that we put it in.
And let me just also, if I could, before I turn it over to Jens, I do want to say one thing about the question that you addressed to the Secretary General. Here again, at every stage of this Russian aggression – before the aggression, when it started, and in the months since – at virtually every stage we have heard doubts expressed about what the Alliance would do, what countries would do in terms of support for Ukraine, and whether that was actually going to happen. We have demonstrated that it would, and that it has; concerns and doubts about whether we could really deliver on what we said we would do – massive consequences for Russia’s aggression with unprecedented sanctions. Well, we’ve delivered on that. And I would suggest that there are always going to be stories about differences in any particular moment.
But when it comes to the strategic direction that we have taken together as Allies, as partners, both within Europe and beyond, this, at least in my experience, has been unprecedented in its solidarity in the common determination both to support Ukraine with security assistance, economic assistance, humanitarian assistance, to put extraordinary pressure on Russia to cease its aggression, and to shore up the defenses of our Alliance.
And so, again, I’d invite you to go back, look at the questions that were raised starting last fall. They’ve been answered – then again, when Russia committed the aggression in the first place, and even to this day. And I am very confident that the common purpose that we’ve shown over many months will continue.
SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: I can just follow up on that, because what you have seen over the last months is an unprecedented level of unity among NATO Allies and partners in the response to Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine. We have seen that when it comes to the provision of military support, humanitarian support, economic support, but also the – in the way we have seen NATO Allies, partners, the European Union implementing heavy economic sanctions, sanctions we have not seen anything similar to imposed on any major country ever before. So actually, what we have seen is an unprecedented level of unity among NATO Allies and partners.
Of course, these are difficult decisions, hard decisions, and therefore there is a need for consultations, and therefore I would also like to commend the United States for consulting so closely with Allies not only after invasion on the 24th of February, but actually before. The United States consulted closely, Secretary Blinken consulted closely with NATO Allies throughout the autumn. We warned, we shared intelligence. There’s hardly any other military invasion that has been more predicted than this one, and that not least because the United States shared so much intelligence with NATO Allies in the months leading up to the invasion in February.
European allies – of course, as the United States – have imposed sanctions. They have a price also for us. They are hosting millions of refugees. But the alternative not to support Ukraine, that will actually enable President Putin to win. That will be dangerous for all of us, and the price we have to pay will actually be higher than to now invest in the support for Ukraine.
Let me end by saying that President Putin made a strategic mistake. He totally underestimated the strength and the will and the ability of the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian armed forces to defend themselves, and he underestimated the unity of NATO and NATO Allies and partners to support Ukraine. And again, what we see is U.S. leadership helping this to happen, both on the political-diplomatic level, but also when it comes to organizing and coordinating the military support through the Support Group for Ukraine.
On the last question, I would just say that wars are unpredictable. We were able to predict the invasion, but how this war will evolve, it’s very hard to predict. What we do know is that almost all wars end at some stage at the negotiating table, and this has also been clearly stated by President Zelenskyy that at some stage this will end at the negotiating table. But what happens there at the negotiating table is, of course, totally dependent on the strength, the situation on the battlefield. And that’s what we do: we support them in upholding their rightful self-defense, and then I have trust and I have confidence in the political leadership in Ukraine that they can make the hard judgments – judgments and decisions – on negotiations and what to agree to when negotiations at some point will start.
MR PRICE: Tove Bjørgaas of NRK Norway.
QUESTION: Thank you. I have one question for each. Secretary Blinken, do you think it’s possible to deter Russia with weapons at this point, and how far will the U.S. go?
And for Secretary Stoltenberg, we hear about nuclear exercises on the Russian side. What scenarios are you planning for in terms of the nuclear threat from Russia at this point in this war?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. I would say that it’s not so much a question of deterring Russia at this point, because they have committed the aggression and they’re pursuing it. What we are working to do – and the secretary general said this very eloquently – is to make sure that the Ukrainians have in hand what they need to defend against this aggression, to repel it, to push it back, and as well and as a result, to make sure that they have the strongest possible hand at any negotiating table that emerges.
And I agree with the secretary general that eventually that is what is likely to happen. We can’t say when; we can’t say exactly how. What we can say is what we will to make sure that Ukraine has the means to defend itself and has the strongest possible hand.
At every step along the way, we have evaluated what we believe Ukraine needs to do just that, to defend itself effectively. And, of course, that’s changed through the course of this aggression. What they needed to deal with the threats to Kyiv are very different from what they need to deal with what’s now happening in southern and eastern Ukraine. So we’ve adjusted as this has gone along in terms of what we and other allies and partners are providing to the Ukrainians. We’ll continue to do that as we go forward.
Again, it is fully within Russia’s power to stop what they started and to end the aggression. That’s what we seek. But as long as this goes on, we will support the Ukrainians and make sure that they have what they need to defend themselves effectively.
SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: NATO and NATO Allies are, of course, monitoring very closely what Russia does, including their nuclear exercises. And we have also followed very closely the nuclear rhetoric that President Putin, other Russian leader has – have expressed over the last months. This nuclear saber-rattling rhetoric is dangerous and it is something that is only increasing tensions.
At the same time, we have not seen any changes in Russia’s nuclear posture, and we also remind Russia on the fact that actually as late as in January, they agreed in the UN statement where they stated clearly that the nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought. So Russia knows that any use of nuclear weapons would totally change the nature of a conflict and therefore nuclear weapons should not be used.
MR PRICE: Kylie Atwood of CNN.
QUESTION: Thank you. Good morning. Secretary Blinken, two questions for you. First, on the food crisis that is growing deeper because of the war, is there any way to get the 20 million-plus tons of grain that are stuck in Odessa right now out of the country without Russia allowing those Ukrainian ships to move? And what will be the cost for Russia if they don’t allow those ships to move? We know that the United States is working on overland solutions here, but what is the cost for Russia if they don’t allow the sea routes to open?
And then the second question is about the timeline here. We’ve heard Biden administration officials talking about this conflict turning into a drawn-out conflict. It’s likely to go on for months. But with Russia making these gains in the east now, what is the outlook? Do you see this conflict going into next year without a resolution?
And then, NATO Secretary General, you mentioned that you’re going to convene leaders of Finland, Sweden, and Turkey in the coming days, so I’m wondering if you are expecting Sweden and Finland to come to the table with precise actions they are willing to take that could assuage Turkey’s concerns. And I’m also wondering if you’re confident that Turkey’s concerns about their membership will be addressed this month before the G7 summit. Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Kylie, thanks very much. With regard to the food situation, a couple of things. First, we are dealing with what is a global food insecurity challenge and even crisis. Pre-existing conditions – COVID, climate, and now conflict – all of these together have helped create a perfect storm where food, particularly from some of the breadbaskets for the world – Ukraine, Russia itself – are not available because of Russia’s aggression. And as a result as well, prices have gone up for the food that is available. And we had a situation where a couple of years ago there were roughly 100 million people who were food insecure around the world. Before the Russian aggression, over the last couple of years, that’s gone up to about 160 million.
Now an additional 40 million people, by expert accounts, are likely to be food insecure as a result directly of the Russian aggression because, to your point, what’s happening is this: There are roughly 20 to 25 million tons of grain that are sitting in silos near Russian – Ukrainian ports in Odessa that can’t even be moved to ships, in part because there are ships at the Odessa port – about 85 of them – full of this grain and wheat that can’t move because of the Russian effective blockade of the ports.
So the United Nations has been working – and the secretary-general, I applaud his efforts to see if he can find a way forward on this to allow the ships out, to end this blockade. That work continues. At the same time, we’re looking at every other possible route to get wheat, grains, other things out of Ukraine and onto world markets. All of that work is ongoing.
In terms of what Russia risks, well, I would start with what’s left of its reputation. It seeks relationships with countries around the world, including many countries that are now the victim of Russian aggression because of growing food insecurity resulting from that aggression. We were in New York about 10 days ago. We had the presidency, as you know, of the Security Council for the month of May. I focused our efforts on the food insecurity challenges that are being faced around the world, and many countries pointed out that a big part of this is the Russian aggression and the fact that food can’t get out of Ukraine to where it’s needed. So I think there’s a growing recognition of countries around the world that the challenges that they’re facing now – compounded by conflict, compounded by Russia’s aggression – are due to what Russia is doing.
I’d point out again that – to those who are concerned that the sanctions we’ve imposed on Russia are somehow impeding the delivery of food, that is simply not true. The sanctions have exemptions for food and – including services necessary to make sure that food moves, like banking services. We have – we’ve had one of our senior officials go around the world to make that very clear to other countries and to help them with any questions they may have. This is on Russia. And regardless of anything else, you would think the least that the Russians would do would be to make sure that other countries are not suffering from their aggression despite the suffering they’re imposing on the Ukrainians.
With regard to timelines, the secretary general said it well. We can’t predict how this is going to play out, when this is going to play out. As best we can assess right now, we are still looking at many months of conflict. Again, that could be over tomorrow if Russia chose to end the aggression. We don’t see any signs of that right now, but it’s a moving picture, as the secretary general said. That’s by definition what wars are. And I’ll just repeat what I said. As long as this goes on, we want to make sure that Ukraine has in hand what it needs to defend itself, and we want to make sure that Russia is feeling strong pressure from as many countries as possible to end the aggression. That’s the best way, we think, to bring the aggression to a close as soon as possible, to end the war, to get to diplomacy, and to stop the suffering.
SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: On Finland and Sweden, I and my staff, we are in close contact of course with Turkey, an important NATO Ally. And the two countries that have applied for NATO membership, Finland and Sweden, we have met with them and I’m going to convene the meeting in a few days with senior officials and then follow up to ensure that we make progress on the applications of Finland and Sweden to join NATO. My intention is to have this in place before the NATO summit. At the same time, I know that to make progress we need 30 Allies to agree.
Finland and Sweden has made – have made it clear that they are ready to sit down and to address the concerns expressed by Turkey. And all NATO Allies are of course ready to sit down and address those concerns, including the threats posed to Turkey by PKK. And this is terrorist threats, which of course is something we are taking very seriously. We know that no other NATO Ally has suffered more terrorist attacks than Turkey. And Turkey is an important Ally, not least because of its strategic geographic location bordering Iraq and Syria. They have been important in our fight against ISIS, and also Black Sea country, close to Russia.
So all of this makes Turkey an important Ally. When they raise concerns, of course, we sit down and we look into how we can find the united way forward.
MR PRICE: We’ll take a final question from Stefan Asberg of SVT Sweden.
QUESTION: Secretary Blinken, two questions. Specifically what is the U.S. willing to do to facilitate the negotiations between Turkey, Sweden, and Finland?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Were there two questions?
MR PRICE: Please, go ahead.
QUESTION: I kind of want to ask one a time.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: One at a time. Okay. Thank you. You’ve heard from the secretary general Finland and Sweden are working directly with Turkey. NATO is supporting this effort. The secretary general will bring the parties together. We very much support those efforts. There is a strong consensus within NATO broadly for the rapid accession of Sweden and Finland to the Alliance. I remain very confident that that will happen, that we’re going to move forward. As I’ve said before, this is a process, and in that process, if Allies have concerns, they raise them and then we deal with them. NATO is dealing with them. But in particular, concerns that Turkey has raised directly with Finland and Sweden are being addressed by the Fins and the Swedes with the assistance of NATO. We want to make sure that all Allies have their security concerns taken into account, and that, of course, includes Turkey, but I’m confident this process will move forward.
QUESTION: Are U.S. willing to export fighter jets to Turkey, for instance, to easen up the situation?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: These are separate questions. We have a longstanding and ongoing defense relationship with Turkey as a NATO Ally. And as we have in the past, as we’re doing now, as we will in the future, we’ll continue to work through cases as they arise with regard to systems that Turkey seeks to acquire.
QUESTION: And Secretary Stoltenberg, how confident are you that Turkey will approve Sweden and Finland?
SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: I’m confident that we will find a way forward. And I am confident because all Allies agree that NATO enlargement has been a great success, helping to spread democracy, freedom across Europe for decades. And therefore we need to sit down, as we always do when there are different views in NATO, and find a way to go forward together. So this is not the first time in NATO that some Allies expressed concerns, that there are some differences, some disagreements, but we have a long track record in NATO also to be able to overcome those differences and then agree on how to move forward.
MR PRICE: That concludes the press conference. Thank you —
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, everyone.
SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: Thank you.
The Anniversary of the Founding of the Italian Republic
06/02/2022
The Anniversary of the Founding of the Italian Republic
06/02/2022 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Italy on the 76th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Republic.
On this day, Italy and the United States celebrate our shared heritage and values including freedom, democracy, rule of law, and our flourishing cultural ties. Millions of Americans proudly claim Italian heritage and family, a testament to the enduring relationship between our two nations and the mutual commitments that we hold dear.
Italy and the United States are committed partners on a range of global issues – defense cooperation, energy security and the green transition, food security, and more. Italy continues to play a key role as we work together to counter Russia’s aggression, support the people of Ukraine, and hold Putin to account. We honor Italy’s role as a vital NATO Ally, committed to our common ideal of a free and prosperous Europe.
I extend my best wishes to the Italian people on this day of celebration.
Targeting Russia’s Oligarchs and Vessels
06/02/2022
Targeting Russia’s Oligarchs and Vessels
06/02/2022 12:22 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale further invasion of Ukraine on February 24, leading to civilian casualties and widespread reports of war crimes and other atrocities perpetrated by Russia’s forces in Ukraine. The world has seen the extraordinary bravery of the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutality. The United States will continue to work with our partners and allies to impose severe costs on the Government of the Russian Federation for its aggression against Ukraine and utter disregard for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Department of State is designating more Russian oligarchs and elites today, in addition to family members and entities associated with those oligarchs and elites.
Specifically, we are designating God Nisanov, one of the richest men in Europe and a close associate of several Russian officials, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024. The Department of State is similarly designating Evgeny Novitskiy, a Russian elite with close ties to the Government of the Russian Federation.
We are also designating Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for her role as an official of the Government of the Russian Federation. The EU, UK, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand have previously designated Maria Zakharova. The Department is designating Sergei Gorkov for his role in the Government of the Russian Federation as the head of RosGeo.
Finally, the Department is designating Alexey Mordashov, the leader of Severgroup and one of Russia’s wealthiest billionaires, along with his wife and two adult children. The EU, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK previously designated Alexey Mordashov. Four of Mordashov’s companies are also being designated, including: Severgroup, a multi-billion-dollar investment company operating in metallurgy, engineering, tourism, banking, technology, media and finance; Severstal, which is among Russia’s leading domestic steel producers; Algoritm, a Russian technology, media, and advertising company; and Nord Gold, which is a gold mining company with operations in Russia, Africa, South America, and North America.
Additionally, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking further action to degrade the networks allowing Russia’s elites, including President Putin, to anonymously make use of luxury assets around the globe. OFAC’s action targets close associate of President Putin and money-manager, Sergei Roldugin, further designates entities connected to Russian elites, and identifies yachts and aircraft in which Russia’s elites maintain interests.
President Putin’s war against Ukraine is also an attack on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, enshrined in the UN Charter. Ukraine is fighting valiantly to defend its people and its independence with unprecedented assistance from the United States and countries around the world. The United States will continue to support the people of Ukraine while promoting accountability for President Putin and those enabling Russian aggression.
For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release and State Department Fact Sheet.
Promoting Accountability and Imposing Costs on the Russian Federation and Its Enablers for Putin’s Aggression Against Ukraine
06/02/2022
Promoting Accountability and Imposing Costs on the Russian Federation and Its Enablers for Putin’s Aggression Against Ukraine
06/02/2022 10:51 AM EDT
The Department of State is taking additional steps to target Russia’s oligarchs and elites, in close coordination with partners and allies, with the goal of imposing severe costs on the Government of the Russian Federation and limiting the Kremlin’s ability to fund Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES DESIGNATED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENTGod Nisanov, an oligarch with close ties to numerous Russian officials, is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 section 1(a)(vii). Nisanov is a real estate investor and one of the richest people in Europe.
Evgeny Novitskiy, a Russian elite with close ties to the Government of Russia, is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 section 1(a)(vii).
Maria Zakharova is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 section 1(a)(iii)(A) for her role as an official of the Government of the Russian Federation as the spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry. The EU, UK, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand have previously designated Maria Zakharova.
Sergey Gorkov, the head of RosGeo and a former executive of sanctioned banks, is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 section 1(a)(iii)(A) for his involvement in the Government of the Russian Federation via RosGeo.
Severgroup is a multi-billion-dollar Russia’s investment company with holdings and subsidiaries in metallurgy, engineering, mining, tourism, banking, technology, media, and finance, among other sectors. Severgroup is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(i) because it operates or has operated in the financial services sector of the Russian Federation economy.
Alexey Mordashov, the leader of Severgroup Limited Liability Company and one of Russia’s wealthiest billionaires, is being designated, pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(C) of E.O. 14024, for being a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of Severgroup, an entity whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024 section 1(a)(i). The EU, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK previously designated Alexey Mordashov.Family members of Alexey Mordashov who are being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(v) of E.O. 14024 for being the spouse or adult child of a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 1(a)(ii) or 1(a)(iii) of E.O. 14024 are:Marina Mordashova
Nikita Mordashov
Kirill MordashovEntities designated for relation to Alexey Mordashov include:Severstal is among Russia’s leading domestic steel producers. Severstal is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(vii) because it is owned or controlled by Alexey Mordashov, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(C) of E.O. 14024.
Algoritm is a holding company that controls dozens of Russian technology, media, and advertising companies. Algoritm is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 section 1(a)(vii) because it is owned or controlled by Alexey Mordashov, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(C) of E.O. 14024.
Nord Gold is a gold mining company with assets and operations around the world, including in the Russian Federation, Burkina Faso, French Guiana, Guinea, Kazakhstan, and Canada. Nord Gold is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 section 1(a)(vii) because it is owned or controlled by Alexey Mordashov, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(C) of E.O. 14024.In addition, the Department of the Treasury issued two new general licenses (“GL”) and amended one GL in connection with the Department’s designations of Severstal, Nord Gold, and Alogritm. Specifically:Under GL 36, all transactions prohibited by E.O. 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of transactions involving Public Joint Stock Company Severstal or any entity in which Public Joint Stock Company Severstal owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, August 31, 2022, provided that any payment to Public Joint Stock Company Severstal or any other blocked person must be made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR)
Under GL 37, all transactions prohibited by E.O. 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of transactions involving Nord Gold PLC, or any entity in which Nord Gold PLC owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, July 1, 2022, provided that any payment to Nord Gold PLC or any other blocked person must be made into a blocked account in accordance with the RuHSR.
GL 25 was amended to exclude Algorithm, an entity that will be designated pursuant to E.O. 14024, from the scope of the authorization. GL 25 authorizes all transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the receipt or transmission of telecommunications involving the Russian Federation that are prohibited by the RuHSR. Additionally, GL 25 authorizes the exportation or re-exportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by U.S. persons, wherever located, to the Russian Federation of services, software, hardware, or technology incident to the exchange of communications over the internet, such as instant messaging, videoconferencing, chat and email, social networking, sharing of photos, movies, and documents, web browsing, blogging, web hosting, and domain name registration services, that is prohibited by the RuHSR.
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.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Truss
06/02/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Truss
06/02/2022 02:04 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Secretary Truss discussed the urgency of continued support to Ukraine, including vital humanitarian and security assistance. The Secretary reconfirmed the importance of transatlantic unity in holding those who support the Kremlin’s war of choice to account, as well as ensuring vital agricultural commodities can leave Ukraine to provide the world critical food supplies.
The two discussed the importance of peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland, and the Secretary encouraged continued dialogue between the UK and the EU. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Secretary Truss also discussed pandemic preparedness, and the Secretary stressed the importance of increased funding to the Global Fund, emphasizing the critical role it plays in strengthening health systems and fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria around the world.
Joint Statement on the U.S. – North Macedonia Strategic Dialogue
06/02/2022
Joint Statement on the U.S. – North Macedonia Strategic Dialogue
06/02/2022 05:40 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is the text of a joint statement by the United States of America and the Republic of North Macedonia on the occasion of the U.S. – North Macedonia Strategic Dialogue.
Begin text:
On June 2, 2022, the Governments of the United States and North Macedonia held a Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D.C., focused on deepening the bilateral partnership. North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister, Bujar Osmani, and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Dr. Karen Donfried, led the Strategic Dialogue. They affirmed the strong relationship between their two countries and looked forward to jointly advancing shared priorities on security and prosperity bilaterally, on the European continent, and throughout the world.
Regional Initiatives
The United States and North Macedonia underscored their strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and freedom to pursue its chosen European future. They called on Russia to cease its unprovoked war immediately and fully withdraw from Ukraine. The United States and North Macedonia affirmed their commitment to the regional integration of the Western Balkans through political, economic, and security initiatives, and underscored their support for the economic integration and prosperity of the Western Balkans. The United States emphasized the importance of advancing the EU accession process for North Macedonia and Albania as soon as possible. They supported the constructive involvement of North Macedonia in regional stability and security initiatives, including Initiative VIII and B6, initiated by North Macedonia, as well as North Macedonia’s intent to become a member of the Three Seas Initiative. The United States looked forward to supporting the work of North Macedonia when it takes over the OSCE Chairmanship in 2023.
Defense and Security
As NATO’s newest Ally, North Macedonia underscored its commitment to promoting peace and stability on the European continent. Both the United States and North Macedonia stressed the strategic importance of developing high-end defense capabilities, conducting bilateral exercises and training activities to improve interoperability and readiness, and the importance of meeting NATO commitments in support of collective security. The United States acknowledged the achievements of North Macedonia with respect to the modernization and equipping of its Armed Forces with advanced military assets, as well as the efforts to advance its cybersecurity and cyber defense capabilities. The United States commended the development of North Macedonia’s Krivolak training area to serve complex training engagements of NATO allies and partners. The United States welcomed North Macedonia’s signing of the 1951 Agreement on the Status of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, National Representatives and International Staff (also known as the “Ottawa Agreement”). The United States and North Macedonia reaffirmed their cooperation within the U.S. – Adriatic Charter (A5), as a unique platform for regional cooperation, and looked forward to working together closely during North Macedonia’s forthcoming 2023 Chairmanship of the Charter.
Energy and Environment
The two countries restated their commitment to increasing energy diversification and independence in support of national security and in a manner that prevents the worst impacts of climate change by keeping a limit of 1.5 degree Celsius of temperature rise within reach. The United State and North Macedonia restated their commitment to strengthening partnership in transitional and renewable energy production. North Macedonia reiterated its commitments to phase out coal by 2030 and contribute to the Global Methane Pledge goal of a 30-percent reduction in global anthropogenic methane emissions by 2030 from 2020 levels.
People-to-People Ties
The United States and North Macedonia affirmed their commitment to expand educational, cultural, and professional exchanges that foster mutual understanding between the people of both nations and reflect shared values, aspirations, and goals. The United States commended North Macedonia for joining the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance as a full member in 2022. Both countries looked forward to strengthening promotion of education and historically accurate remembrance.
Bilateral Cooperation, Good Governance, and Rule of Law
Both countries are committed to promoting democracy, rule of law, and human rights both regionally and globally, and build on pledges made at the Summit for Democracy hosted by President Biden. The Year of Action is an opportunity for both countries to implement Summit commitments and continue our efforts to strengthen democracy at home, regionally, and globally. The United States welcomed North Macedonia’s interest in becoming a partner country with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry Program.
Trade and Investment
The two countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to broaden and deepen bilateral economic and commercial cooperation. The United States recognized North Macedonia as a strategically important emerging market with high growth potential. North Macedonia and the United States expressed readiness to seize commercial opportunities, advance business climate reforms, and to continue identifying and reducing barriers to trade and investment.
End Text.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And North Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani Before Their Meeting
06/02/2022
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And North Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani Before Their Meeting
06/02/2022 06:19 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Thomas Jefferson Room
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. It’s a real pleasure to have Foreign Minister Osmani here. We are welcome – welcome to the State Department, welcome to Washington – our newest NATO Ally, but also I am very pleased that we’ve initiated the Strategic Dialogue, which I think will only serve to deepen cooperation, coordination, collaboration between North Macedonia and the United States. We’re very, very pleased to do that.
And I also want to say how much we appreciate the very significant reform agenda that North Macedonia has been engaged on, on democracy, on energy, on regional economic initiatives. All of these are significant, they’re important, and we support them very much.
Equally, we strongly support North Macedonia’s EU accession process ambitions. We very much want to see that move forward, and we’ll continue to help support that in any way that we can.
And of course, we have a lot to talk about when it comes to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. As it happens, I think you were just in Kyiv on one of the days when I was speaking to our friend Dmytro Kuleba, the foreign minister there, so I’m anxious to exchange views with you on that.
But for now, welcome. Very good to have you here.
FOREIGN MINISTER OSMANI: Thank you so much. State Secretary Blinken, dear Antony, thank you so much for the warm welcome and the hospitality, and also thanks to your team for the exceptional organization. This is such an important day to us. Launching of the Strategic Dialogue between the United States and the Republic of Macedonia represents a significant milestone in our overall bilateral relations, and I think it’s a logical step forward since 30 years of established diplomatic relations and 15 years of strategic partnership, and particularly two years Allies in NATO.
I think that this will open a new chapter of cooperation, will frame our overall cooperation, put some dynamism and predictability. And this is particularly important now when our values have been challenged; and us likeminded countries that we share same values, we need to be closely coordinated to address those challenges.
We are grateful for the support that the United States has been providing to North Macedonia throughout the years – the political support that has brought us to this day to have a functional multiethnic democracy, a unique kind that serves as a reference, I would say, as a model, to the region, but also as a democratic governance and democratic institutions. I think the highlight of our cooperation has been our membership to NATO, and we are grateful for the support you have been providing to us. It was our first and most important strategic goal to North Macedonia. We are trying these two years to be of added value not only to the Alliance but in our region as a constructive NATO partner.
And we are also grateful for supporting us in our EU membership aspiration. It was crucial to us that you see it as a strategic goal, but also for supporting our society to meet the criterias. And we will continue to work together in overcoming the (inaudible) disputes we have in order to become member of EU and to push forward the entire region into Euro-Atlantic anchoring.
Thank you so much for having me today.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Thanks, everyone.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Osmani
06/03/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Osmani
06/03/2022 09:34 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met yesterday with North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani in Washington, D.C. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Osmani celebrated the occasion of the U.S.-North Macedonia strategic dialogue and a strengthening of the bilateral relationship in the face of conflict on the European continent. The leaders noted their strong cooperation at NATO and partnership in preparations for North Macedonia’s OSCE Chairmanship in 2023. Secretary Blinken thanked Foreign Minister Osmani for North Macedonia’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s aggression. The Secretary reiterated U.S. support for North Macedonia’s expeditious EU accession and regional economic integration, and emphasized the importance of leadership in advancing political and economic reforms in the Western Balkans.
One Hundred Days of the Kremlin’s War Against Ukraine
06/03/2022
One Hundred Days of the Kremlin’s War Against Ukraine
06/03/2022 12:56 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
In the one hundred days since Russian President Putin ordered his forces to further invade Ukraine, the world has seen the courage and determination of the people of Ukraine as they fight for their country. Since February 24, the United States has provided more than 6.3 billion dollars of security, humanitarian and economic assistance to help Ukraine prevail. As President Biden has said, our goal is straightforward: The United States wants to see a democratic, independent, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine with the means to deter and defend itself against further aggression.
We again call on President Putin to immediately end this conflict and all the suffering and global upheaval his war of choice has caused. Neither the United States nor our allies and partners seek to prolong the war to inflict pain on Russia. We greatly respect the citizens of Russia, who are not our enemy and who deserve a better future than what continued war and increasing repression will bring.
To the families of Ukraine who have lost loved ones, who have been separated by violence, whose villages, apartments, schools, and hospitals have been hit by bombs, shells and missiles, who have been sent to and survived Russia’s so-called “filtration” camps: The United States stands with you; we will help you defend your sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we will help you rebuild when this war is over.
Ukraine will prevail.
Invocation of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism to Investigate Mounting Reports of Human Rights Abuses and International Humanitarian Law Violations by Russia in Ukraine
06/03/2022
Invocation of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism to Investigate Mounting Reports of Human Rights Abuses and International Humanitarian Law Violations by Russia in Ukraine
06/03/2022 12:54 PM EDT
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
With Ukraine’s assent, the United States and 44 other countries have invoked the OSCE Moscow Mechanism a second time since the start of Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine to investigate reports of human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law by Russian forces in Ukraine. This action will establish an expert mission to build upon the first Moscow Mechanism report, released April 13. That report focused on grave concerns regarding the humanitarian and human rights situation in Ukraine caused by Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war, with the support of Belarus. That report found “clear patterns of international humanitarian law violations by Russian forces” and evidence of direct targeting of civilians, attacks on medical facilities, rape, executions, looting, and forced deportation of civilians to Russia.
The second expert mission will continue and update the first mission’s impartial work to establish facts and circumstances surrounding possible contraventions of OSCE commitments and abuses and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Ukraine. The expert mission will prepare a new report that will be shared with all OSCE participating States and relevant accountability mechanisms, including national, regional, and international courts and tribunals, as appropriate. The United States and our partners will continue our efforts to hold Russia’s forces accountable for all human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes, they commit in Ukraine.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Kofod
06/03/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Kofod
06/03/2022 01:19 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod in Washington, D.C. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Kofod discussed joint leadership across a range of issues, including NATO cooperation and food security. Secretary Blinken thanked Foreign Minister Kofod for Denmark’s support to the people of Ukraine and efforts to hold Russian President Putin accountable for his brutal war. They also discussed ways that cooperation on quantum computing can benefit our economies and our societies.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod Before Their Meeting
06/03/2022
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod Before Their Meeting
06/03/2022 01:57 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Thomas Jefferson Room
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone. It’s a special pleasure for me to welcome my friend Jeppe, the foreign minister of Denmark, and his entire team here to the State Department and to the United States. One of the very first trips that I took in this job was to Denmark, and it really in so many ways set us off on the course that we’ve been following ever since, which is to re-energize and reinvigorate our closest alliances and partnerships, and it really started with Denmark.
We found that, it’s safe to say, we’re in violent agreement on just about everything. (Laughter.) But that’s so important because the United States and Denmark are working together to advance democratic values and principles, to deal together with the aggression that we see from Russia against Ukraine, to work together on many other issues that will help shape the future, including quantum technologies, something we’ll talk about today. I think it captures the breadth and depth of one of the most vital relationships we have, one of the closest allies and partners that we have. We’ve spent a lot of time together on the phone, but on the margins of various NATO meetings. And simply put, especially in the times of challenge that we face now, having these close partnerships, relationships, alliances are more important than ever.
So we have a lot that we will cover, but it’s particularly good in these moments to meet with friends, to be with close friends. Denmark is just that.
Jeppe.
FOREIGN MINISTER KOFOD: Well, thank you so much, Tony, Secretary of State. It’s really a great pleasure to be here in D.C. It’s a little more than a year ago we came to visit and we had a fantastic, excellent talk where we, as you said, violently agree on everything. (Laughter.) But the focus on our values, our democratic values, the rule of law, all of that we discussed at the time. I think what we see in Ukraine right now is a good reminder why this is so important. And Denmark and the United States stands so firmly together. You are our most important ally and we work on many, many levels. Quantum computing is one thing, green transformation, upholding rules and norms that we shouldn’t take for granted, our democratic rules, and also standing together in so many alliances, working to profess our own values.
So thank you so much, Tony, for receiving me here and the delegation. I really have looked forward to come here today.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Thanks, everyone.
Acting Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center Bray’s Trip to Belgium and the United Kingdom
06/03/2022
Acting Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center Bray’s Trip to Belgium and the United Kingdom
06/03/2022 07:02 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Acting Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center Leah Bray will travel to Brussels, Belgium, from June 5 to 9 and to London, United Kingdom, from June 10 to 14. Acting Coordinator Bray will be accompanied by Bureau of Global Public Affairs Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Bill Russo.
In Brussels, Acting Coordinator Bray will attend the Atlantic Council’s 360/Open Summit and co-host the Technology and Trade Council’s first conference on countering disinformation. The conference will include a joint GEC and European External Action Service analyst-to-analyst workshop to improve shared capabilities to counter disinformation.
In London, Acting Coordinator Bray will meet with her counterparts to discuss increased coordination of U.S.-U.K. efforts to counter disinformation around the globe.
