Calling for the Immediate Cessation of Hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan
09/12/2022.
Calling for the Immediate Cessation of Hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan
09/12/2022 10:17 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States is deeply concerned about reports of attacks along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including reported strikes against settlements and civilian infrastructure inside Armenia. As we have long made clear, there can be no military solution to the conflict. We urge an end to any military hostilities immediately.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Albanian Prime Minister Rama
09/13/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Albanian Prime Minister Rama
09/13/2022 07:08 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama today. Secretary Blinken condemned the reckless September 9 cyberattack against Albania’s border control systems, which follows Iran’s July 15 cyberattack on Albania. The Secretary emphasized the importance of U.S.-Albanian cooperation as NATO Allies on regional security.
Conclusion of Article V Formal Consultative Meeting under the Biological Weapons Convention
09/13/2022
Conclusion of Article V Formal Consultative Meeting under the Biological Weapons Convention
09/13/2022 10:33 AM EDT
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
On Friday, September 9, the Biological Weapons Convention Article V Formal Consultative Meeting, called by Russia, ended in Geneva. The United States delegation, led by Special Representative Kenneth D. Ward, effectively exposed Russia’s disinformation tactics and dispelled Russia’s spurious allegations seeking to malign peaceful U.S. cooperation with Ukraine.
In the presence of delegations from 89 countries, the United States and Ukraine presented a thorough, in-depth series of presentations that strongly refuted Russia’s absurd and false claims of U.S. biological weapons development and bio-labs in Ukraine. Technical experts from the U.S. and Ukrainian delegations unambiguously explained their cooperation and U.S. assistance related to public health facilities, biosafety, biosecurity, and disease surveillance as part of the broader U.S. Cooperative Threat Reduction Program. The United States and Ukraine also highlighted how such activities are consistent with—and further support—the provisions of the BWC, particularly Article X, which promotes cooperation and assistance by States Parties. States Parties affirmed and supported the United States in this regard, with over 35 of the 42 countries that spoke noting the importance of such work.
The United States takes seriously its obligations under the BWC and therefore participated fully, transparently, and with integrity in the Article V process. The same cannot be said for the Russian delegation, who distributed a proposed “joint statement” to select delegations with its conclusions from the meeting before the United States and Ukraine even began our presentations.
The United States will continue to fulfill our obligations under the BWC, including by assisting partners around the world to strengthen global health security and reduce the impacts of infectious diseases on our societies, and we condemn Russia’s ongoing disinformation campaign to try to distract from—and justify—its unprovoked and brutal war against Ukraine.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev
09/13/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev
09/13/2022 11:11 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke overnight with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to express deep concern over military action along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including shelling in Armenia. Secretary Blinken urged President Aliyev to cease hostilities and stressed that the United States would push for an immediate halt to fighting and a peace settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan
09/13/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan
09/13/2022 11:23 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke overnight with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to convey our deep concern over the military actions along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including reports of shelling in Armenia. The Secretary stressed the need for disengagement of military forces and assured Prime Minister Pashinyan that the United States would push for an immediate halt to fighting and a peace settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Carstens Travel to Vatican City
09/14/2022
Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Carstens Travel to Vatican City
09/14/2022 12:34 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens will travel to Vatican City from September 14-17. During his trip, Special Envoy Carstens will engage with Holy See officials and stakeholders on matters related to the prevention and resolution of wrongful detention and hostage cases worldwide.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Italian Prime Minister Draghi
09/14/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Italian Prime Minister Draghi
09/14/2022 07:34 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. The Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for his exemplary leadership during one of the most challenging periods in recent history and for Italy’s strong support for Ukraine. The Secretary underscored the importance of maintaining solidarity and resilience in the face of Russia’s efforts to use energy and other means to divide countries that support Ukraine. The Secretary emphasized our commitment to working with the next Italian government on the broad range of our shared interests.
Targeting Russia’s Senior Officials, Defense Industrial Base, Financial Infrastructure Leaders, and Human Rights Abusers
09/15/2022
Targeting Russia’s Senior Officials, Defense Industrial Base, Financial Infrastructure Leaders, and Human Rights Abusers
09/15/2022 02:04 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States continues to hold the Russian government to account for its war against Ukraine. Today, we are taking actions against major Russian defense entities, key advanced-technology firms that support Russia’s defense industrial base, and financial infrastructure. We are also taking actions against a Russian military intelligence agency and against individuals connected to human rights abuses, both in the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine and within Russia itself.
As a part of this action, the Department of State is imposing sanctions on key Russia-installed authority figures in Ukrainian territories currently controlled by the Russian military, and on 31 defense, technology, and electronics entities, to further constrain Russia’s advanced technology industries and their contribution to Russia’s defense industrial base.
Today’s action includes the designation of 22 Russian proxy officials, including five that have overseen the seizure or theft of hundreds of thousands of tons of Ukrainian grain, exacerbating food insecurity around the globe.
The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assent Control (OFAC) is designating two entities and 22 individuals. These targets include those connected to human rights abuse, such as Maria Lvova-Belova who has led Russia’s efforts to deport tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. OFAC is also targeting leaders of key financial institutions such as Russia’s National Payment Card System (NSPK), an entity owned by the Central Bank of Russia that operates the country’s Mir payment card network, and other institutions that play a role in Russia’s financial market infrastructure. OFAC also is issuing a determination prohibiting U.S. persons, wherever located, from providing quantum computing services to any person located in Russia. These actions will continue to impose severe costs on Russia-affiliated illicit actors in alignment with actions taken by our allies.
The Department of Commerce is expanding export controls against Russia and Belarus by adding controls on items potentially useful for Russia’s chemical and biological weapons production capabilities and items needed for advanced manufacturing, production and development capabilities. This action also refines existing controls on Russia and Belarus to more closely align with requirements implemented by our allies.
Those designated today — from perpetrators of violence to an official facilitating the purposeful removal of children from Ukraine — provide examples of the behavior that has become synonymous with the Government of Russia’s unprovoked war. The United States will continue to take actions against those who support Russia’s defense-industrial base, its violation of human rights, and its attempts to legitimize its occupation of Ukrainian territory, wherever they may be.
For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of State’s fact sheet, the Department of the Treasury’s press release, and the Department of Commerce’s rule.
Targeting Russia’s Senior Officials, Defense Industrial Base, and Human Rights Abusers
09/15/2022
Targeting Russia’s Senior Officials, Defense Industrial Base, and Human Rights Abusers
09/15/2022 01:50 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The Department of State is taking additional actions to impose cost on Russia for its heinous aggression against Ukraine. Today’s actions also further align with those taken by our allies and partners.
RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
MAXIM STANISLAVOVICH ORESHKIN is being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 Section 1(a)(iii)(A) because he is a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of the Government of the Russian Federation.
OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN THEFT OF UKRAINIAN GRAIN ON BEHALF OF RUSSIA
The following five persons have been identified as supporting or enabling the theft of Ukraine’s grain. These individuals are being designated pursuant to Section 1(a)(ii)(F) of E.O. 14024 for being responsible for or complicit in, or for having directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, activities that undermine the peace, security, political stability, or territorial integrity of the United States, its allies, or its partners, for or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, directly or indirectly, the Government of the Russian Federation:YEVHEN VITALIIOVYCH BALYTSKYI was appointed head of the Zaporizhzhia military-civilian administration by the Government of Russia and oversees the seizure of Ukrainian grain from the Zaporizhzhia Region.
ANDRIY LEONIDOVICH SIGUTA was appointed head of the military-civilian administration of the Melitopol District by the Government of Russia and oversees the seizure of Ukrainian grain from Melitopol.
ANTON VIKTOROVICH KOLTSOV was appointed head of the military-civilian government in the Zaporizhzhia Region and oversees the theft of Ukrainian grain.
OLEKSANDR FEDOROVYCH SAULENKO was appointed mayor of Berdyansk by the Government of Russia and has overseen the theft of hundreds of thousands of tons of Ukrainian grain through the port of Berdyansk.
VALERY MYKHAILOVYCH PAKHNYTS was appointed head of the Starobilsk District of the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic by the Government of Russia and oversees the theft of Ukrainian grain.
INDIVIDUALS OPERATING ON BEHALF OF RUSSIA IN UKRAINE
The following persons are being designated pursuant to Section 1(a)(ii)(F) of E.O. 14024 for being responsible for or complicit in, or for having directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, activities that undermine the peace, security, political stability, or territorial integrity of the United States, its allies, or its partners, for or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, directly or indirectly, the Government of the Russian Federation:VOLODYMYR VALERIYOVYCH ROGOV was appointed head of the military-civilian administration in the Zaporizhzhia Region by the Government of Russia.
VOLODYMYR VOLODYMYROVICH BANDURA defected from his role as Svyatohirsk’s mayor to support its occupation by Russia’s military and was appointed city administrator by pro-Russia separatists.
MIKHAIL LEONIDOVICH RODIKOV was appointed head of the Ministry of Education and Science of the occupational government in the Kherson Region.
VLADIMIR ALEKSANDROVICH BESPALOV was appointed Deputy Head of the occupation government in Kherson.
PAVLO IHOROVYCH FILIPCHUK was appointed head of the city of Kahovka by Russia’s forces.
TETYANA YURIIVNA TUMILINA was appointed rector of Kherson State University with the help of Russia’s forces.
HENNADIY OLEKSANDROVYCH SHELESTENKO was appointed member of the military-civilian administration in the Kherson Region.
OLEKSANDR YURIYOVYCH KOBETS was appointed mayor of Kherson by Russia’s forces.
IHOR IHOROVYCH SEMENCHEV is a member of the previously designated Salvation Committee for Peace and Order.
TETYANA OLEKSANDRIVNA KUZ’MYCH was appointed head of the Department of Education and Science under the Russia-controlled government of Kherson.
SERHIY MYKOLAYOVYCH CHEREVKO is a creator and member of the previously designated Salvation Committee for Peace and Order.
ANDREY DMITRIEVICH KOZENKO was appointed deputy head of the Zaporizhzhia military-civilian administration.
OLEKSIY SERGEEVICH SELIVANOV was appointed Deputy Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the Zaporizhzhia Region.
ANTON ROBERTOVICH TITSKIY is the Russia-appointed Minister of Youth Policy under the military-civilian administration in the Zaporizhzhia Region.
ANDRIY YURIOVYCH TROFIMOV was appointed deputy head of the Russia-controlled military-civilian administration in the Zaporizhzhia Region.
MYKYTA IVANOVICH SAMOILENKO was appointed deputy mayor of Berdynask by pro-Russia forces.
VIKTOR ANDRIYOVYCH EMELIANENKO was appointed deputy head of the Russia-controlled military-civilian administration in the Zaporizhzhia Region.
DEFENSE AND HIGH-TECHNOLOGY DESIGNATIONS
Promoting Accountability for Russia’s Abuses
The MAIN INTELLIGENCE DIRECTORATE (GRU) is a military intelligence agency of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Today, the GRU is being designated by the Department of State pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(i) for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. The GRU was previously designated pursuant to E.O. 13694, as amended, in 2016; pursuant to Section 224 of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act in 2018; and pursuant to E.O. 13382 in 2021.
Since the start of Russia’s further, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has engaged in systematic “filtration” operations and forced deportations in Russian-controlled and held areas of Ukraine. The GRU has been centrally involved in Russia’s filtration activities and forced deportation activities.
The unlawful transfer and deportation of protected persons is a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention on the protection of civilians and is a war crime. Estimates from a variety of sources indicate that Russian authorities have interrogated, detained, and forcibly deported at least hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens, including children, from their homes to Russia – often to isolated regions in the Far East.
Credible reports also indicate Russian authorities are deliberately separating Ukrainian children from their parents and abducting others from orphanages before putting them up for adoption inside Russia. Credible accounts indicate that the “filtering” process often involves beating and assaulting detained Ukrainian citizens, separating the families of Ukrainian citizens, seizing Ukrainian citizens’ identification documents, such as passports, and depriving detained Ukrainian citizens of basic necessities such as water and food for periods of time.
Credible reports also indicate that the filtration camps often have poor sanitation measures to protect the health of those being held there and that Ukrainian citizens have died in such camps because of a lack of access to medical care. There are also reports that Ukrainian citizens have been killed in Russia’s filtration camps.
Isolating High-Technology Industries That Contribute to Russia’s Defense Capabilities
U.S.-designated Russian President Vladimir Putin has for years focused on leveraging advanced science and technology to strengthen Russia’s defense capabilities – the same defense capabilities that the Russian Federation is using to attack Ukraine’s population centers and that have resulted in extraordinary suffering including the deaths of children. Today, the Department of State is also taking further action to degrade high-technology industries that support Putin’s war machine.
Military Space
The Department of State is designating three leading Russian military space entities that play central roles in strengthening Russia’s defense capabilities. Specifically, the following entities are being designated by the Department of State pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(i) for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy:JOINT STOCK COMPANY ROSSIYSKIYE KOSMICHESKIYE SISTEMY (RUSSIAN SPACE SYSTEMS JSC), a Russian space instrument building corporation, carries out activities to implement Russia’s state defense order. Russian Space Systems JSC is involved in Russia’s import substitution program in the context of Russia’s state defense order as well as associated space engineering activities. Russian Space Systems JSC has also been involved with Russian missile-related activities. As additional information, Russian Space Systems JSC has supported Russian government space systems that the Russian military uses to perpetrate its war against Ukraine.
JSC ACADEMICIAN M. F. RESHETNEV INFORMATION SATELLITE SYSTEMS implements Russia’s state defense order and builds satellites to strengthen Russia’s defense capabilities. JSC Academician M. F. Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems has described its satellites and their associated systems as vital to Russia’s defense capabilities. As additional information, JSC Academician M. F. Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems has supported Russian government space systems that the Russian military uses to perpetrate its war against Ukraine.
JOINT STOCK COMPANY RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION ASSOCIATION NAMED AFTER S. A. LAVOCHKINA specialists have been praised by Russian President Putin for their service in the development of Russia’s missile and space industry. Joint Stock Company Research and Production Association Named After S. A. Lavochkina produces space-related items for Russia’s Ministry of Defense. Joint Stock Company Research and Production Association Named After S. A. Lavochkina has also been involved in the development of missile defense and space-defense projects for the Russian Federation. As additional information, Joint Stock Company Research and Production Association Named After S. A. Lavochkina has supported Russian government space systems that the Russian military uses to perpetrate its war against Ukraine.
Advanced Technology
The Department of State is also taking further steps to isolate Russia’s advanced technology industries in order to limit the ability of key Russian entities to contribute to Russia’s defense industrial base. Specifically, the following entities are being designated by the Department of State pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(i) for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy:MULTICLET CORPORATION is a Russian computational technology company that develops and produces computer processors, which are a type of technology. As additional information, Multiclet Corporation works directly with Russia’s defense sector.
RZHANOV INSTITUTE OF SEMICONDUCTOR PHYSICS SIBERIAN BRANCH OF RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES is a Russian institute focused on microsensoric technologies and semiconductors, which are a type of technology. As additional information, Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences has participated in military robotics activities to benefit the Russian Ministry of Defense.
JSC MOSCOW CENTER OF SPARC TECHNOLOGIES is a Russian computers and microprocessors firm. JSC Moscow Center of SPARC Technologies computers are used in Russian weapon systems and JSC Moscow Center of SPARC Technologies is involved in the development of microprocessors and supercomputers for Russia’s Ministry of Defense. Computers, microprocessors, and supercomputers are types of technology.
INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR QUANTUM OPTICS AND QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (RUSSIAN QUANTUM CENTER) is a Russian science and technology center focused on the development of high-tech products based on quantum technologies.
JSC ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGIES CENTER is a Russian integrator of additive technologies and is involved in implementing and using additive technologies. The Russian Ministry of Defense has described JSC Additive Technologies Center as involved in engine technology in Russia’s military-industrial complex.
FEDERAL STATE FINANCED INSTITUTION OF SCIENCE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION SPECTROSCOPY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ACADEMY OF SCIENCES conducts activities related to analytical spectroscopy and its applications to technology control, nanotechnologies, and also develops new technologies.
JOINT STOCK COMPANY RESEARCH CENTER ELINS undertakes the development of technologies for the Russian Federation’s Armed Forces.
JOINT VENTURE QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES is involved in developing quantum technologies. Joint Venture Quantum Technologies is part of a consortium of Russian entities involved in Russia’s National Quantum Laboratory.
JSC SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL CENTER ZASLON is involved in the development of technologies for the Russian Federation’s Armed Forces.
FEDERAL STATE FINANCED INSTITUTION OF SCIENCE PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE NAMED AFTER A. F. IOFFE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ACADEMY OF SCIENCES describes itself as one of Russia’s largest institutions for research in physics and technology. A main research area for the Federal State Financed Institution of Science Physics and Technology Institute Named After A. F. Ioffe of the Russian Federation Academy of Sciences is semiconductors, which is a type of technology.
JOINT STOCK COMPANY INSTITUTE FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH VYCHISLITELNYKH KOMPLEKSOV NAMED AFTER M. A. KARTSEVA is a radio-electronic industry enterprise of the defense industry of Russia. Joint Stock Company Institute for Scientific Research Vychislitelnykh Kompleksov Named After M. A. Kartseva carries out research and development of basic technologies in the field of computer engineering.
L. D. LANDAU INSTITUTE FOR THEORETICAL PHYSICS OF RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES has several areas of research including quantum computing, which is a type of technology.
FEDERAL STATE FINANCED INSTITUTION OF SCIENCE PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE NAMED AFTER K. A. VALIEVA OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ACADEMY OF SCIENCES’s areas of research include ion-beam technologies, micro and nanosystem technologies, and high-performance computing.
Electronics
Sophisticated electronics are used in numerous weapons systems operated by Russia’s military, and Putin has publicly stated his concerns about Russia’s access to microelectronics following the start of Russia’s further, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. To further increase pressure on Russia’s electronics sector, the Department of State is designating numerous advanced Russian electronics entities. Specifically, the following entities are being designated by the Department of State pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(i) for operating or having operated in the electronics sector of the Russian Federation economy:JOINT STOCK COMPANY INSTITUTE FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ELEKTRONNOY TEKHNIKI is a Russian company that develops and produces electronics, including microelectronics and nanoelectronics. Joint Stock Company Institute for Scientific Research Elektronnoy Tekhniki electronic components are used in Russian weapons systems.
JOINT STOCK COMPANY ANGSTREM is a Russian electronics entity that is involved in the design of microelectronics, including the design, development, and manufacture of semiconductors (semiconductors are used in the manufacture of electronic devices.) As additional information, Joint Stock Company Angstrem produces computer chips for a navigation system used by the Russian Ministry of Defense for guided missile targeting.
FEDERAL STATE FINANCED INSTITUTION OF SCIENCE PHYSICAL HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION NAMED AFTER P. N. LEBEDEVA OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ACADEMY OF SCIENCES engages in research and activities related to microelectronics, vacuum and plasma electronics, and optoelectronics. As additional information, Federal State Financed Institution of Science Physical Higher Education Institution Named After P. N. Lebedeva of the Russian Federation Academy of Sciences has conducted research related to weapons.
BAIKAL ELECTRONICS JSC is a Russian electronics company that manufactures semiconductors and computer processors. Baikal Electronics JSC produces computer processors for the Russian military.
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY GROUP OF COMPANIES AKVARIUS (AQUARIUS) is a Russian electronics entity that manufactures more than 1 million electronic devices annually. As additional information, Limited Liability Company Group of Companies Akvarius has been involved in the development of secure smartphones for Russian military and intelligence personnel.
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY YADRO FAB DUBNA is a Russian electronics entity involved in the manufacture of electronic components. Limited Liability Company Yadro Fab Dubna is implementing a project to create Russia’s largest modern production plant for the production of circuit boards (circuit boards are a type of electronics).
FEDERAL RESEARCH CENTER INSTITUTE OF APPLIED PHYSICS OF THE RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES conducts research related to high-power electronics, microwave electronics, and plasma electrodynamics.
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY KROKUS NANOELEKTRONIKA (CROCUS NANOELECTRONICS) is a Russian semiconductor manufacturer which specializes in semiconductor development, bio-electronic sensors, and semiconductor wafer processing.
JOINT STOCK COMPANY ELEMENT is a Russian microelectronics entity that has a leading position in Russia’s microelectronic area in sales volume and technology.
ELVEES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER JSC (JSC SPC ELVIS, JOINT STOCK COMPANY SCIENTIFIC AND PRODUCTION CENTER ELECTRONIC COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS) is a Russian electronics company involved in developing electronics components. As additional information, Elvees Research and Development Center JSC also produces a radar system for detecting and tracking airborne, ground, and surface targets.
JOINT STOCK COMPANY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ENTERPRISE RADIOSVYAZ is a Russian electronics entity that designs and develops electronic equipment. As additional information, Joint Stock Company Research and Development Enterprise Radiosvyaz carries out activities for Russia’s Ministry of Defense.
SPECIALIZED ENGINEERING AND DESIGN BUREAU OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS JOINT STOCK COMPANY is a Russian electronics entity that designs and produces semiconductor microelectronic products.
JOINT STOCK COMPANY PRODUCTION ASSOCIATION SEVER is a Russian electronics entity that develops and manufactures a wide range of radio-electrotechnical products, including electric motors and other electrical products.
JOINT STOCK COMPANY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ENTERPRISE SAPFIR conducts research and production related to semiconductor electronics and supplies microprocessors to the Government of the Russian Federation, including producing products for computer systems that are used on Russian missiles. Joint Stock Company Research and Development Enterprise Sapfir describes itself as a leading enterprise in the Russian defense industry.
Documenting Russia’s Destructive Impact on Food Storage in Ukraine
09/15/2022
Documenting Russia’s Destructive Impact on Food Storage in Ukraine
09/15/2022 02:14 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
President Putin’s unjustified war against Ukraine puts millions around the globe at risk of increasing food insecurity. The Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, one of the world’s largest exporters of food, has led to the damage or outright destruction of many of Ukraine’s arterial roads, railways, ports, and food storage facilities that are essential to getting its agricultural goods to international markets. These actions guarantee that the pain of this war will also be felt by the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Today the Conflict Observatory, which is supported by the U.S. Department of State, released an independent, first-of-its-kind, and detailed assessment of the devastating impact of Russia’s war on food storage sites in Ukraine. An estimated 15.7% of Ukraine’s crop storage facilities have been affected during the conflict — either due to seizure by Russia’s and Russia-aligned forces, or because facilities have been destroyed, damaged, or degraded to the point of compromising the stocks contained inside. The report notes that intentional destruction of such facilities may constitute a war crime and a violation of the 1977 Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 1949; the United States calls for further investigation through appropriate mechanisms. This report and other analyses are available online at the Conflict Observatory website.
Russia has exacerbated a global food security crisis, contributed to significant spikes in the cost of wheat, and forced a scramble to keep hungry and vulnerable populations fed. This summer, the United Nations and Turkey mediated an agreement with Russia and Ukraine to allow safe grain exports from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. Since August 1, that agreement has reduced global food prices and brought more than 2.7 million metric tons of grain to global markets. But if agricultural infrastructure within Ukraine continues to be damaged in the war, this progress on global food security will be endangered.
In 2022, Ukraine has become the scene of the worst mass-scale violence that Europe has seen in eight decades. Local hardships are compounded by its farmers’ strained ability to operate during wartime, replenish diminished food supplies, and prepare for planting seasons ahead. The ramifications of Russia’s aggression reverberate far outside Europe, and now affect the health and wellbeing of tens of millions of people worldwide. Since February, the United States has provided over $5.7 billion in humanitarian assistance to scale up emergency food security operations in food-insecure countries.
The United States will continue to firmly stand with Ukraine as it defends its freedom, for the sake of its own people and of people across the globe who rely on the harvests from Ukraine’s farmlands. Our support for Ukraine remains unwavering.
Why I Went to Indiana Earlier This Week
09/15/2022
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FROM THE DESK OF
Secretary Antony J. Blinken
U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE
This past week, I was glad to speak to students at Purdue University thinking about State Department careers in STEM. The U.S. must remain at the forefront of technological advances to maintain its competitive edge and to bolster our workforce. Purdue is an example of how academic institutions can play a leading role and invest in the next generation. Read my remarks below as I spoke with students who, whether in emerging technologies or diplomacy, will go on and do great things for America and the world.
On Tuesday, I had a chance to see firsthand what an extraordinary institution Purdue is. The thing that came most to mind to me was that Purdue University has got to be one of the leading, if not the leading, human fabs (fabrication lab) for the next generation of people who are going to lead this country, into the technological future, into the scientific future, and into the innovative future.
But there’s a particular reason that I wanted to come to speak at Purdue University: We want you. We want you, students of Purdue, to consider coming into government at some point in your careers, doing something in public service, and maybe even something at the State Department. And I want us to talk about that just a little bit because it may not seem like the most obvious connection in the world. Why is someone from the State Department, dealing with America’s foreign policy and our role in the world, coming to Purdue, looking to speak with incredible people that are focused on STEM?
I’ve been working in foreign affairs for nearly 30 years, and as I was moving along and working on all of these different foreign policy challenges, it became more and more apparent to me that so much of what we were working on, so many of the problems that we were trying to solve, actually had a profound connection to science, technology, and innovation. And often the answer, or at least part of the answer, had science and technology somewhere as part of it.
But here’s the problem. Many of us who are working in government on foreign policy don’t come up through this lens of science. We tend to be humanities majors. And it really got to the point where I said to myself that we need scientists and technologists around the table just to tell us whether we need scientists and technologists around the table, because we need people to help identify not just the problems but a different angle on the solutions that some of us were used to bringing to the table.
And so we started to do things – this is back during the Obama administration, when I last served – to try to do just that, to actually bring more people from STEM disciplines into government, through internships, through fellowships, through new programs. And now that I’m back doing this, we’re in – even more than we were just six or seven years ago – I think in an entirely different place in a few ways.
First, technology will continue to shape our lives, to shape the way we live, the way we work, the way we interact, and the way we compete – each and every one of those technologies, whether it is quantum, whether it’s AI, whether it’s biotech, whether it’s the chip itself, have a profound connection between what we do here at home and what we’re doing around the world. Here at home, we’re making the right investments, but around the world we have to find ways to bring others along, because the way this technology gets used – the rules, the norms, the standards that people agree on that govern their use – is going to have a profound impact in and of itself on the way that we live and the way that we work. And is it going to happen in a way that reflects, we hope, our basic values of openness and tolerance and respect for privacy, or is it going to happen in a different way? So we need to be at the table when all of these things are getting decided, and we need to have people at the table who actually know what they’re talking about.
So many of the problems we’re trying to solve, as I said, have clear technology, innovation, and science aspects to their solution. We’re trying to figure out how to do a better job overcoming profound crises in food security around the world. There’s going to be part of that where the answer is grounded in science, in technology, in agro science. If we’re trying to figure out how to prevent the next pandemic, we know there’s going to be an answer that’s grounded in science and technology as well as in the policies that we pursue to advance it.
We’re trying to think about how we protect our economy, particularly dealing with climate change, and how we make an energy transition that makes sense, that keeps faith with keeping people employed but also keeps faith with trying to protect the planet. That’s probably going to have an answer that’s also grounded in science and technology.
It’s a long way of saying so many of the things that we’re actually doing day in, day out at the State Department are all about many of the things that many of you are interested in, working on, and becoming expert in. And I’m here to tell you that the State Department is one place where you can actually pursue that passion, pursue that interest, and do it in a couple of novel and interesting ways.
One, doing it working for your country. That has its own value that’s hard to really quantify. And two, getting to do it around the world in really interesting ways and engaging with incredibly interesting people. I really hope this is something that some of you will at least consider as you’re thinking about where you want to go, where your careers will take you.
I’ve had the experience in working in government, working in the private sector, and working in different pursuits. And at least for me, there’s been something unique about getting to go to work every day and either literally or figuratively having a flag behind your back. There’s something particularly special about that, hard to quantify. I hope as you’re thinking about it, whether it’s now, in five years, 10 years, 20 years down the road, think about giving some time to public service.
I know there’s a lot of cynicism about working in government and sometimes for every understandable reasons, but I can tell you from my own experience that virtually all the people that I get to work with every day, whether it’s in the administration, whether it’s in Congress, Republicans, Democrats, or Independents – they’re all there because they’re trying to do what they think is the right thing to do to make the country just a little bit better, a little bit safer, a little bit healthier, a little bit wealthier, and create opportunities for people. We have disagreements about the best way to do that, and that’s fine. That’s exactly what we’re supposed to be doing. But most people are really motivated to try to do the right thing, and if you can find a group of likeminded people, you can actually get a few things done.
I appreciate those who have taken the time to write to me in the past several months. To share your thoughts – please write 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 remarks at a State Department Careers Event at Purdue University given on September 13, 2022.
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Secretary Blinken’s Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan
09/15/2022.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan
09/15/2022 06:21 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Secretary Blinken conveyed our condolences for the loss of life during recent military actions along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border. The Secretary reiterated our commitment to helping Armenia and Azerbaijan resolve issues peacefully. He said that diplomacy was the only way forward and noted he would remain personally engaged.
Joint Statement on the Third U.S.-Turkey Strategic Mechanism Dialogue
09/15/2022
Joint Statement on the Third U.S.-Turkey Strategic Mechanism Dialogue
09/15/2022 07:18 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Turkey, on the occasion of the Third U.S.-Turkey Strategic Mechanism Dialogue.
Begin Text.
The Governments of the United States and Turkey held a third meeting of the U.S.-Turkey Strategic Mechanism Dialogue on September 15, 2022, in Washington. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Turkish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sedat Önal chaired the meeting. U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland also participated in the Dialogue. Building on their steadfast partnership and previous discussions under the framework of the U.S.-Turkey Strategic Mechanism, the two reaffirmed their strong cooperation as partners and NATO Allies and engaged in substantive dialogue on strategic global and regional issues and areas of bilateral cooperation.
They reviewed the extensive, security, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties that underpin the bilateral relationship between the United States and Turkey. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promote peace and stability and to further deepen and strengthen the enduring U.S.- Turkey defense partnership. They welcomed the recent growth in their bilateral trade relations and reconfirmed their mutual determination to advance their economic cooperation in every possible field. They also stressed that the United States and Turkey stand together in support of global public health as well as food and energy security. The delegations also reaffirmed their mutual efforts to work to promote energy supply, access, efficiency, and independence.
Both sides discussed political developments in the region and consulted on the importance of strengthening Transatlantic relations. They underscored the need to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The delegations reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and discussed ways to further NATO coordination. The United States welcomed Turkey’s efforts to broker the Istanbul Black Sea grain deal for safe passage of Ukrainian agricultural goods in the Black Sea. The two delegations explored possible avenues of cooperation in various parts of the world, including the Middle East and Africa, and underlined the importance of promoting peace in the South Caucasus.
Both sides welcomed continued robust, candid exchanges on these and other issues and agreed to continued exchange of senior-level visits in the future.
The United States and Turkey look forward to reviewing progress and exploring new areas of cooperation during the next round of the Dialogue.
End Text.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Portuguese Foreign Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho Before Their Meeting
09/15/2022
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Portuguese Foreign Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho Before Their Meeting
09/15/2022 07:44 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Thomas Jefferson Room
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. I’m so pleased to welcome my colleague, the foreign minister of Portugal, Joao Cravinho. Welcome to the State Department. It’s great to have you here. And I think the timing couldn’t be better to pursue conversations on so many vital issues, starting with, of course, the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, but the many other issues that bring the United States and Portugal together as the closest of partners, the closest of NATO Allies. And also heading into the High-Level Week at the UN, I think it’s particularly good have you here now.
We’ve had an opportunity to see each other in the corridors of NATO in Brussels, but I’m especially glad to have you at the State Department in Washington, and look forward to a wide-ranging conversation. So welcome.
FOREIGN MINISTER CRAVINHO: Thank you very much. I’m delighted to be here. Thank you on behalf of my delegation as well. Our bilateral relations are excellent, but there’s always more ambition, and we’re looking – I’m looking forward to exploring some ideas with you on this.
The international context is one in which we absolutely see eye to eye with the United States, and we’ve very pleased to say thank you to the United States for the leadership shown during this terrible crisis that we’re living through in the wake of the February 24th invasion of the Ukraine, but which has brought up also so many other challenges in the international sphere. For Latin America, Africa, there is enormous amount on our joint agenda, and I’m looking forward to exploring these issues with you. Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, everyone.
$600 Million in Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
09/15/2022
$600 Million in Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
09/15/2022 07:56 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Together with our Allies and partners, we are delivering the arms and equipment that Ukraine’s forces are utilizing so effectively as they continue their successful counter-offensive against Russia’s invasion. President Biden has been clear we will support the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our twenty-first drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine since September 2021. This $600 million drawdown includes additional arms, munitions, and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense inventories. This drawdown will bring the total U.S. military assistance for Ukraine to approximately $15.8 billion since the beginning of this Administration.
With admirable grit and determination, the people of Ukraine are defending their homeland and fighting for their future. The United States is providing Ukraine military assistance alongside our Allies and partners from more than 50 countries to support its defense. The capabilities we are delivering are carefully calibrated to make the most difference on the battlefield and strengthen Ukraine’s hand at the negotiating table when the time is right.
We stand United with Ukraine.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Participation in Second U.S.-Switzerland Strategic Partnership Dialogue
09/16/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Participation in Second U.S.-Switzerland Strategic Partnership Dialogue
09/16/2022 04:16 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman hosted the second U.S.-Switzerland Strategic Partnership Dialogue today in Washington, D.C. Deputy Secretary Sherman, Swiss State Secretary Livia Leu, and officials from both countries discussed areas of bilateral interest and cooperation, including economic policy, food security, energy issues, and the climate crisis. Both sides discussed pressing global issues, including the Transatlantic relationship, Afghanistan, the Indo-Pacific, and the powerful global response to Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war against Ukraine. The Deputy Secretary also expressed her appreciation for Switzerland’s longstanding role as the United States’ protecting power in Iran.
Deputy Secretary Sherman and State Secretary Leu also signed a memorandum of understanding underscoring a shared commitment to use the strategic partnership dialogue process to strengthen bilateral ties and deepen our longstanding cooperation on global issues.
Lifting of Defense Trade Restrictions on the Republic of Cyprus for Fiscal Year 2023
09/16/2022
Lifting of Defense Trade Restrictions on the Republic of Cyprus for Fiscal Year 2023
09/16/2022 08:48 PM EDT
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken determined and certified to Congress that the Republic of Cyprus has met the necessary conditions under relevant legislation to allow the approval of exports, re-exports, and transfers of defense articles to the Republic of Cyprus for fiscal year 2023. Compliance with the conditions is assessed on an annual basis. As a result of this determination and certification, the Secretary lifted the defense trade restrictions for the Republic of Cyprus for fiscal year 2023. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations will be amended to reflect the new policy, effective October 1, 2022.
The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 and the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2020 require that the policy of denial for exports, re-exports, or transfers of defense articles on the United States Munitions List to the Republic of Cyprus remain in place unless the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees not less than annually that the Government of the Republic of Cyprus is continuing to cooperate with the United States government in efforts to implement reforms on anti-money laundering regulations and financial regulatory oversight, and that the Government of the Republic of Cyprus has made and is continuing to take the steps necessary to deny Russian military vessels access to ports for refueling and servicing. In accordance with both Acts, the Department reviews compliance with the Acts annually.
