Secretary Blinken’s Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev
10/10/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev
10/10/2022 11:34 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Secretary Blinken expressed appreciation for the positive steps Azerbaijan and Armenia are taking towards reaching a sustainable peace agreement, including recent direct talks between the foreign ministers and leaders. Secretary Blinken welcomed Azerbaijan’s release of 17 POWs to Armenia on October 4 and urged President Aliyev to continue time-bound and measurable steps to support the peace process. Secretary Blinken reiterated U.S. support, including for clear border delimitation, transportation linkages, recovery and identification of missing persons, return of detainees, and other issues. He underscored the importance of discussions about the rights and securities for the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and need for both sides to maintain the cease-fire and focus on a negotiated agreement as the only path to a lasting peace.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
10/10/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
10/10/2022 01:14 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 about the Kremlin’s horrific strikes against Ukraine today, including waves of missiles that hit the streets of several Ukrainian cities during rush hour. The Secretary commended Ukraine for not allowing President Putin to break Ukraine’s spirit and reaffirmed U.S. resolve to support Ukraine. He noted that the United States will continue to provide vital economic, humanitarian, and security assistance so Ukraine can defend itself and take care of its people. The Secretary reaffirmed the steadfast support of the United States for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also extended his deepest sympathies to the Foreign Minister for the people of Ukraine who have lost loved ones today. The United States stands with Ukraine.
U.S. Support for Ukraine in the Face of Russian Strikes
10/10/2022
U.S. Support for Ukraine in the Face of Russian Strikes
10/10/2022 01:31 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The Kremlin’s strikes against Ukraine today again place the stakes of Russia’s brutal war into stark relief. Russian bombs hit children’s playgrounds and public parks in Kyiv; wave after wave of missiles struck Kyiv’s city streets and damaged heating and targets without military purpose throughout Ukraine. I extend my deepest sympathies to the people of Ukraine who have lost loved ones today. The United States stands with you.
Russia’s attacks are yet another reminder that its war against Ukraine presents a profound moral issue. No person of conscience – and no country of principle – could be unmoved by the devastation of these horrors. Ukraine, like every other country around the world, has the right to choose its own future and live peacefully inside its own internationally recognized borders.
These strikes can break neither Ukraine’s spirit nor our resolve to support Ukraine. The United States will continue to provide vital economic, humanitarian, and security assistance so Ukraine can defend itself and take care of its people. The international community has a responsibility to make clear that President Putin’s actions are completely unacceptable. Now is the time to speak out in support for Ukraine; it is not the time for abstentions, placating words, or equivocations under claims of neutrality. The core principles of the UN Charter are at stake.
There is one aggressor in this war: Russia. There is only one country escalating this war through its attempted annexations of Ukraine’s land and its repeated assaults on civilians: Russia. There is one person who can stop this war now and withdraw Russia’s forces: Vladimir Putin.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan
10/10/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan
10/10/2022 02:11 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Secretary Blinken expressed appreciation for the positive steps Armenia and Azerbaijan are taking towards reaching a sustainable peace agreement, including direct talks between the foreign ministers and leaders. Secretary Blinken urged Prime Minister Pashinyan to continue to work with Azerbaijan on time-bound and measurable steps to support the peace process. Secretary Blinken reiterated U.S. support, including for clear border delimitation, transportation linkages, recovery and identification of missing persons, return of detainees, and other issues. Secretary Blinken also welcomed plans for a civilian EU mission along the border with Azerbaijan to build confidence. He underscored the importance of discussions around the rights and securities for the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and need for both sides to maintain the cease-fire and focus on a negotiated agreement as the only path to a lasting peace.
Acting Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center Bray’s Trip to Germany
10/11/2022
Acting Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center Bray’s Trip to Germany
10/11/2022 10:56 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Acting Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center Leah Bray will travel to Berlin and Stuttgart, Germany, from October 12 to 14. In Berlin, acting Coordinator Bray will represent the United States at the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (G7 RRM) State Secretary Conference. She will consult with the heads of other G7 delegations on trends in foreign-sponsored propaganda and disinformation and how to improve collective resiliency against these threats. Prior to the G7 RRM meeting, acting Coordinator Bray will meet with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) leadership in Stuttgart to synchronize U.S. efforts on regional issues of concern.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Serbian President Vucic
10/11/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Serbian President Vucic
10/11/2022 04:17 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Secretary Blinken underscored U.S. support for the EU-facilitated Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue and urged continued constructive engagement to secure peace and stability across the region. The Secretary also thanked President Vucic for Serbia’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and discussed joint efforts to ensure Serbia’s future energy security. The Secretary also congratulated Serbia on opening the new Serbian Embassy in Washington, DC.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Kosovan Prime Minister Kurti
10/11/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Kosovan Prime Minister Kurti
10/11/2022 04:21 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Kosovan Prime Minister Albin Kurti. Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Kurti discussed the importance of the EU-facilitated Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue and Kosovo’s continued commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic integration as vital to achieving lasting peace and prosperity in the Western Balkans region. The Secretary also thanked the Prime Minister for Kosovo’s early and unwavering support for Ukraine and for hosting Afghans from Operation Allies Welcome.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with French Director General of Defense and National Security Stéphane Bouillon
10/11/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with French Director General of Defense and National Security Stéphane Bouillon
10/11/2022 06:53 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met today with French Director General of Defense and National Security Stéphane Bouillon. They reviewed our extensive and vital joint efforts to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked and devastating war. The two shared their concerns about the DPRK’s ballistic missile launches. They also discussed developments in our combined work to counter weapons proliferation across the globe, as well as the importance of combatting climate change as a national security issue. The two also reviewed ongoing French-U.S. cooperation in space exploration.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Huitfeldt
10/11/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Huitfeldt
10/11/2022 09:33 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt in Washington, D.C. Secretary Blinken underscored the depth of the bilateral relationship, including our commitment to European security and energy security. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Norway’s sustained humanitarian and security assistance to Ukraine. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed cooperation on global challenges, including maintaining a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and cooperative Arctic region.
Spain National Day
10/12/2022
Spain National Day
10/12/2022 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the Government of the United States, I offer heartfelt congratulations to the people of Spain as you celebrate your national day on October 12th.
Spain is an indispensable ally and close friend of the United States. The strong partnership between our two countries is reflected in the growing economic, cultural, and educational exchanges between our citizens. I travelled to Spain in June for the 2022 NATO Summit to further our strong partnership promoting international peace, defending transatlantic security, standing up for human rights, and increasing our nations’ economic prosperity. Our countries’ joint response to Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine highlights our close cooperation to uphold democracy and the rules-based international order.
On this special occasion, we look forward to deepening our friendship, strengthening our historical and cultural ties, and broadening cooperation based on our common values. Happy Fiesta Nacional de España to all our Spanish friends!
UN General Assembly Resolution Condemning Russia’s Attempted Annexation of Ukraine’s Territory
10/12/2022
UN General Assembly Resolution Condemning Russia’s Attempted Annexation of Ukraine’s Territory
10/12/2022 05:50 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Today’s remarkable vote at the United Nations General Assembly is a powerful reminder that the overwhelming majority of nations stand with Ukraine, in defense of the UN Charter, and in resolute opposition to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and its people.
Territorial integrity is a central pillar of the United Nations, and Russia’s violent contempt for Ukraine’s national borders and sovereignty cannot and will not be accepted. By adopting this resolution, the assembled nations made clear: they will not tolerate an attempt by any UN Member State to seize land by force. The vote delivers a resounding rebuke to Russia for its aggression against Ukraine.
The United States is proud to have voted in favor of this resolution. As we have stated repeatedly, we will defend the principles of the UN charter and will never recognize the legitimacy of sham referenda or Russia’s attempts to annex portions of Ukraine.
With very few nations voting with Russia today, it is clear that international unity on this question is resolute and support for Ukraine at the UN and beyond is unwavering. The United States will continue to work with partners across the globe to support Ukraine’s people in defending their nation in its entirety against Russia’s aggression.
$725 Million in Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
10/14/2022
$725 Million in Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
10/14/2022 07:53 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
In the wake of Russia’s brutal missile attacks on civilians across Ukraine, the mounting evidence of atrocities by Russia’s forces, and the firm and unequivocal rejection by 143 nations at the United Nations of Russia’s illegal attempted annexation of parts of Ukraine, the United States is offering additional military assistance to help Ukraine’s proud defenders protect their country.
Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our twenty-third drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine since August 2021. This $725 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 an unprecedented more than $18.3 billion since the beginning of the Administration.
We will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and independence with extraordinary courage and boundless determination. The capabilities we are delivering are carefully calibrated to make the most difference on the battlefield for Ukraine.
We stand United with Ukraine.