U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin

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Russia’s National Day
06/12/2022

Russia’s National Day
06/12/2022 12:01 AM EDT

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I express my wish for a more peaceful, open future for the people of Russia as they commemorate Russia Day. June 12, 1990, marked an important step in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Russia for freedom, democracy, and the breaking down of barriers that separate them from the rest of the world. Russian citizens, like people everywhere, deserve to live their lives free of repression and to be able to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms without fear of retribution. This includes being able to voice their opinions and peacefully participate in civil and political activities in their own country.

Sadly, that is not the reality in today’s Russia, where the Kremlin has intensified its crackdown against civil society and independent media. Too many Russian citizens are behind bars for the “crime” of speaking truth to power about their government’s actions. This internal repression is occurring as the Kremlin is waging an unprovoked and unjustified war against a sovereign, neighboring state. Russia’s government is attempting to keep its citizens in the dark about the atrocities it is committing against the people of Ukraine.

The Kremlin’s war has left Russia isolated internationally, and it is robbing Russian citizens of the possibility of building a better future in harmony with their neighbors. This isolation is not inevitable, but results from the decisions of Russia’s leaders. On this Russia Day, we recognize the desires of the people of Russia who still seek – as they did in June 1990 – freedom and dignity, often at great personal risk.


Secretary Blinken’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Truss
06/13/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Truss
06/13/2022 03:33 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 to continue coordinating vital assistance to Ukraine and maintaining transatlantic unity against the Kremlin’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Secretary Blinken expressed his concern regarding recent reports of a sham “trial” and its judgments against lawful combatants serving in Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

The two discussed the Northern Ireland Protocol, and the Secretary urged Foreign Secretary Truss to continue good faith negotiations with the EU to reach a solution that preserves the gains of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. They also recognized the one-year anniversary of President Biden and Prime Minister Johnson’s New Atlantic Charter, and the Secretary lauded progress that the U.S. and UK have made together in combating the global pandemic, fighting climate change, boosting trade, enhancing our security, and defending democratic values across the world.


Designation of Anton Thulin as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist
06/15/2022

Designation of Anton Thulin as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist
06/15/2022 10:57 AM EDT

Ned Price, Department Spokesperson

The U.S. government remains deeply concerned about the evolving racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist (REMVE) threat worldwide. An element of it entails violent white supremacists traveling internationally to train and fight with likeminded individuals. As part of our efforts to counter this threat, the Department of State is designating Anton Thulin as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) pursuant to Executive order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, for posing a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism.

Additionally, the Department of the Treasury is designating, under E.O. 13244, Stanislav Shevchuk for acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM); and Alexander Zhuchovsky for materially assisting, sponsoring, or providing financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, RIM.

RIM, which was designated by the Department of State as an SDGT in 2020, is an ultranationalist, white supremacist group based in Russia that provides paramilitary-style training to white supremacists and neo-Nazis and plays a prominent role in attempting to rally Europeans and Americans into a common front against perceived enemies.

In 2016, Anton Thulin, a Swedish citizen, traveled to St. Petersburg and received paramilitary training from RIM, including in bomb-making. In 2017, a Swedish court convicted Thulin and sentenced him to 22 months in prison in connection with the detection of a powerful homemade bomb near a refugee residential center in Gothenburg, Sweden. After serving his sentence, Thulin sought to receive additional paramilitary training in Poland, before he was expelled by Polish authorities who cited the “serious, real, and current threat to security and public order” he posed.

The United States is designating Anton Thulin because his continued pursuit of terrorist training, even after serving his prison sentence for his role in the 2017 attack in Sweden, demonstrates that he continues to pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism.

As a result of these actions, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with those designated today. Their property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. Terrorist designations expose and isolate entities and individuals and prevent them from exploiting the U.S. financial system. Moreover, designations can assist the law enforcement activities of U.S. agencies and other relevant enforcement entities and governments.


Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
06/15/2022

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
06/15/2022 01:06 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to share updates on U.S. assistance to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war. The Secretary and Foreign Minister Kuleba discussed steps to expedite the delivery of heavy weaponry to Ukraine and bolster the Ukrainian economy, including efforts to ensure that Ukrainian agricultural products reach international markets. The Secretary underscored the United States’ diplomatic efforts to solve the global food security crisis caused by President Putin’s war of choice in Ukraine and previewed U.S. objectives for the upcoming G7 and NATO Summits.


$1 Billion of New U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
06/15/2022
$1 Billion of New U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
06/15/2022 04:41 PM EDT

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Today, we announced an additional $1 billion in additional military assistance for Ukraine. Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our twelfth drawdown of arms and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense inventories for Ukraine’s defense since August 2021, valued at up to $350 million. This authorization, combined with $650 million in additional assistance also announced today under the U.S. Department of Defense’s Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, will bring total U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to over $5.6 billion since Russia launched its brutal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

When he decided to launch an unjustified invasion against his neighbor, President Putin intended to divide the United States and its Allies and partners. Nevertheless, we are stronger and more united than ever. The Kremlin thought it would undermine or even overthrow the Ukrainian government, but President Zelenskyy and the democratically elected government of Ukraine stand strong. Russia’s forces lost the battle for Kyiv and continue a slow and grinding offensive in Ukraine’s east and south, held back by Ukraine’s resolute and valiant defenders.

U.S. security assistance and that of more than 40 Allies and partners continue to strengthen Ukraine’s position to defend its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, secure victories on the battlefield, and ultimately strengthen Ukraine’s position at the negotiating table. We have imposed powerful sanctions on Russia, bolstered NATO’s deterrence and defense on the Eastern Flank, and provided historic levels of military and other assistance to Ukraine as it has bravely defended its territory and its freedom.

Our resolve is unwavering. We stand united with Ukraine.


Acting Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs Trudeau’s Travel to Germany
06/16/2022
Acting Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs Trudeau’s Travel to Germany
06/16/2022 12:16 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson

Acting Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau will travel to Bonn, Germany, June 17-20 to attend the G7 Media Ministerial with diplomatic counterparts from each of the G7 countries. While in Bonn, Acting Assistant Secretary Trudeau will discuss the protection of media professionals and journalists, especially in light of the war in Ukraine; the role of media in democratic societies; ensuring access to reliable information and media independence; and cooperation with civil society. During the meeting, the ministers intend to issue a communiqué pledging increased cooperation to support and strengthen independent media as free and independent media is a cornerstone of healthy democracies.

Following the G7 meeting, Acting Assistant Secretary Trudeau will attend the Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum where she will participate in a plenary entitled “Shaping the Future of Journalism in Wartimes.” The Acting Assistant Secretary’s trip supports U.S. commitments to press freedom and underscores U.S. solidarity with G7 countries working to strengthen democracy.


Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Rinkevics
06/16/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Rinkevics
06/16/2022 09:46 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman met today with Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics in Washington, D.C., to discuss NATO force posture, energy security, and Allied support for Ukraine. Deputy Secretary Sherman emphasized the U.S. ironclad commitment to the defense of its Baltic Allies. Deputy Secretary Sherman and Rinkevics discussed cooperation on the global food security crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Deputy Secretary also thanked Latvia for its leadership of the Three Seas Initiative over the past year and expressed her hope for a successful June 20-21 Three Seas Summit in Riga.




Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Greenland Prime Minister Egede and Foreign Minister Motzfeldt
06/16/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Greenland Prime Minister Egede and Foreign Minister Motzfeldt
06/16/2022 09:55 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman met today with Greenland Prime Minister Múte B. Egede and Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt in Washington, D.C. Deputy Secretary Sherman thanked Prime Minister Egede and Foreign Minister Motzfeldt for Greenland’s support for sanctions related to Putin’s brutal war of choice on Ukraine. The three also highlighted the United States and Greenland’s strong cooperation on critical minerals, trade, and investment to strengthen joint prosperity and sustainable development in the Arctic during the global green energy transition.




Iceland’s National Day
06/17/2022

Iceland’s National Day
06/17/2022 12:42 AM EDT



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Iceland as you celebrate your National Day.

Over the past seven decades, the United States and Iceland have built a strong friendship based on shared democratic values, a commitment to human rights, and close cooperation in defense of regional and global security. As NATO Allies, we will continue to strengthen Transatlantic security and coordinate closely our response to threats to the rules-based international order, which is the foundation for peace and security around the world.

The United States and Iceland are committed to supporting Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty, democracy, and independence. Our countries are advancing Transatlantic cooperation on climate action and Arctic issues that will deliver gains for people on both sides of the Atlantic. The enduring partnership and vibrant people-to-people ties between Americans and Icelanders will ensure our friendship remains strong in the years to come.

I wish all the people of Iceland peace, prosperity, and good health over the coming year.




U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Lenderking’s Travel to Sweden and Oman
06/17/2022

U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Lenderking’s Travel to Sweden and Oman
06/17/2022 08:49 AM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking will travel to Stockholm, Sweden, to participate in the Yemen International Forum hosted by the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies and the Folke Bernadotte Academy, the Swedish government agency for peace, security and development. The Special Envoy will meet with a diverse group of Yemenis, including members from committees associated with the Presidential Leadership Council, representatives from marginalized communities, women leaders, and civil society and humanitarian organizations doing important work for the Yemeni people. While in Stockholm, Special Envoy Lenderking will also meet with UN Special Envoy Grundberg and other senior UN and European government officials supporting UN-led peace efforts to bring lasting relief to Yemenis.

The United States supports opportunities that create space for Yemenis to meet in a structured and focused manner to build on UN-led peace efforts and diplomatic efforts to move toward a durable solution to this conflict.

Special Envoy Lenderking will then travel to Muscat, Oman, to express appreciation for the government of Oman’s support for the UN-brokered truce in Yemen and discuss current efforts to implement the truce.

During his trip he will highlight the need for a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive peace process that durably ends the war and meets civil society’s call for justice and accountability. Simultaneously, the Special Envoy will reiterate the urgent need for donors to work together now to help stabilize Yemen’s economy and mobilize assistance that demonstrates the value of peace.


How We Will Continue to Work towards COVID-19 Global Recovery
06/17/2022

How We Will Continue to Work towards COVID-19 Global Recovery

06/17/2022

View as a webpage  /  Share FROM THE DESK OF Secretary Antony J. Blinken U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE This week, I joined the Global Action Plan Senior Officials Meeting. Together, we coordinated concrete steps to defeat COVID-19 and planned for the future. I am grateful for the actions our partners have taken to confront this pandemic and better prepare the world for health threats. Four months ago, our countries created the Global Action Plan to try to accelerate our efforts to vaccinate 70 percent of our people against COVID-19, the goal set by the World Health Organization (WHO). I think we all knew that hitting that target would take countries stepping up together in a highly coordinated way. So we identified key gaps that remained, we established together six lines of effort to bridge those gaps, and then everyone in this room in effect took responsibility for leading this effort and doing it together. And we have made significant progress on each of these lines of effort. A lot more work remains to be done, but this is moving forward precisely because nations have come together in a coordinated way. The first line of effort is trying to get more shots into arms. We know that there are a lot of vaccines out there. The challenge has been actually getting the shots into arms. We’ve ramped up vaccine delivery. We’ve improved cold chain capacity to store and ship more doses to more places. We’ve conducted in-country campaigns to increase demand for vaccines. For example, just to cite a few: Colombia has stepped up its efforts to vaccinate Venezuelan refugees; India has enhanced its vaccine production; Japan has significantly expanded cold chain storage worldwide; Australia and New Zealand are doing great work vaccinating citizens in the Pacific Island nations, just to cite some of the striking examples. To that end, one of the things I’m excited to be able to share is that the United States, in partnership with COVAX, will begin donating pediatric Pfizer vaccines for 5-to-12 year-olds. In fact, the first shipment is going out today: 300,000 doses are being donated to Mongolia; 2.2 million doses are being donated to Nepal. We’ve got many more ready to go for countries that want them. The second line of effort that we’ve all been working on together is strengthening supply chains for COVID-related materials – tests, syringes, treatments. We are building resilience into the supply chains when shortages and disruptions emerge. For example, the European Union has been consulting with businesses across Africa on medical supplies. The United States has started similar engagements in our own hemisphere as well as globally. The third line of effort: addressing information gaps that lead to low confidence in vaccines. With help from Canada, we’re coordinating across governments to combat misinformation and disinformation, as well as through programs like the United States Global VAX effort, which uses evidence-based interventions to increase vaccine demand. The fourth line of effort that we’ve been working on together is providing more support to frontline health care workers. With leadership from Spain, India, and the Republic of Korea, we’re ensuring that those workers have access to vaccines as well as accurate information about vaccines so that they can stay healthy and keep doing the heroic work that they’re doing every day. The fifth line of effort is to begin a critical conversation on how to increase access to treatments and therapeutics so that people who get COVID can survive it and bounce back faster. There’s a lot more work we’ll need to do on this line of effort to ensure that we have enough interventions available worldwide, from testing to treating, as we move to the next phase of the pandemic. And finally, the sixth line of effort is building a stronger, more effective global health architecture so that we can better detect, prevent, and respond to future emergencies. We started by building on the work of the structures that we created to address this pandemic – COVAX, and also the ACT-Accelerator. And I particularly want to thank Norway and South Africa for coordinating the ACT-Accelerator’s work to develop and equitably distribute tests, treatments, vaccines; Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan for galvanizing donors; Indonesia for creating a financial intermediary fund for pandemic preparedness. I know that if we’re just as vulnerable at the end of this pandemic as we were when COVID-19 began, that’s dangerous and it’s a major disservice to our citizens. We have to seize this opportunity to become better prepared than we were before. Looking ahead, the six lines of effort that we’re all working on remain critical. In many ways this is a marathon. We still have a long way to go if we’re going to end the acute phase of the pandemic and build a lasting foundation for our future. To do that, perhaps more than anything else, we have to maintain our commitment. We can’t let the pandemic and pandemic fatigue deplete our political will. And I just want to assure you all that the United States continues to be intently focused on fighting the pandemic and leaving the world better prepared and better defended for whatever comes next. This experience, this pandemic, has taught us that health security is national security – and that in this 21st century, health emergencies often can’t be solved by countries working on their own. Viruses don’t respect borders. We are, quite literally, all in this together. The progress we’ve made to date has been possible because of the leadership, engagement, and willingness to coordinate and collaborate among the countries in this partnership. Now we just need to keep doing it. 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

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