U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin

The Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities
06/12/2023


The Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities
06/12/2023 09:34 AM EDT



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States Government, I congratulate the people of Portugal on their celebration of this year’s Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities on June 10th.

The United States cherishes our enduring relationship with Portugal and our shared national values. We celebrate our critical collaboration in defense, economic prosperity, cultural exchange, and the challenges of climate change. We appreciate Portugal’s important role in fostering security and stability in the Atlantic region and beyond as a NATO Ally and a partner to address global challenges.

The United States will always remember that Portugal was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of our Republic.  Our relationship has been strong ever since.

The United States extends its warmest wishes to the people of Portugal on this important day. We celebrate in the confidence that our countries will remain friends and allies for many years to come.


Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at a Joint Press Availability
06/12/2023


Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at a Joint Press Availability
06/12/2023 04:27 PM EDT



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, DC

Treaty Room

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Greetings everyone. Let me begin by extending my condolences for the passing of former Prime Minister Berlusconi. Mr. Minister, we’re thinking of you, we’re thinking of the Italian people at this time.

I am so glad to be able to welcome my friend Antonio to the State Department for the first time as foreign minister. We’ve seen each other repeatedly around the world, including just a couple of weeks ago in Oslo for the NATO ministerial, and today we picked up where we left off in an ongoing conversation, building on the close alliance that we share and the longstanding ties between our nations.

We, of course, discussed Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We admire Prime Minister Meloni’s strong, principled leadership. Earlier this year in Irpin, the prime minister signed a Ukrainian flag with the words “at your side,” and that’s a very powerful description of the solidarity that all of us are showing for Ukraine.

Italy has stepped up in powerful ways, not only with military assistance, but supplying generators, electrical equipment to keep Ukraine’s power grid up in the face of Russian attacks on that grid; millions of dollars – tens of millions of dollars in humanitarian assistance from medicine to blankets. And, of course, Italy has welcomed more than 170,000 Ukrainian refugees into what is already the largest Ukrainian community in Western Europe. Our two countries will continue to support efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, consistent with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Our Italian allies are, of course, vital to the stability to NATO’s southern flank, and I thanked the minister for Italy’s leadership in supporting peace and security in North Africa. In Tunisia, Italy has played an invaluable role in urging the Tunisian Government to implement durable solutions to the country’s political and economic challenges. In Libya, we’ve worked very closely together to support the UN-led process to find a path toward free and fair elections. Italy is making major investments in Libya’s oil and gas industry that will deliver economic benefits to both shores of the Mediterranean.

Italy’s actions have also embodied the growing strategic convergence across the Atlantic with the European Union, within NATO, and among the G7. Italy is a source of stability not only in the Mediterranean but also in Sub-Saharan Africa, and we greatly value Italy’s growing strategic partnership with countries like Japan and India as we work to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.

As Italy prepares to assume the presidency of the G7 next year, we look forward to Italy’s continued leadership on issues of global consequence where we’ve been spending a lot of our time together – tackling the climate crisis, combating terrorism, safeguarding democracy, building food security, building global health security. All of these issues are front and center in our common agenda.

What makes our close partnership so productive across these many issues are, of course, the remarkable, enduring bonds between our people: ties of shared history, shared values; some 18 million Americans who claim Italian ancestry, including our First Lady Jill Biden – all of which helps explain why American visitors are returning to Italy in record numbers after the pandemic.

So on behalf of the United States, let me just say to our good friends, our close partners, our close allies, thank you. We are so grateful for the work that we’re doing together around the world. In many ways, it’s more meaningful than ever. The challenges are tremendous, the opportunities are real, and because of that partnership – notably the partnership between our countries is more important than it’s ever been.

Thank you, my friend, and over to you.

FOREIGN MINISTER TAJANI: Thank you very much, Tony. Allow me to speak in my mother tongue, in Italian. (Via interpreter) First of all, I’d like to thank Antony Blinken for the flexibility he showed today at a time that is very challenging for me, for Italy. He accepted to modify our program and to move up this meeting so that I could be allowed to go back to Italy. I am deeply grateful for that. I see this as one more gesture of friendship towards Italy, and I also want to thank him for the condolences that he expressed for our loss of Silvio Berlusconi. And being here today for me is a way to honor his memory because he considered the United States to be Italy’s best friend and he never missed an opportunity to thank all of the young American soldiers who have fallen to defend freedom and democracy in Italy and in Europe. And when before Congress, he said, “When I look at the flag of the United States, I don’t see just the flag of a country who’s a friend, but I see a message of democracy and freedom all over the world.”

That’s – these are in the foundations upon which the friendship between Italy and the U.S. are based. I’m here to restate today our strategic solidarity, which is not connected just to what is happening at the time. This is a longstanding relationship based on the many Italians that have come to America and who are today the children and grandchildren of other Italians. This bond is very strong and very solid. It is political, it is strategic, and it is based on a joint vision about freedom and democracy.

Over the course of our meeting, we agreed on all of the big issues, starting from the most dramatic ones, such as the war in the Ukraine. We all want peace but peace must be a just peace. It must be a peace that restates international rule of law and allows freedom to a people that were the victim of invasion. We agreed on the kind of work that can be performed in the Balkans, where we are part of the Quint format, and we can restore these and we can favor the entrance of countries that are candidates to become part of the European Union. We want the Ukraine to be a future member of the European Union.

We agreed on the action to be implemented to support peace and stability in the area of the Mediterranean, including Tunisia, which for us in Italy is a priority. I have explained to my friend Antony what the Italian Government is doing to achieve stability. We found agreement on the actions to be taken in the Middle East and North Africa, in the Indo-Pacific area. Italy is in favor of maintaining the status quo in that region. I also stated once again to Antony that Italy, with this government, intends to keep its positions. It will be a stable country. It will be a loyal country, serious, credible, and reliable.

And soon there will be the visit of the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who will meet President Biden in order to strengthen even more the relationship between Italy and the United States, which are two countries that are brothers for us. This transatlantic relationship, based on a common vision of NATO and trade exchanges that are very solid, this will allow us to solve any issue that might happen, and we will do so as friends. And under an economic point of view, we are in total agreement. We are two industrialized countries. We know what the issues with raw materials are. And in Africa we can work in this direction as well together in order to make sure that the market, especially for raw materials, is not dominated by others.

Therefore, there is perfect agreement. There is an action towards common purposes. And I am very satisfied of my meeting with the Secretary of State of the United States. I want to thank him for the showing of affection that he had towards me and towards the Berlusconi family and towards Italy.

MR MILLER: Four questions. The first one goes to Shannon Crawford with ABC News.

QUESTION: Thank you very much. As Ukraine begins its counteroffensive, its military reports that it’s up against a massive uptick of drones on the battlefield, and more and more reports suggest that some of these drones, or at least some of their key parts, are coming from China. Now, my question to you both is: Do you assess that China is ramping up its material support for Russia? And Mr. Secretary, will you bring this up when you are in Beijing, and also will you raise China’s efforts to spy on the U.S. from Cuba while you’re there?

And second, Mr. Secretary, we saw another American arrested in Moscow over the weekend. Do you have any updates on those case – on that case, rather – that you can share? And more broadly, does this administration’s willingness to engage in negotiations over detentions encourage these type of provocative arrests? Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Let me – let me start with the second question first. We’ve been seeking to learn more about the apparent detention of Travis Leake, and we are working to be not only in touch with him, to have consular access, but also with his family. My number one priority as Secretary of State is the safety and security of Americans abroad, and this is – this is no exception. So we’re working to gather information to understand exactly what happened, and of course we will be very focused on this.

Look, generally speaking, there is always a balance to be found in working to secure the release of Americans who are being arbitrarily detained, which we’ve done very successfully over the last couple of years, bringing Americans home from many different places with, of course, concerns about whether any actions we take might further incentivize countries to engage in this practice. But that’s why, even as we’ve been doing this, we’ve been imposing penalties, imposing sanctions, including under the Robert Levinson Act, to disincentivize countries from engaging in this practice. At the same time, we’re working more and more closely together with other countries that unfortunately are similarly situated to us and having been the victims of the arbitrary detention of their citizens to make it clear to countries that do this that there will be a price to be paid.

But it is a balance. I believe we can do both things at the same time. At the same time, the countries that engage in this practice ultimately are simply going to further isolate themselves as people from around the world will have to really think twice, think three times, about whether they want to travel to any of these countries when there’s a risk that they will be arbitrarily detained and used as a pawn in some kind of political issue that that country may have with us or with many other countries around the world.

And that ultimately is going to be very self-defeating for countries that have an interest in maintaining contacts, remaining – maintaining relations, having economic connectivity with the world. They will be isolating themselves. But we work on this virtually every single day and we work to make sure that we get the balance right.

With regard to drones in Ukraine that are being used by Russia, we’ve been very focused on this, particularly the concern that drones coming from Iran are being used in Ukraine. We have seen that over many months, both to attack civilians, to attack civilian infrastructure. We’ve been very focused on trying to disrupt those efforts and the provision of those drones. We’ve been on this for some time.

We’ve shared concerns in the past with counterparts in China about the possibility that the provision of weapons to Russia for Ukraine is something that they might be considering. To date, we’ve not seen that line crossed. At the same time, we have concerns about private companies engaged in the provision of technologies, including dual-use technologies. That’s something that’s of much – an issue. It’s something that we’ve brought up in the past, and I know we’ll continue to bring up going forward if that remains a concern.

With regard to Cuba, when this administration took office in January 2021, we were briefed on a number of sensitive efforts by Beijing around the world to expand their overseas logistics, basing, collection infrastructure, to allow them to project and sustain military power at the greater distance. They were considering a number of sites around the world for that expansion, including intelligence collection facilities for intelligence collection in Cuba. In fact, based on the information we have, the PRC conducted an upgrade of its intelligence collection facilities in Cuba in 2019.

It was our assessment that despite awareness of the basing efforts and some attempts to address the challenge in the past administration, we weren’t making enough progress on this issue and we needed a more direct approach. And that’s exactly what President Biden instructed his team to do to address the challenge. And within months of getting that instruction from the President, that’s exactly what we did. We’ve been executing on that approach quietly, carefully, but in our judgment, with results ever since. I can’t get into every step that we’ve taken, but the strategy begins with diplomacy. We’ve engaged governments that are considering hosting PRC bases at high levels. We’ve exchanged information with them. Our experts assess that our diplomatic efforts have slowed down this effort by the PRC. It’s something that we’re very carefully monitoring and, as I said, taking steps to counter. We remain confident that we are able to meet all of our security commitments both at home and in the region.

FOREIGN MINISTER TAJANI: (Via interpreter) As far as China is concerned, I believe that a country that submitted a number of points to build peace cannot and should not provide any kind of support to a country such as Russia that violated international law. Therefore, I believe that China’s commitment should be aimed not at strengthening Russia but, on the other hand, to favor peace. Therefore, I hope that it will go in that direction.

Regarding Cuba, Cuba is a fundamental area, or country in a strategic area. This is an appeal that I launch to the Cuban regime, and that is to free many political prisoners. And in that case as well we must defend, first and foremost, human rights, especially also about Iran. Sending drones to the Russian Federation must be stopped. Those who want peace cannot contribute to support those who violated international law and invaded a free and democratic country.

MR MILLER: Massimo Gaggi with Corriere della Sera.

QUESTION: Thank you for having us. And to both of you, Tunisia is the top of an iceberg of a deep crisis in Africa. Given that a plan to stabilize this continent is essential for Europe and, frankly, for our democracies, do you see room for a pragmatic approach to avoid the default of Tunisia given that – the reservations of IMF, as far as I understand, are more based on market economy issues more than on human rights issues.

And if I may, specifically to you, Mr. Secretary: Do you have any memories specifically on Silvio Berlusconi that was recently criticized for his position on Ukraine, but that I remember that long ago he was a bridge to keep Putin very close to NATO and also to allow Mr. Erdogan to be as integrated as possible in the European Union? Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I’m happy to start, Antonio, if there’s anything you want to add of course. On Tunisia, we very much share the concern that Italy has and that other partners have about the economic situation in Tunisia, as well as – as well as political challenges. And very much appreciate the work that’s being done, including by the delegation led by Prime Minister Meloni and also the President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen to visit and to see if there’s a way forward.

We very much would welcome the Tunisian Government presenting a revised reform plan to the IMF and for the IMF to be able to act on the plan presented. But these are sovereign decisions. This is a sovereign decision for Tunisia; it’s not a decision for us or anyone else to make. But it’s clear that Tunisia needs additional assistance if it is going to avoid falling off the proverbial economic cliff. And what the EU and Italy have done, I think, is an important step, but something more comprehensive – that in our judgment the IMF can best provide – would be important to actually helping Tunisia get on a sustainable and positive path. But the decisions that are involved really are decisions for Tunisia to make, but we would very much support finding some way forward because it’s important for Tunisia, but it’s also, I think, important for the region. It’s important – it’s important for Europe, and we have a stake as well in Tunisia’s success.

After the Arab Spring, Tunisia was one of the most important bright spots in its trajectory – something that I had the opportunity to be involved in when I was last in government. And so we want to see Tunisia succeed, and we want to find ways to provide the support necessary for its success. But fundamentally, the government in Tunisia has to make decisions about how it wants to proceed, and we would hope that there’s a practical way forward that we can find with, as necessary, appropriate flexibility. And of course we’re in very close contact, coordination with the Government of Italy as well as with other partners in Europe on this. We have the same objective.

And then finally, with regard to Prime Minister Berlusconi, I must say I never had the opportunity to meet him or to work with him. He was obviously a tremendously significant figure in the life of Italy – in the political life, in the public life of the country. Many American administrations worked with him over the years. And for me, not having known him, I simply want to extend my condolences to his family, because let’s not – never forget in these situations, the people who are affected first and foremost is the family – but also to the Italian people for their loss.

FOREIGN MINISTER TAJANI: Thank you very much. On Tunisia, I informed the secretary-general on a trip of Prime Minister Meloni to Tunisia we want to achieve good solutions. We want to pave the way for an agreement. Of course, for us, we need to be pragmatic – to talk, to talk, to talk with the Tunisians for achieving an agreement between Tunisia, the European Union, Italy, also Monetary Fund, and for this also the position of the United States is very, very important. But we need to work step by step. The idea of the Italian is to put money – the first step of money, then reforms; without reforms, not the second step.

But we need to talk, we need to achieve good solution for the stability, because the stability of Tunisia, as the stability of Libya, is crucial for the stability of the Mediterranean region. Italy is strongly engaged on this. We will work in contact with our European friends but also our American friends for achieving good results for – in favor of the stability, peace, against illegal immigration, against terrorism. All together, this is a priority for everybody.

MR MILLER: Next question, Zeba Warsi with PBS NewsHour.

QUESTION: Thank you so much. First to you both on Sweden’s bid to join NATO, Mr. Secretary, you called Türkiye’s newly appointed foreign minister and emphasized the need for Sweden to be a part of NATO. Sweden has announced that it will extradite self – a self-proclaimed PKK supporter. Do you believe that will satisfy President Erdogan, or rather Türkiye, to clear the path for Sweden to join NATO ahead of the NATO Summit?

And secondly, on the Dnieper dam disaster, do you have an update to share with us based on intelligence reports? Can you say with absolute certainty that the Russians were behind it? And more broadly, what kind of an impact has that had on the ongoing counteroffensive? Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: On Sweden and NATO, a few things. First, as we’ve said all along, if you look in the context of history, if you look at this historically, the process for both Finland and Sweden has been very rapid, and appropriately so given the fact that both countries have been longtime partners of NATO, among the strongest democracies in the world, members of the European Union. And of course, the challenge posed to European security by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine makes the matter even more urgent.

As I also said, it’s a process, and it’s appropriate that during that process every member of the Alliance be able to raise any concerns or issues that it might have. That’s especially true because a big part of being a member of NATO is the Article 5 commitment for each member to come to the defense of any other member if they are the subject of aggression.

So that process has worked, and in the course of it Türkiye was able to raise some concerns that it had. Finland and Sweden have both addressed those concerns, and in our judgment, addressed them appropriately and effectively. There is I think scheduled for later this week another meeting between Türkiye, Sweden, NATO to look at where things are. But in our judgment and, as important, in the judgment of virtually every other Ally in NATO – and Antonio and I were just at a meeting with our colleagues a couple of weeks ago – each and every one expressed the conviction that now is the time for Sweden to formally join the Alliance, for the accession process to be complete. And that’s certainly the judgment of the United States. So our expectation is that this will happen by the time of the Vilnius Summit in July, and that’s what we’re looking to see take place over the coming weeks.

On the dam, we don’t have any further information on exactly what happened. We do know that it’s having catastrophic effects on Ukrainians, and that’s in and of itself a terrible thing, magnified, of course, by the fact that this is happening in the midst of Russia’s broader aggression against Ukraine. But we don’t have any further information on exactly what caused the dam to collapse. Of course, Russia started this war. Russia is – was actually in control of the dam, and we’ve seen the results affecting so many Ukrainians.

FOREIGN MINISTER TAJANI: Italy is strongly in favor NATO for membership for Sweden. We would work for achieving this goal with other NATO members. I want to have Sweden full member during the Vilnius meeting. We will work for achieving this goal.

On the other point, we don’t have clear information for this. It’s much better to stay in silence, of course. We want to protect the civil population. We need to help the civil population. Also, Zaporizhzhia region is very dangerous for the same proposal during the meeting of the United Nation assembly to have a free zone around Zaporizhzhia, supporting the action of Mr. Grossi, general director of atomic agency of the United Nations.

MR MILLER: Final question goes to Andrea Gerli with RAI TG1 TV.

QUESTION: Thank. For both of you, Minister Tajani and Secretary Blinken, how do you evaluate what’s happening on the ground in Ukraine with a counteroffensive, and where would – where could it lead eventually?

And another question: What are the next steps of the cooperation between Ukraine and NATO? I’m thinking about the next summit. And is it possible that Ukraine joins NATO – well, a de facto joint partnership, not the (inaudible)? Thank you.

FOREIGN MINISTER TAJANI: (Via interpreter) I believe that we must follow a process that had been started a few years ago in order to have the Ukraine become an operational member of NATO. I believe that a substantial first step that can lead into this direction would be that of establishing a sort of NATO council with Ukraine that can see the involvement of Ukraine also in terms of information sharing and political information at NATO level. And this could be a first step towards entering NATO by the Ukraine.

Regarding the counteroffensive, I hope that it can help to make steps towards peace, because we all want peace. We are helping Ukraine because we want peace. Because if we did not help the Ukraine, Ukraine would be invaded and we would have a threat that is much greater towards Europe, and Georgia, Moldova, and many other countries would be at great risk. Therefore, we’re doing this to defend freedom and democracy. But we do want peace. So if this counteroffensive is useful to have the Russians retreat back from the Ukraine, well, this will give freedom back to Ukraine.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: On the counteroffensive, these are, of course, early days, so much too soon to say exactly where this is going. But I think it’s important to note that, as a result of more than 50 countries coming together in support of Ukraine, and particularly the courage and tenacity of Ukraine’s military and its people, we’re confident that they will continue to have success in what they’re trying to achieve, which is to take back the land that’s been seized from them by Russia. It’s very important to note that, in terms of what President Putin was trying to achieve in Ukraine, it’s already been a strategic failure, because the objective that Putin had – that he stated himself – was to erase Ukraine from the map, to eliminate its independence, and to absorb Ukraine, in one fashion or another, into Russia. That has failed and it cannot succeed.

But it remains the case that Russia has illegally seized almost 20 percent of Ukraine’s territory. And we both want – Italy, the United States – in fact, the Ukrainian people more than anyone – want peace, but it needs to be a just and durable peace. And by just, we mean a peace that basically reflects the principles of the United Nations Charter, including on territorial integrity and sovereignty. And by durable, we mean a peace that doesn’t simply leave things in a place where Russia can rest, rearm, and re-attack six months later, a year later, two years later. So this is what we’re working toward.

Ukraine’s success in the counter offensive would do two things. It would strengthen its position at any negotiating table that emerges, and it may have the effect as well of actually causing Putin to finally focus on negotiating an end to the war that he started. And in that sense, it can actually bring peace closer, not put it further away. So we will continue to do two things – and we’re determined in this – we’ll continue to maximize our support to Ukraine now so that it can have success on the battlefield, but also our enduring support is critical, support for Ukraine so that it can build up over time a strong deterrent and defense capacity for its military so that in the future, if Russia tries to pursue another aggression, it has the chance to deter that and, if necessary, effectively defend against it; but also to support its economy, to support its integration with the European Union where Italy is a leading voice; and of course, the ongoing process of democratic reform.

These two things – its military strength and its economic and democratic strength – these are the critical things that Ukraine needs to succeed not only to survive, but to thrive going forward. And it also sends a very strong message to President Putin that, to the extent he believes that he will outlast Ukraine, that he will outlast our countries, he’s wrong; and that we’re committed to Ukraine not just in the moment, but for the long term as well. And that gets me to the NATO Summit. I think – without getting ahead of ourselves, I think what you can expect to see at the NATO Summit is a robust package of both political and practical support for Ukraine going forward.

And this too, I think, will send a very strong message to President Putin that he can’t simply try to outlast any of us, that we’re all here to stay, we’re determined. The Ukrainian people, we, all want peace, but again, it has to be just, it has to be durable. And if and when Russia is prepared to engage on that basis, we’ll all be prepared to do that. But what we’ve seen to date is that it’s not prepared to do that.

MR MILLER: Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you, everyone.



U.S. Support for the Minnesota Bid to Host Expo 2027
06/12/2023

U.S. Support for the Minnesota Bid to Host Expo 2027
06/12/2023 05:36 PM EDT



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On June 21 in Paris the United States will present to the member states of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) our bid to bring an international expo to Minnesota ahead of the selection vote. With a projected 14 million visits, it will serve as a gateway to the heartland of America.

The U.S. bid, and theme of “Healthy People, Healthy Planet – Wellness and Wellbeing for All,” has never been more timely. In addition to offering nations of the world an unrivaled forum to expand business, trade, and tourism opportunities, our theme will spur conversations on cutting edge innovations in healthcare, green tech, and agriculture—convening the global community around international health and protecting our planet.

The state of Minnesota is the ideal choice to host, as it is home to the world’s largest health tech cluster, Medical Alley, and the nation’s top-rated hospital, Mayo Clinic. The region boasts one of the country’s most diverse economies and ranks first per capita among the 30 largest U.S. metro areas in concentration of Fortune 500 companies. The proposed U.S. site is “expo ready” with world-class and environmentally sustainable infrastructure, and easily accessible by nearby Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

The United States is eager to host Expo 2027 in Minnesota to convene international partners to work together in pursuit of innovative solutions to some of our most pressing shared challenges for our people and our planet.

I encourage all BIE member states to vote for the U.S. bid to host the Specialized World Expo in 2027 in Minnesota.




Visit of a Delegation from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Executive Council Visit
06/12/2023

Visit of a Delegation from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Executive Council Visit
06/12/2023 09:03 PM EDT


Office of the Spokesperson

Richmond, Kentucky / Washington, D.C.

The United States will host a delegation led by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Executive Council Chairperson Ambassador Lucian Fătu of Romania and including Director-General Fernando Arias from, June 12-14, 2023, to review U.S. chemical weapons destruction progress. During the visit, the United States will provide an update on the status of the U.S. stockpile destruction program and a tour of the Department of Defense’s Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant in Richmond, Kentucky. Following the events stop in Kentucky, Under Secretary of State Bonnie Jenkins will host an interagency roundtable in Washington, D.C. to discuss how the U.S. government supports implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and share U.S. perspectives on future efforts under the Convention.

For more information on the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, please visit the www.state.gov/t/avc.



Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine
06/13/2023


Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine
06/13/2023 12:27 PM EDT

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

The United States continues to stand with the people of Ukraine, whose enduring courage and solidarity inspires the world. The United States is partnering with over 50 nations to lead efforts in support of Ukraine’s self-defense against Russian aggression.

Pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, I am authorizing our 40th drawdown for Ukraine, which will provide $325 million worth of U.S. arms and equipment. This security assistance package includes critical air defense capabilities, additional munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, artillery rounds, anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, and other equipment essential to strengthening Ukraine’s forces on the battlefield.

Russia started this unprovoked war against Ukraine. Russia could end it at any time by withdrawing its forces from Ukraine and stopping its brutal attacks against Ukraine’s cities and people. Until Russia does so, the United States and our allies and partners will stand united with Ukraine, for as long as it takes.


Secretary Blinken and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Before Their Meeting
06/13/2023

Secretary Blinken and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Before Their Meeting
06/13/2023 01:26 PM EDT

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Treaty Room

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. I really want to start by thanking Secretary General Stoltenberg for his friendship, his partnership, and especially his leadership of our NATO Alliance during one of the most critical times that I can remember in Alliance history. Because of his strong and steady hand, our Alliance is stronger and it’s more unified than it’s ever been.

We had the opportunity today – and more importantly, the secretary general has the opportunity with the President – in a short while to talk about our plans for the Vilnius Summit next month, a very, very important milestone for the entire Alliance. And I think we can say with conviction that you’ll see at the summit the Alliance reaffirm its commitment – of course, the shared commitment to Article Five and to defending every inch of NATO territory.

You will see us following up on our commitment to reinforce our defense investments, to strengthening even more the Alliance’s deterrent and defense capacity, and to operationalize many of the plans and programs that were put in place in the Strategic Concept and that continue to be elaborated right now in advance of the summit.

I anticipate as well that you’ll see a robust package of both political and practical support for Ukraine coming from the summit. We believe as well that it is the time to welcome Sweden as the next member of the Alliance after having had an important and, I think, very appropriate process for its accession to address appropriate concerns of other Allies.

And we also look forward to strengthening even more our partnership with countries in the Indo-Pacific. So there’s a broad and deep agenda, but of course the details are important. We’ll continue to work on those in the weeks ahead, but I think the secretary general’s meeting here today, but especially with the President, is an important opportunity to make sure that we have good alignment heading into Vilnius.

So Jens, as always, welcome. Great to be with you.

SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: Thank you so much, Secretary Blinken, dear Tony. And let me thank you for our friendship, for our partnership, and for your strong leadership in a critical time for our security. And I’d also thank the United States and President Biden for everything you do to strengthen the transatlantic bond, and of course the support you provide to Ukraine.

European allies are also doing their part with tens of billions of economic military support to Ukraine, and the support NATO Allies and partners are delivering to Ukraine is making difference on the battlefield as we speak because the Ukrainians have launched the offensive. They are making advances; they are gaining ground. This is still early days, but what we all know is that the more land the Ukrainians are able to liberate, the stronger their hand will be at the negotiating table and the more likely it is that President Putin will understand that he will never win this battle, they will never win the war of aggression on the battlefield. So therefore, I’m extremely grateful for your personal commitment to the continued support to Ukraine, Secretary Blinken.

As you mentioned, we are now preparing for the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius. We will there agree to sustain and step up the support for Ukraine, further strengthen our deterrence and defense, which includes a more – a stronger commitment to increase defense spending. And I expect Allies to agree that two percent of GDP for defense should be a minimum of what we should all invest in our defense, in our collective security.

We will strengthen our partnership with the Indo-Pacific partners, and we’ll all, of course, look forward to welcoming Sweden as a full member of the Alliance as soon as possible.

So once again, Tony, thank you for our friendship and thank you for everything you do for the Alliance. Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, Jens. Thanks, everyone.


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg
06/13/2023

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg
06/13/2023 03:19 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today in Washington. Secretary Blinken and Secretary General Stoltenberg discussed priorities for the July 11-12 NATO Summit in Vilnius, including continued support to Ukraine, strengthening Alliance deterrence and defense, and our commitment to Sweden’s NATO accession.


Secretary Blinken’s Trip to the People’s Republic of China and the United Kingdom
06/14/2023


Secretary Blinken’s Trip to the People’s Republic of China and the United Kingdom
06/14/2023 08:16 AM EDT

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Beijing, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and London, the United Kingdom, June 16-21.

While in Beijing, Secretary Blinken will meet with senior PRC officials where he will discuss the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to responsibly manage the U.S.-PRC relationship. He will also raise bilateral issues of concern, global and regional matters, and potential cooperation on shared transnational challenges.

In London, the Secretary will attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference to help mobilize international support from the public and private sector to help Ukraine recover from Russia’s brutal and ongoing attacks. While there, he will also meet with counterparts from the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and other partners and allies.


Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya Travels to Belgium
06/14/2023


Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya Travels to Belgium
06/14/2023 02:19 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson

Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya will travel to Brussels June 15-16, 2023. During this trip, she will represent the United States at the European Union (EU)-hosted Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, which aims to mobilize assistance for vulnerable Syrians and their host communities and to affirm the international community’s support for a political solution to the Syria conflict in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The United States is unwavering in its commitment to the Syrian people and will announce additional humanitarian funding for the Syria response.

Under Secretary Zeya will also meet with senior EU officials to discuss shared objectives including advancing universal human rights; mutual efforts to stand with Ukraine; and ensuring safe, orderly, and humane migration globally. Finally, she will engage diverse members of Syrian civil society to discuss ongoing human rights violations, refugee protection, justice and accountability, missing and unjustly detained persons, and how these issues affect women and girls.

For further information, follow @UnderSecStateJ.


United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the People of Ukraine
06/16/2023

United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the People of Ukraine
06/16/2023 09:55 AM EDT

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

The United States is providing $205 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Ukraine as part of our support for those affected by Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified, and brutal war against Ukraine. U.S. humanitarian assistance provides the people of Ukraine with critical support, including food, safe drinking water, protection services, education, livelihoods, legal assistance, accessible shelter, health care, and more through our international and non-governmental partners in the region. These funds also help victims of the conflict maintain contact with family members who have been separated and promotes family reunification when possible.

Since the onset of Russia’s invasion, more than six million refugees have fled the country and more than five million have been internally displaced inside Ukraine. Millions more Ukrainians have been impacted by Russia’s attacks inside Ukraine. Our funding, which brings the total humanitarian assistance provided to Ukraine in Fiscal Year 2023 to more than $605 million, provides further support for humanitarian organizations responding to the crisis and complements the generosity of countries that are welcoming and supporting refugees. Since February 2022, the United States has provided more than $2.1 billion in humanitarian assistance for the people of Ukraine, both inside Ukraine and in the region.

We continue to call for an immediate end to Russia’s war of aggression and for Russia to facilitate unhindered access to providers of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine and safe passage for those who seek to move to safer areas. The U.S. response is advancing Ukraine’s overall security, economic recovery, energy security, and capacity to cope with the humanitarian crisis created by Russia’s war. We welcome the contributions of other donors toward this crisis response and urge yet more donors to generously support the serious humanitarian needs in Ukraine and the region.


Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Marian
06/16/2023

Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Marian
06/16/2023 03:04 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Jan Marian. The Deputy Secretary and Deputy Foreign Minister reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship between the United States and the Czech Republic, including our strong support of Ukraine. They also discussed opportunities to address synthetic drug threats and advance collective defense. The Deputy Secretary highlighted the strength of the U.S. bid to host a Specialized World Expo in Minnesota in 2027 under the theme “Healthy People, Healthy Planet.”


On the Occasion of His Majesty King Charles III’s Official Birthday
06/17/2023

On the Occasion of His Majesty King Charles III’s Official Birthday
06/17/2023 12:01 AM EDT

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I send warm congratulations to His Majesty King Charles III, Her Majesty Queen Camilla, and to the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as you celebrate His Majesty’s official birthday.

As President Biden said earlier this month, we have no closer ally than the United Kingdom. Our two nations collaborate and lead together to confront the urgent challenges of our time, as we uphold democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law. I deeply admire His Majesty’s commitment to sustainability and protecting the planet for future generations. The United States and United Kingdom will continue to work hand in hand to combat the climate crisis and to conserve and protect the biodiversity of our planet. Our countries are also in lockstep in our support for Ukraine as it defends its people and its territory against Russia’s war of aggression.

I look forward to deepening the close U.S.-UK friendship as we work together to advance our shared values and build a more secure world. On this special day, I wish His Majesty the King and the British people peace, prosperity, and health for the year ahead.


Iceland National Day
06/17/2023


Iceland National Day
06/17/2023 12:01 AM EDT

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Iceland in celebration of your National Day.

The United States and Iceland share a strong and enduring friendship, based on commitments to democratic principles, freedom, and our collective security as NATO Allies. We are working together to address the shared challenges in the region and globally across a wide range of economic, human rights, security, and climate issues, as well as through cooperation in the Arctic Council. The close coordination between the United States and Iceland is all the more important as we work together to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia’s unprovoked war. Together we will hold Russia to account for its brutal actions.

I look forward to jointly creating a bright future for our peoples in the years to come and send best wishes for peace, health, and prosperity to all people in Iceland on this special day.


Detention of Kosovo Police
06/17/2023


Detention of Kosovo Police
06/17/2023 01:22 PM EDT

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

We call on President Vucic and the Serbian government to immediately and unconditionally release the three Kosovo police detained on June 14. Their arrest and ongoing detention on spurious charges has exacerbated an already tense situation.

We also continue to call on both Serbia and Kosovo to follow the three-point plan outlined by the EU and return to the EU-facilitated Dialogue without delay.




Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry’s Travel to Rome, Vatican City, Brussels, and Paris
06/18/2023


Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry’s Travel to Rome, Vatican City, Brussels, and Paris
06/18/2023 06:12 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to Rome, Vatican City, Brussels, and Paris between June 19 and June 26. In Rome, Secretary Kerry will meet with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. In Vatican City, he will have an audience with Pope Francis and Cardinal Pietro Parolin. In Brussels, Secretary Kerry will participate in a panel discussion titled “Climate and Security – the New Nexus” with representatives from the European Union and NATO.

In Paris, Secretary Kerry will participate in President Macron’s Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, which aims to address climate finance in the context of a more inclusive international financial system, and in the One Planet Sovereign Wealth Funds’ Annual CEO Summit, which will focus on pathways for scaling private sector energy transition investment in emerging markets. Secretary Kerry will also meet with International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol.




The United States and United Kingdom: A Historic Friendship and Enduring Alliance
06/19/2023


The United States and United Kingdom: A Historic Friendship and Enduring Alliance
06/19/2023 07:02 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

“Prime Minister Churchill and Roosevelt met here a little over 70 years ago, and they asserted that the strength of the partnership between Great Britain and the United States was the strength of the free world. I still think there’s truth to that assertion.”

— President Biden, June 8, 2023

The United States and the United Kingdom are the closest of friends and Allies, cooperating on a range of important priorities, including defense and security, a thriving economic relationship, leadership in science and technology, and deep ties between our people and civil societies. Our historic Alliance, founded on shared values and common beliefs, ensures security and prosperity not only for our two nations but for the world.

Advancing Our Shared Values Across the GlobeThe United States and the United Kingdom share a commitment to uphold democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law. The UK is among our strongest partners in defending open societies, freedom of expression, and media freedom.
Our countries coordinate closely to address the climate crisis, food insecurity, energy insecurity, global health challenges, and advance inclusive economic growth worldwide.
AUKUS, a new security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, will promote a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable.
The United States and UK share a commitment to protecting the gains of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, and preserving peace, stability, and prosperity for the people of Northern Ireland.

Standing Together in Support of UkraineThe United States and UK are working together – in coordination with other Allies and partners – to secure Ukraine’s future as a secure, sovereign, independent nation by investing in its long-term military capability and by strengthening its economy, its democracy, and its full integration with Europe.
We are committed to supporting Ukraine’s brave defenders and helping Ukraine build a military capable of defending itself and deterring against future attacks.
The United States and UK are working together with Ukraine to build support for a just and lasting peace that affirms the core principles of the UN Charter – sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence – and supports Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery.

Promoting Economic Prosperity for AllOur countries are deeply linked by our economic ties and the bonds between our people. The UK is our largest foreign investment partner and biggest partner in services trade. Our respective companies directly employ more than one million workers in the other country.
On June 8, 2023, President Biden and Prime Minister Sunak announced The Atlantic Declaration, a U.S.-UK economic partnership committing to enhance our cooperation across a number of critical economic sectors.
As democratic and open societies we resolve to work together to ensure the safety, prosperity, and security of our nations and peoples while driving growth in living standards across the world.




Secretary Blinken with George Stephanopoulos of ABC Good Morning America
06/20/2023


Secretary Blinken with George Stephanopoulos of ABC Good Morning America
06/20/2023 09:03 AM EDT



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

London, England

Intercontinental Park Lane

QUESTION: Secretary Blinken joins us now from London. Good morning, Mr. Secretary. Thank you for joining us. Last month, President Biden predicted a thaw in U.S.-China relations. Does your visit with President Xi mark the beginning of that?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, I think, George, what it marks is the beginning, I hope, of putting a little bit more stability back into the relationship. President Biden feels strongly that we have an obligation, both China and the United States, to manage the relationship responsibly. And this visit was about really trying to do that, to re-establish some lines of communication at senior levels of our government – to be able to talk about the real differences that we have on a number of issues, and also to see if there are areas where we can find ways to cooperate when it’s in our mutual interest and also benefits other countries around the world.

QUESTION: President Xi said there were new agreements on specific issues. What are these new agreements?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, we’re working on a number of things, but – and I don’t want to get ahead of them, because we have groups that will come together to try and explore progress on issues. But we had good, candid, very detailed conversations on both areas where we have profound differences but also areas where we might cooperate – for example, on fentanyl, which, as you know, is the number-one killer of Americans aged 18 to 49. A big part of the problem is the chemical precursors that go into fentanyl being manufactured in China, sent over to Mexico, turned into fentanyl, come into the country, and kill a lot of Americans. So, we’re talking about forming a working group to be able to cooperate on that.

There a number of other areas that I don’t want to get ahead of. But we also, of course, have profound differences, and a big part of this is making sure that we’re managing them responsibly so that the competition that we’re in does not veer into conflict. So, we had lengthy exchanges, for example, about Taiwan. We also talked a lot about Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and the role that China could play – positive role that it could play in hopefully, at some point, bringing this conflict to an end.

QUESTION: I want to – I want to ask you about Ukraine. Has China assured the United States that they will not be providing lethal aid to Russia to help them in their aggression against Ukraine?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: George, it’s given that – the assurance to us, but not just to us – to a number of other countries around the world who have expressed concerns about that. And they’ve said they have not, and they will not. Now, one of the other challenges is – and I pointed this out to my Chinese interlocutors – is that there are Chinese companies, distinct from the government, that are providing assistance to Russia for use in Ukraine. And we have asked them to be very vigilant about that.

QUESTION: And what does this lead to in the future? Do you believe that this is going to lead to a face-to-face meeting between President Biden and President Xi in the coming months?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: George, this is really a process. I think what you’re going to see in the weeks ahead, the months ahead is more senior-level contact, more senior-level engagement – some of my colleagues from the administration going over to China, Chinese officials coming over to the United States. In fact, I invited my counterpart, the Foreign Minister Qin Gang, to come to Washington. He agreed, so we’ll set that up in the coming time.

But at the end of the day, there’s not really a substitute for this leader-to-leader engagement between President Biden and President Xi. So, my expectation is we’ll see that in the months to come. It’s really important that they continue to have these conversations. President Biden has known President Xi for many years. When they were both vice president, they spent a lot of time together during the Obama administration. And so, this is an existing relationship, but it’s important that they have direct contact.

QUESTION: Secretary Blinken, thanks for your time this morning.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, George. Good to be with you.




Designation of Ramiz Merko, North Macedonia, for Significant Corruption
06/20/2023

Designation of Ramiz Merko, North Macedonia, for Significant Corruption
06/20/2023 11:24 AM EDT



Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

The United States is designating the mayor of the municipality of Struga, North Macedonia, Ramiz Merko, as generally ineligible for entry into the United States, due to his involvement in significant corruption. While serving as Struga’s mayor, Merko misappropriated funds and interfered with judicial and other public processes, damaging the public’s faith in North Macedonia’s democratic institutions and officials.

Today’s action sends a message that the United States stands with North Macedonia to foster stability through the strengthening of democratic institutions and addressing rule of law deficiencies. This designation reaffirms the commitment of the United States to combat corruption, which harms the public interest, hampers countries’ economic prosperity, and curtails the ability of governments to respond effectively to the needs of their people.

This public designation is made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023. The Department is also designating Merko’s wife, Shpresa, and three adult children, Genc, Nazmije, and Drenushe as ineligible for entry into the United States.




Secretary Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly at a Joint Press Availability
06/20/2023

Secretary Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly at a Joint Press Availability
06/20/2023 01:43 PM EDT



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

London, United Kingdom

United Kingdom Foreign Secretary’s Residence

MODERATOR: So, the Foreign Secretary is going to make some remarks, followed by Secretary Blinken. And then we will have time for a couple of questions.

FOREIGN SECRETARY CLEVERLY: If you’re ready. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us here at Carlton Gardens. It is a pleasure to formally welcome U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to London this week to join us, as we cohost the Ukraine Recovery Conference. It is a great opportunity to catch up and to compare notes, as we do regularly when we meet at various places around the world.

My current counterpart has hosted me on a number of occasions. I felt it was about time I returned the favor. But it did give us an opportunity to speak about the situation in Ukraine, the nature of our mutual support to Ukraine’s self-defense efforts against the Russian Federation’s brutal and unprovoked full-scale invasion on February of last year.

We also talked about the recent visit that my prime minister made to Washington, and his meeting with our American friends, including, of course, President Biden himself; and the close coordination and cooperation which we enjoy across a range of areas, including the signing of the Atlantic Declaration.

I also had the opportunity to get an update from Secretary’s Blinken’s recent trip to Beijing. And of course, the ongoing work that we do to try and encourage peace and stability around the world is a regular feature of our bilateral discussions – including, of course, our ongoing work to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

But this week is very much about encouraging the private sector to invest in Ukraine’s rebuilding and recovery. We recognize that that means that we need to demonstrate that those investments will be effective and that they will be safe. And that, of course, means the ongoing assurance that the Ukrainians seek that they will not be reinvaded once they have successfully regained their territory, their further integration into institutions – Euro-Atlantic institutions and European institutions – that they understandably aspire to. But of course, it also means supporting them as they perform the reform of their institutions that will facilitate the investments in their country.

One of the things that we have seen – one of the things that we have witnessed, with our support and with our encouragement, the very swift transformation of their armed forces to a very effective set of institutions, military institutions. And we want to see that same alacrity and pace with the reform of their governmental institutions. With our help, with our support, with our encouragement, I have no doubt that they will replicate the speed of that transformation.

And finally, whilst it was not an area of conversation with Secretary Blinken this afternoon, I would put on record the UK’s Government’s thoughts to those individuals who are currently in the submersible in the north Atlantic. We wish them all the luck. And of course, we hope that they will be swiftly found and returned to their loved ones.

Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: And I can only echo that, James. Thank you.

It’s always wonderful to be in London, but it’s particularly wonderful this time to be hosted by my friend the foreign secretary. Greatly appreciate that, and especially appreciate your leadership – the UK’s leadership – on this reconstruction conference for Ukraine, which brings us together this week.

We have more than 50 countries represented in London for the conference, not just to talk about the importance of Ukraine recovering from this war, but to make sure that it is thriving as a prosperous democracy – and to take concrete steps in that direction. That’s what these couple of days are all about.

President Biden said from the outset of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine that we would stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. And both of our countries are deeply committed to that. We will continue to deliver on that commitment, including through a new, robust U.S. assistance package that I’ll be able to announce tomorrow.

But as we discussed – and as on virtually everything – we are in full alignment. Ensuring Ukraine’s future as a secure, sovereign, independent nation demands not only providing for its security but also for its economy, its democracy, and its full integration into Europe. These are really flip sides of the Ukrainian success point that we are helping to deliver on. And that’s exactly what’s happening here this week. Even as we’re meeting Ukraine’s needs on the battlefield, as it continues to defend and take back territory seized from it by Russia, we are building the military for the long term so that it has in place the ability to deter and, if necessary, defend against future aggression.

And here I just want to, again, thank both the foreign secretary and all of the UK for the extraordinary support that it continues to provide, including announcing just last week, another 250 million pounds in additional security assistance – alongside almost 100 million pounds worth of air-defense capabilities. And of course, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers trained in the UK are making a big difference on the battlefield.

But as I said, the flip side of this is all the work that we are doing here to help Ukraine prepare for having the strongest possible economy, the strongest possible democracy, which is actually necessary to achieve a thriving economy and for reconstruction. If Ukraine is going to attract the investment it’s going to need – not just from governments, not just from international financial institutions, but from the private sector – it has to build the best possible environment to attract that investment. So, we’ll be talking about all of that over the next the next few days.

We also had an opportunity to talk about preparations for the NATO Summit that’s upcoming in Vilnius, and the practical steps that we will continue to take to shore up our own security and revitalize the Alliance to make sure it’s prepared to meet all of the challenges of this century.

As James mentioned, as all of you know, I came to London from Beijing, and so we had an opportunity to discuss the trip that I just took. President Biden sent me to Beijing because he believes strongly that both the United States and China have an obligation to manage our relationship responsibly. And that starts with strengthening lines of communication across our governments, exploring and making clear our positions and intentions in the places where we have very significant differences, and also looking at where we might cooperate together when it’s in our mutual interest; and often as well, in the interest of many other countries around the world.

We had very candid, substantive, and constructive conversations on each of these fronts. And I think it’s clear that both sides agreed on the need to try to stabilize the relationship. And we identified specific areas where dialogue and cooperation might benefit both of us and, also, other countries around the world.

Having said that, the hard work now, our diplomatic work is going to be entrained to actually carry this forward. None of these – none of the work we’re doing is done in a day or even in two days, even with as much time as we spend together. It’s a process, and we’ll be engaged in that going forward.

But here again, we are in full alignment with our friends and partners. If you look at what Prime Minister Sunak spoke about in Hiroshima, when all of the leaders were together at the G7 – and particularly when you look at what James spoke about at Mansion House, you can see that there is very clear alignment – and not just between us – between virtually all of Europe and many countries in Asia as well and beyond. And I think that alignment in the approach that we’re taking to the challenges posed by China is one of the most important assets that we have going forward.

Let me just finally say that, as James mentioned, this visit also comes on the heels of Prime Minister Sunak’s visit to Washington, where he and President Biden announced a new plan for adapting and reimagining our economies and our economic partnership for the 21st century. The Atlantic Declaration is broad and it’s deep, as is our partnership.

And among other efforts, it will expand our work together on artificial intelligence, something we talked about over lunch, both at the prime minister’s first global summit on AI safety and elsewhere. We’re focused together on establishing guardrails that maximize innovation to use AI for good, while minimizing the risks that it represents. And we’ll work not just with each other, but other governments, with the private sector, with civil society to ensure that AI capabilities are used safely; that they strengthen human rights and democratic values rather than repress them, and that they advance equity, not bias.

We’re also, of course, launching negotiations on a critical minerals agreement – and that will count five critical minerals extracted or processed in the UK toward the tax credits that exist now under the landmark Inflation Reduction Act. That, in turn, is going to create good paying jobs on both sides of the Atlantic, in both of our countries, while also meeting the high labor and environmental standards that we share. And it will help us meet the targets that we’ve set to prevent catastrophic warming of our planet. The agreement will make our critical supply chains more resilient, less dependent on unreliable governments.

So, across all of these efforts, including the one that brought me here today – ensuring a secure, independent, democratic, and prosperous Ukraine – as always, we simply could not ask for a better partner than the United Kingdom. We’re grateful for that. and James, thank you for lunch.

FOREIGN SECRETARY CLEVERLY: Tony, thank you very much. Sam, are you going to be the ringmaster for a couple questions?

MODERATOR: Yes. Thank you both for that. We’ve got time for a few questions, and we will start with James Landale from the BBC, please.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, Foreign Secretary, good afternoon. James Landale, BBC. Mr. Secretary, first of all, can you explain to us why the United States is currently unwilling to give Ukraine ATACMS long-range missiles? And why is the United States pushing for Jens Stoltenberg to say on as NATO secretary general?

And Foreign Secretary, is the UK willing to give state-backed insurance coverage to British firms so that they can help rebuild Ukraine, while the fighting carries on? And can you explain why you’re blocking the release of funds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club – more than $2 billion pounds – that are designed to go to help those victims of the war in Ukraine? Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Happy to start. On weapons for Ukraine, at every step along the way of this aggression by Russia against Ukraine, we’ve worked to get the Ukrainians what they need to defend themselves and, now as well, to take back the territory that’s been seized from them. And in fact, that started even before the aggression. We saw the storm clouds mounting, the previous year. We did drawdowns for the kind of equipment that they needed – Stingers, Javelins – and that they had in-hand when the Russians did attack. And that enabled them – of course, starting with their own courage and resilience – to keep the Russians out of Kyiv, to hold on to their country, to push them to the east and push them to the south.

But ever since then, as the battlefield has changed, we’ve adapted to that. And we are in constant communication, constant dialogue, along with about 50 other countries who’ve been brought together in the Ramstein process, with the Ukrainians to make sure that they have what they need. And different countries are doing different things to address those needs, and all of that is coordinated.

At the same time, I think it’s very important that, as always, that we not get focused on any particular weapons systems, because it’s not just the weapons system. It’s the training, it’s the ability to sustain the systems that we provide them, and then it’s the ability to use them in a coherent way across all of the different lines of effort that they’re making – something that the foreign secretary knows a lot about given his own background.

And so, we will be in constant dialogue with them going forward to make sure that they are getting what they need. And again, I think focusing on any one weapons system at any one time, I think, oversimplifies the question. And to date, I think we’ve been very successful, collectively, in making sure that Ukraine has what it needs to maximize its chances.

When it comes to the secretary general of NATO, no, we have not – we’re not pushing, promoting any particular candidate. We’re in very close consultation with our allies and partners to determine where we want to go with NATO and its leadership. The current Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has been, in President Biden’s eyes, a remarkable leader of NATO. There are also some rather extraordinary people now, who people are talking about as the next secretary general, and that’s a decision we will all make collectively as an Alliance.

FOREIGN SECRETARY CLEVERLY: James, thank you. I’m going to mash your two questions to me together, because ultimately this is about making sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not just to win this war of survival, this conflict, about their self-defense against Russian aggression, but as Tony said and as we discussed earlier, this week is very much about creating the conditions necessary for public sector money, of course, but predominately private sector money to fund their reconstruction.

Now, the precise details of how we do that, I don’t want to prejudge. The whole point of the next couple of days is that the UK uses its expertise as a global financial services center – including as a global insurance center – but also our convening power. The fact that the U.S. Secretary of State is here – and he found the time in his unbelievably busy schedule, I think reflects the fact that the world views the UK as a good place to come together to discuss these complicated issues.

So, I’m not going to prejudge exactly what vehicles will be used to unlock both the public and the private money that Ukraine will need. But as Tony has said, ultimately, we want to ensure that the investment that goes into Ukraine is safe – safe from further conflict – and deployed as effectively as possible through robust and reformed Ukrainian institutions.

And with regard to the recent funds from Chelsea, a foundation has been created that will ultimately be responsible for the distribution of all those funds, but we are talking about very, very large sums, and I made it very, very clear that I want to make sure that those funds are distributed effectively and to support the Ukrainian victims of this conflict. And it is better, when such significant funds are at stake, that we do it right rather than trying to do it quick.

MODERATOR: Thank you very much. We will now move on to John Hudson from The Washington Post, please.

QUESTION: Thank you. Mr. Secretary, in Bali you had the advantage to watch President Biden and President Xi wrestle with some of the biggest issues of differences between the United States and China. Yesterday you got to meet again with President Xi, listen to his concerns about U.S. policy, and then yourself expressed concerns about China’s policies. Do you believe that President Biden views President Xi as an equal?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I’m not quite sure how to take that question, John. President Xi is the leader of China, and in and of itself that makes him someone of tremendous significance on the world stage. The President and President Xi have known each other for quite some time, as you know. When they were both vice presidents, they spent time together both in China and the United States. So, there’s a long relationship there, good knowledge of each other.

And as I mentioned earlier, I think it’s very important that we have these communications, these lines of communication that are regular, that are sustained, that are high level across our government. And the trip this weekend, I think is a demonstration of that. And I suspect that as we have more members of our own government going to China, Chinese officials coming to the United States, we’ll see the benefits of that; at least in stabilizing the relationship making sure that we’re managing it responsibly, making sure that the competition doesn’t veer into conflict, exploring areas of cooperation.

But at the end of the day, I think that the relationship and the communications between the two leaders, between President Biden and President Xi, is most important of all. That’s why they’ve had a number of communications and meetings to date, and that’s why I expect you’ll see more of that in the time ahead.

QUESTION: And Secretary Cleverly, when President Putin watches senior U.S. officials and senior Chinese officials talk for more than 10 hours, as they did in the last couple days, and have substantial conversations about the war in Ukraine, do you think that makes him nervous?

FOREIGN SECRETARY CLEVERLY: Well, I can’t make a – I can’t make a credible explanation of anyone else’s frame of mind, but I think the broad point about the importance of engagement, particularly in turbulent times, is absolutely key. In my Mansion House speech I made the point that international engagement matters. Secretary Blinken is doing his job as the representative of the United States of America on the world stage, engaging with world leaders and his counterparts around the world, to make sure that we continue to make the world a more safe, more prosperous, less conflicted place. And that is what – that’s what foreign ministers – that’s what foreign ministers do.

But you’re right that, at the moment, we are very much focusing on the war in Ukraine, on Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine and what we do to bring that to a swift end, and on the – what we need to do to rebuild that.

MODERATOR: Thank you very much. And Don McGrath, PA, Press Association.

QUESTION: Secretary Blinken, following your meeting with President Xi, do you think that he believes that conflict with the West, with the U.S., is now less likely than it was before?

And to the foreign secretary, will you be planning to visit China yourself in the coming months?

And just one other small follow-up. Do you think China should be invited to the artificial intelligence summit and the prime minister summit in the coming months as well?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, just as the foreign secretary said, I can’t put thoughts into President Xi’s mind or anyone else’s mind. So, I’m certainly not speaking for him, so you’d have to ask him that question.

What I can say is this. I think both countries see the importance of trying to bring more stability to the relationship, and certainly the United States is committed to responsibly managing the relationship, because failure to do that risks misunderstanding, miscalculation – and as I said, risks the competition entering into conflict, which is in no one’s interest.

My sense from the long meetings that we had in China over this weekend, including the meeting with President Xi again, is that China also sees the utility and importance of having greater stability. But a lot of work remains to be done – and, of course, there are very profound, very significant differences that we have to continue to manage through.

We were very clear that we will stand up resolutely for our interests and our values. And we had many very, very candid exchanges about places where we have real differences when it comes to our own interests, our own values, which happen to be the same ones that our friends have here but also many other countries around the world.

But it’s also incumbent upon us to communicate clearly. I could not agree more with what the foreign secretary just said about the imperative of engagement. In fact, it would be irresponsible not to engage – irresponsible because it makes more likely the possibility of misunderstandings, miscalculations and thus conflict. It makes it virtually impossible for us to work to advance many of the interests that we have.

We had important conversations, for example, in our case not only about some detained Americans in China but also about the scourge of fentanyl, which is killing more Americans between 18 to 49 than anything else, where we hope that China can play a positive, cooperative role with us and other countries in getting a better handle on that. So, those are just a couple of examples – never mind standing up for human rights – where engagement is absolutely vital.

FOREIGN SECRETARY CLEVERLY: Well, briefly just to add to the broader points that Secretary Blinken has made about the importance of engagement, in my Mansion House speech I highlighted that engagement was one of the three pillars of UK’s foreign policy towards China, including domestic protections, including building strong friendships and alliances in the region and beyond. A big part of the engagement is, of course, face-to-face. I’ve had face-to-face meetings with Chinese officials. And of course I’m looking at the options of a potential visit, but there are no details at this stage.

MODERATOR: Thank you very much. And time for one more question from Will Mauldin, Wall Street Journal.

QUESTION: Thank you so much for having this, Mr. Foreign Secretary. First, for Secretary Blinken, we reported that China is preparing a military training facility in Cuba, and was just wondering that – the readout of the meetings that we’re – you just attended when were in Beijing said that you discussed – the two sides discussed China’s intelligence activities in Cuba. But I’m wondering: Did you discuss with Xi Jinping their military activities in Cuba, and whether that would – that kind of action, either in the North America, waters around North America or the waters around China, would – could affect the détente that has emerged recently between the U.S. and China?

And then for Mr. Foreign Secretary, I just want to expand on the BBC’s question. Beyond the Chelsea funds, does the UK Government – regardless of whatever consensus is reached in coming days, does the UK Government favor using the funds of sanctioned oligarchs to help rebuild Ukraine?

And then also – just curious whether in your conversations my colleague, Evan Gershkovich, came up, whom I got to know, my friend and colleague, as – when he was a resident of London before he was detained in Russia. Has that come up between you, and do you have any thoughts about how to get Evan back or how to deal with people whose – whose careers or lives are in danger in Russia?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, Will. Yes, I made very clear that we would have deep concerns about PRC intelligence or military activities in Cuba. Since the start of this administration, we have engaged a number of countries where we’ve seen consideration of having some kind of presence by China – intelligence, military – and we’ve engaged in a number of diplomatic efforts in that regard. And I think they’ve had some success in slowing down these efforts. This is something we’re going to be monitoring very, very closely, and we’ve been very clear about that. And we will protect our homeland; we will protect our interests.

FOREIGN SECRETARY CLEVERLY: Thank you. On the situation with regards to the rebuilding of Ukraine, as I have said: we recognize that governments have a role to play, we feel the private sector has a role to play. But I think there is a very strong principle of natural justice, whereby a significant – perhaps even the majority – burden for the rebuilding should sit on the shoulders of those who have either been responsible for funding or facilitated this brutal, full‑scale invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier on this week – yesterday in fact – the UK passed (inaudible) legislation which meant that we can continue to freeze sanctioned assets until reparations are made by those individuals whose assets have been sanctioned. It follows that simple premise that you break it, you bought it. And I think it’s absolutely appropriate that those who have, in whatever way, facilitated this invasion bear the responsibility for making good on the reconstruction effort.

With regard to Evan, actually this was an issue that came up on my most recent visit to Washington. I spoke extensively at the UK’s embassy in Washington in front of an assembled reception of journalists. The UK’s position on press freedom and the protection of journalists is longstanding, and I very much reflect that today. The way nations treat journalists is the canary in the mine to the way they treat citizens more broadly. Where journalists are free to scrutinize, criticize, publicize, that shows a healthy society. Where journalists are murdered, abducted, or indefinitely imprisoned, it is a very, very concerning marker. Sadly, the situation in Russia, we know is not a benign environment for journalists and truthtellers. And the UK’s position on the protection of journalists remains absolutely unwavering.

MODERATOR: Thank you, gentleman. Thank you very much for your time.



Secretary Blinken And Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba
06/20/2023

Secretary Blinken And Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba
06/20/2023 02:03 PM EDT



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

London, United Kingdom

Intercontinental Hotel

SECRETARY BLINKEN: It’s always a pleasure to be with my friend, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. And this moment, of course, is of great consequence with what’s happening literally every moment in Ukraine on the battlefield, but in many ways as important as what we’re doing here in London, and that is a reconstruction conference in support of Ukraine that’s bringing together more than 50 countries, the private sector, and many others. And that effort to help Ukraine rebuild so much of what has been destroyed by the Russian aggression, to make sure it emerges from this aggression is not only successful on the battlefield but also successful in having a strong economy integrated with Europe, with investment coming in, and with all of the necessary efforts being made to strengthen its democracy and to help it be inviting place for business – all of that is what we’re here to work on, to talk about.

And I think it’s a demonstration with more than 50 countries, Dmytro, of the powerful and enduring support for Ukraine, not only militarily but also economically and also in everything we’re trying to do to build the strongest possible democracy. So we’re very pleased to be part of this and very pleased that Ukraine and our friends here are hosting this conference.

FOREIGN MINISTER KULEBA: No phone call can replace an in-person meeting, and I think we should thank James for —

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yeah.

FOREIGN MINISTER KULEBA: — giving us the opportunity to catch up in person. We always have a lot on our plate to discuss. And yes, in two coming days we will be focused mainly on the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. And I would like to thank the United States for their steadfast commitment to making things happen, because it’s not enough just to have a plan of recovery. It’s crucial to have a mechanism underpinning this plan, and the United States plays a very important role in helping us build – roll out this mechanism.

But, of course, today, we will also talk about other issues, such as the counteroffensive. And I would like to thank the United States for helping us to prepare for this – for it, but also to ensure sustainability of deliveries necessary for our success on the ground. NATO, I don’t – I don’t think we can skip that one; and engagement with the world on the issue of Ukraine’s peace formula, involving the peace formula summit. There are many ideas of different peace initiatives popping up, and we’ve been engaging with African leaders recently who came back right straight from China.

But we, Ukraine, believe, as President Zelenskyy said, that since it was – since it was Ukraine who was attacked and the war is taking place in Ukraine, the Ukrainian peace initiative should be taken as a cornerstone for all the deliberations. So thank you. I’m very much looking forward to our conversation.




Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
06/20/2023

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
06/20/2023 02:29 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba today in London on the margins of the Ukraine Recovery Conference. Secretary Blinken underscored the United States’ support for Ukraine’s economic recovery, and the importance of continued close collaboration through the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform. He also noted our commitment to working with the private sector to enable Ukraine’s modernization and revitalization. They discussed the need for Ukraine to continue to implement reforms in order to establish an environment for investment and sustained economic growth. The Secretary briefed the Foreign Minister on his trip to the People’s Republic of China and discussions with officials there about Russia’s war in Ukraine. They also discussed the United States continued economic and energy support and security assistance for Ukraine.




LGBTQI+ Special Envoy Stern’s Travel to Geneva
06/20/2023

LGBTQI+ Special Envoy Stern’s Travel to Geneva
06/20/2023 07:22 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

Jessica Stern, U.S. Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI)+ Persons, will attend the 53rd Human Rights Council (HRC) session in Geneva, Switzerland from June 20 to June 23. On June 21, SE Stern will deliver the intervention on behalf of the United States during the interactive dialogue following the final report from Victor Madrigal-Borloz, the outgoing United Nations Independent Expert for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

SE Stern will also meet with her counterpart Special Envoys for LGBTQI+ Rights from United Nations member states, and other members of civil society.

For further information, please contact DRL-Press@state.gov.




Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the Ukraine Conference Session 1
06/21/2023

Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the Ukraine Conference Session 1
06/21/2023 07:27 AM EDT



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

London, United Kingdom

Intercontinental Hotel

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Prime Minister Sunak, Prime Minister Shmyhal, thank you for bringing us together and bringing together such a broad and diverse coalition of governments, businesses, international financial institutions, civil society groups, all dedicated to Ukraine’s recovery.

As President Biden has said since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the United States will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. And that includes being by Ukraine’s side as it recovers from this catastrophic Russian aggression.

It’s easy sometimes to be a little numbed by what is going on day in, day out in Ukraine. We see the images flash by on our TV screens. We talk about the numbers. And sometimes what gets lost is the day-in, day-out human devastation that Russia is inflicting on Ukraine. And I think it’s so important that even as we gather here today to talk in detail about what all of us are doing together with Ukraine to help it recover, we never lose sight of that human dimension, because at the end of the day that’s what it’s all about.

Back in April, just one day in this devastating aggression, in the city of Uman – hundreds of miles from the front lines – another assault of Russian missiles on innocent Ukrainian civilians, on apartment buildings hundreds of miles away. In one of those buildings before dawn, a Russian missile struck. A father, Dmytro, in his apartment raced to his children’s room. He opened the door to the room to try to see how his children – Kyrylo, 17, and Sophia, 11 – were doing. He opened the door to the room. It wasn’t there anymore. His children were gone, two of the six children killed that one day – that one day in April – as a result of this ongoing aggression against Ukraine. Two of thousands killed through the course of this war, two lives interrupted, two stories stopped.

That’s what this is about every day. But as Russia continues to destroy, we are here to help Ukraine rebuild – rebuild lives, rebuild its country, rebuild its future. Recovery is about more than just ensuring people have what they need to survive – food to eat, water to drink, medicine to take, heat in the winter, electricity in all seasons. Recovery is about laying the foundation for Ukraine to thrive as a secure, independent country, fully integrated with Europe, connected to markets around the world; a democracy rooted in the rule of law; a place where all Ukrainians have dignity, human rights, the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Every investment that we make in Ukraine’s recovery is aimed at bringing Ukrainians closer to that reality. And today, I’m announcing that, with the support of the United States Congress, we will provide more than $1.3 billion in additional aid to help Ukraine toward that goal. (Applause.)

We’re going to invest over $520 million to help Ukraine overhaul its energy grid, more than half of which, as you’ve heard, has been destroyed by Russia – and in so doing make it cleaner, make it more resilient, make it more integrated with Europe. And we’ll support Ukraine’s energy market reforms to combat monopolies and to spur more private investment, which will enable Ukraine one day to become a major energy exporter.

This support will complement the work that’s already being done by the G7+ Coordination Group which we launched last October and have co-led ever since, first with Germany, now with Japan. That group has grown to include 18 countries and several multilateral institutions. Together we’ve allocated billions of dollars to help repair and rebuild Ukraine’s energy sector. We’ve sent more than 5 million power generators to Ukraine – transformers, cables, pipes, circuit breakers, other pieces of energy equipment.

The United States will also provide $657 million to help modernize Ukraine’s border crossings, its rail lines, its ports, other critical infrastructure that connect the country with Europe, allowing it to exchange more goods by more pathways more and more efficiently. We’ll direct an additional $100 million toward digitizing Ukraine’s customs and other systems to boost speed and to cut corruption. And we’ll commit $35 million to help Ukrainian businesses and entrepreneurs through financing and insurance that reduces risks for investors in Ukraine.

This new support that I’m announcing today comes on top of more than $20 billion that the United States has provided in economic and development assistance to Ukraine’s workers, its businesses, its public services to help them endure the 16 months of punishing conflict with unwavering bipartisan support from our Congress. Across this support, we’re striving to build a Ukraine that’s inclusive, that’s accessible, so that people with disabilities can reach their full potential, which is in the interests of all Ukrainians.

My announcement today also comes on top of the more than $2.1 billion in humanitarian assistance that we’ve provided to Ukraine and to the region to respond to Russia’s war of aggression, including lifesaving aid for those affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Within hours of its breach, we mobilized support for evacuations; for emergency deliveries of food, of safe drinking water, of fuel, of medical aid. In the weeks since, we’ve continued to work with Ukraine in assisting the thousands of people who’ve been displaced, the hundreds of thousands whose water supply has been contaminated. And these are just the immediate consequences of the catastrophe that will probably wreak environmental and economic devastation for many months and indeed many years to come.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has publicly called out Moscow for blocking the UN from delivering aid to civilians in the flooded areas that Russia illegally occupies, adding to Russia’s long track record of denying humanitarian access, which is a requirement under international humanitarian law.

In addition to our economic development and humanitarian assistance, the United States will continue to invest in Ukraine’s long-term efforts to strengthen good governance, transparency, accountability. We’ll bolster its justice sector and anti-corruption institutions, strengthen its civil society and its free press. These institutions and organizations empower Ukrainians to hold their government accountable, to check the power of vested interests, and they’re crucial to ensuring that the unprecedented resources that all of us are providing are managed responsibly.

The Ukrainian Government has made meaningful strides in bolstering these institutions, even as it fights for survival, and Kyiv has taken tangible and difficult steps to align its standards and practices with the European Union, particularly since the EU granted Ukraine candidate status a year ago. Earlier this month, Ukraine passed reforms to align its energy market regulations with the European Union, strengthening measures to combat market manipulation and insider training. And we look forward to the Rada taking up anti-monopoly legislation very soon.

Adopting these and other critical reforms to increase Ukraine’s transparency, competitiveness – to bolster the rule of law – will help attract more private investment. And that is essential, and you heard it from my colleagues. Governments are doing a lot. International financial institutions are doing a lot. Both of us have a hugely important role to play in Ukraine’s recovery. But it is not enough. Only the private sector can mobilize the level of investment necessary to meet the country’s massive needs. The diverse participation of the private sector here today in this conference shows the growth opportunity that global firms and investors see in the future of Ukraine, in the future of its people.

But make no mistake: All of these reforms and recovery efforts depend on Ukraine having the capacity to deter and defend against future attacks by Russia. That’s why even as we invest in Ukraine’s immediate and long-term recovery, we also have to build a Ukrainian military that is strong enough to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty, its territorial integrity, and its independence – not just to defend Ukraine’s land, but to defend all that Ukrainians are building and will build on that land.

It’s also why the United States is committed to working to build support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the core elements of which I outlined a couple of weeks ago in Helsinki. Those include a peace that upholds the United Nations Charter and its fundamental principles – sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence – that addresses both accountability and reconciliation, that ensures Ukraine’s full participation and assent, and that supports Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery.

Even as we rally around Ukraine’s recovery, we must not lose sight of why that is necessary in the first place. Indeed, even as we come together here in London, committed to supporting Ukraine’s buildup, Russia continues to try to burn it down. So let’s be clear: Russia is causing Ukraine’s destruction, and Russia will eventually bear the cost of Ukraine’s reconstruction. (Applause.)

Until that time, we will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine as they make the greatest sacrifices to defend, to rebuild, to reimagine their country. And in doing so, we will reaffirm the principle at the heart of the international order, that people in every nation can write their own future free from aggression, free from coercion, free from intimidation. That is a recovery well worth our robust and enduring support. Thank you very much. (Applause.)




Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal Before Their Meeting
06/21/2023

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal Before Their Meeting
06/21/2023 08:39 AM EDT



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

London, United Kingdom

Intercontinental O2 Hotel

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. This meeting in London – it’s hard to overstate its importance, because even as Ukrainians as we speak are fighting so bravely to take back the land that’s been seized from them, we know we also have to focus on the flip side of the coin, which is Ukraine’s not only economic recovery but economic future, because its success will be determined both on the battlefield with its ability to defend and ultimately deter further Russian aggression, but also the success of the country – the society – it’s building, including a strong and vibrant economy, a strong and vibrant democracy.

And so as we say, this is not only about Ukraine surviving, this is about Ukraine thriving. And the reconstruction piece is critical to that. The prime minister has been leading an effort to strengthen Ukraine’s economy, to strengthen its democracy, to strengthen its governance, because what we know as well and what’s so powerful about today is it’s not just governments, it’s not just the international financial institutions, it’s the private sector that’s going to make all the difference in Ukraine’s long-term economic prospects along with its integration in the European Union. And for that to work, we know that Ukraine has to build as well the most inviting investment climate possible.

These are all the things that we’re working on and talking about today, hoping to have both some quick impact but also building the strongest possible foundation for the mid term and the long term. So I’m delighted to have a chance to speak to the prime minister about all the efforts that he and the Ukrainian Government are making to create that kind of environment, to create the strong foundation for a successful, dynamic Ukraine for the future.

Prime Minister.

PRIME MINISTER SHMYHAL: Dear Secretary of State, dear colleagues, Ukraine is so much grateful to United States for unwavering support during this full-scale war. We have support for (inaudible) in military sphere; now we are discussing economical and recovery issues for our country. First of all, we are concentrating on the rapid recovery sectors – energy, humanitarian demining, housing, critical infrastructure recovery, and support of economy. So in all of these sectors, United States again and again demonstrates its leadership and support Ukraine in all these sectors.

But today in London, on that conference, we are discussing also global issues of recoveries, and we as always say that we are united in defense and we will united in our recovery. Because of this, now we are planning very concrete projects – not just declarations, but we bring some projects in all these spheres – and president of Ukraine today in very detail comment and emphasize of – on energy sphere, on agricultural and food protection, where Ukraine demonstrate leadership in the world in these sectors. And many countries and many peoples in the world are dependable because of our food production sector.

So we hope we count on continued support from side of United States, and we have this, and it’s very important for us that United States will support Ukraine as long as it needed. So it gave us hope, it bring us encourage to win in this war, and to continue together restoring and recovery of my country. Thank you so much.




Secretary Blinken’s Participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference
06/21/2023

Secretary Blinken’s Participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference
06/21/2023 08:32 AM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

Secretary Blinken announced today in London at the Ukraine Recovery Conference jointly hosted by the United Kingdom and Ukraine that the United States, working with Congress, intends to provide an additional $1.31 billion in assistance to help Ukraine recover from Russia’s ongoing assaults on the country. These new funds include general economic assistance, assistance to repair and modernize Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and support for Ukraine’s commitment to energy sector reforms. The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine will announce specific details about this funding commitment for energy in the coming weeks.

The United States believes that a just and lasting peace for Ukraine will be forged not only through Ukraine’s long-term military strength, but also the strength of its economy, democracy, and people. The historic size and scope of the assistance the United States has provided, along with our allies and partners, represents the importance of Ukraine to the Euro-Atlantic community, and to our combined security and economic future. The Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform, launched in January following a G7 Leaders’ commitment, is serving as the key vehicle for coordinating early recovery and reconstruction support and dialogue around reform with Ukraine.

This new funding announcement is in addition to the approximately $63 billion in U.S. assistance provided to Ukraine since February 24, 2022, including:

Economic and Development Assistance: Since February 24, 2022, the United States has provided approximately $19.3 billion in budget support for the Government of Ukraine through World Bank mechanisms. An additional $3.7 billion will be provided through September 2023. This additional assistance represents our continued commitment to assisting the Government of Ukraine in maintaining its operational capacity as it defends against Russia’s brutal aggression. Along with budget support, the U.S. has provided approximately $1.4 billion to support economic resilience, energy security, governance, cybersecurity, anti-corruption efforts, health sector, and agriculture production. The United States is collaborating with Ukraine’s other key donor and international financial institutions partners via the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform to ensure assistance for recovery and reconstruction is deployed in a strategic, impactful, and transparent way.


Humanitarian Assistance: Since February 24, 2022, the United States has provided more than $2.1 billion in humanitarian assistance for the Ukraine response inside Ukraine and in the region – supporting critical needs such as safe drinking water, shelter, winterization services, livelihood assistance, sanitation, hygiene supplies, emergency health supplies, emergency food assistance, and protection services.


Security Assistance: The United States has provided more than $40 billion since Russia launched its premeditated, unprovoked, and brutal war against Ukraine on February 24, 2022.




Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
06/21/2023

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
06/21/2023 10:54 AM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the margins of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London. Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed a number of shared regional priorities. Secretary Blinken welcomed Türkiye‘s support for Ukraine, including its work on the Black Sea Grain Initiative. He also stressed the importance of NATO unity in such a critical time and encouraged Türkiye’s support for Sweden to join the NATO Alliance now.




Secretary Blinken and Türkiye Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Before Their Meeting
06/21/2023

Secretary Blinken and Türkiye Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Before Their Meeting
06/21/2023 10:50 AM EDT



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

London, United Kingdom

Intercontinental O2 Hotel

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone, and it’s a real pleasure to have this opportunity to meet with a colleague of many years, Hakan Fidan, the new foreign minister of Türkiye. I’m so pleased to be working with you. I had a terrific relationship and partnership with Mevlut Cavusoglu, and now gratified to be working together because we’ve – I’ve had the opportunity over many years to work together, and there is so much that the United States and Türkiye are doing together on the most essential and vital issues of our time, so we have a lot to talk about.

Of course, we’ll be talking about the upcoming NATO Summit, including the accession process for Sweden, our own defense cooperation, and moving forward on a number of issues including energy and economic collaboration. But the relationship between our countries is deep, it’s rich, and, as I said, it’s on many of the most consequential issues of our time. So the opportunity to spend some time with you here in London, very much appreciated.

FOREIGN MINISTER FIDEN: Well, thank you. Thank you, Tony. It’s a pleasure to meet with you here in – today. We previously spoke on the phone following my appointment. Today, we are here in London to demonstrate our support to Ukraine. In this meeting, we will also discuss our bilateral issues. And as you know, the truth is we may not see eye-to-eye on every issue, but our longstanding alliance within NATO and other platforms compel us to continue to work together.

And as you know, President Erdogan and President Biden had established Türkiye-U.S. Strategic Mechanism last year in Madrid, Spain, and the object of mechanism is to address the outstanding issues and to explore the opportunities for deepening our cooperation further. So I am looking forward to working with Secretary Blinken to this end. Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good. Thanks, everyone.




U.S. Department of State Announces 350 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Participants Awards
06/21/2023


U.S. Department of State Announces 350 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Participants Awards
06/21/2023 12:17 PM EDT



The State Department announced today that 350 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX) scholarships have been awarded to high-achieving U.S. high school students, recent high school graduates with an interest in vocational fields, and young professionals from 50 states and Washington, D.C. This group of young Americans will travel to Germany for the 2023-2024 academic year marking the 40th anniversary of this important cultural exchange of the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag.

Tomorrow at the State Department, U.S. Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues, Abby Finkenauer, will speak with the 350 Americans returning from the 2022-2023 academic year program. The group will then visit with their elected representatives in the U.S. Congress.

Created in 1983, CBYX is an immersive exchange program jointly offered by the U.S. and German governments to more than 27,000 participants since its inception. CBYX allows U.S. youth from a diverse array of backgrounds and U.S. communities to spend an academic year in Germany. More information on the CBYX program can be found here.

U.S. families and schools are an essential component of this exchange program as they host German participants who come to the United States as part of the program. Not only do they share their unique insights on what it means to be an American, but families also reap benefits from hosting a young exchange student, as documented in the December 2022 CBYX evaluation report .

We encourage Americans of all backgrounds and family compositions to consider hosting an exchange participant to join the thousands of American communities that have hosted U.S. Department of State sponsored exchange students over the last 40 years. Schools are also encouraged to host exchange participants. Secretary Blinken and Secretary of Education Cardona recently sent a joint letter to school superintendents encouraging them to consider hosting exchange participants. Families and schools can learn more about hosting opportunities at hosting.state.gov.




Congratulations to Belgrade, Serbia for Winning Expo 2027 Vote
06/21/2023

Congratulations to Belgrade, Serbia for Winning Expo 2027 Vote
06/21/2023 12:10 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The United States congratulates the city of Belgrade and the government of Serbia for winning the bid to host Expo 2027 at today’s vote at the 172nd General Assembly meeting of the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) in Paris, France.

While we are disappointed that Expo 2027 will not be held in the United States, we are proud of the Minnesota Bid Committee’s strong proposal that addressed the universal, timely themes of global health and sustainability. We are grateful for the tireless support of our champions on Capitol Hill – namely, Senator Amy Klobuchar and the Minnesota Congressional delegation – and those across the administration who ensured we made our strongest possible case.

The Department looks forward to participating in Expo 2027 and working with other U.S. cities and states interested in bidding to host a future World’s Fair. We also look forward to continuing our work with the BIE and other important partners ahead of Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.




Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with French Foreign Ministry Secretary General Descôtes
06/21/2023

Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with French Foreign Ministry Secretary General Descôtes
06/21/2023 01:03 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with French Foreign Ministry Secretary General Anne-Marie Descôtes. The Deputy Secretary and the Secretary General reaffirmed their support for Ukraine in response to Russia’s unprovoked and brutal war. They also discussed preparations for the upcoming July NATO Summit in Vilnius.




Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with G7 and EU Representatives
06/21/2023

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with G7 and EU Representatives
06/21/2023 07:16 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with representatives from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the EU on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, United Kingdom. They underscored their continued support for Ukraine in responding to Russia’s brutal war of aggression. The Secretary briefed the group on his meetings with senior People’s Republic of China (PRC) officials in Beijing on June 18-19. The G7 noted the importance of close coordination on the PRC and reaffirmed that the G7 is more united than ever.


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal
06/21/2023

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal
06/21/2023 07:24 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal today in London on the margins of the Ukraine Recovery Conference. Secretary Blinken underscored the United States’ continued support for Ukraine’s economic recovery and commitment to working with the private sector to enable Ukraine’s modernization and revitalization. The Secretary and Prime Minister also discussed cooperation to strengthen Ukrainian institutions and accelerate progress on key reforms to ensure a strong investment climate, as well as supporting Ukraine’s vision for a more modern, secure, decentralized, and clean energy system integrated with Europe.


Secretary Blinken’s Call with UN Secretary-General Guterres
06/22/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Call with UN Secretary-General Guterres
06/22/2023 09:19 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, regarding Russia’s statements to not renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) by the July 17 deadline. Secretary Blinken and Secretary-General Guterres agreed on the importance of the BSGI to global food security and on the adverse impact its suspension would have on food importers, especially in developing countries. The Secretary thanked the Secretary-General for his firm commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty and territorial integrity, in the context of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.




Luxembourg National Day
06/23/2023

Luxembourg National Day
06/23/2023 06:57 AM EDT



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Congratulations to the people of Luxembourg on the occasion of the Grand Duke’s official birthday. On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I am honored to recognize our strong partnership and the close friendship between our peoples.

This year marks the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Luxembourg. Our enduring bond was forged on the battle fields of World War I and World War II, the foundation of our commitment to advancing global freedom and prosperity today.

As founding members of NATO, the United States and Luxembourg strengthen transatlantic security, support rules-based international order, and protect freedom in the face of global threats. As members of the United Nations Human Rights Council, we stand together for human rights and dignity for all people around the world. Together, we continue to hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine and we continue to support the people of Ukraine.

The people of the United States and Luxembourg will also continue to work together to combat pressing global challenges, including climate change, and the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.

Today I join you in celebrating Luxembourg National Day and send my best wishes for the health and prosperity of all Luxembourgish people.




Targeting Russia’s Global Malign Influence Operations and Election Interference Activities
06/23/2023

Targeting Russia’s Global Malign Influence Operations and Election Interference Activities
06/23/2023 10:53 AM EDT



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

The United States remains committed to deterring and disrupting the Russian Federation’s repeated attempts to undermine the democratic processes in the United States and other countries.

As part of those efforts, today the United States is sanctioning two Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers, Yegor Sergeyevich Popov and Aleksei Borisovich Sukhodolov. This action is directly related to the July 29, 2022 designation of FSB co-optees Aleksandr Viktorovich Ionov and Natalya Valeryevna Burlinova and their organizations.

Popov is an FSB 2nd Service officer who served as Ionov’s primary handler when Ionov conducted foreign malign influence activities in the United States and elsewhere. Popov reported to Sukhodolov, who also worked with Ionov to conduct foreign malign influence operations around the world.

To safeguard our democracy, as well as help protect our allies and partners, the United States will continue to act to deter and disrupt the Kremlin’s malign influence operations.

Today’s action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order 14024. For more information about these designations, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release.




Assistant Secretary Stewart and Acting Assistant Secretary Littlejohn’s Travel to Brussels
06/23/2023

Assistant Secretary Stewart and Acting Assistant Secretary Littlejohn’s Travel to Brussels
06/23/2023 04:37 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance Mallory Stewart and Acting Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Jennifer R. Littlejohn will co-lead an interagency U.S. delegation to the 12th United States – European Union Space Dialogue taking place in Brussels June 26-27. The delegation will include representatives from NASA, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense, NOAA, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Assistant Secretary Stewart will co-chair the security portions of the dialogue with her counterparts from the European External Action Service, Managing Director Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, and the European Commission’s Director General for Defense Industry and Space (DEFIS) Timo Pesonen. These sessions will focus on opportunities for expanded U.S.-EU cooperation to address threats to shared security interests, enhance stability in space, and improve the cybersecurity of space systems.

Acting Assistant Secretary Littlejohn will co-chair the civil space portions of the dialogue with her EU counterpart, Director General Pesonen. Their discussion will focus on space situational awareness and spaceflight safety, coordination and sharing of Earth observation data, commercial space transportation, and global navigation satellite navigation systems.

For media inquiries, please contact OES-PA-DG@state.gov and AVC-Press-DL@state.gov.




Deputy Secretary Richard Verma Travels to Qatar, Germany, the Netherlands, and Greece
06/23/2023


Deputy Secretary Richard Verma Travels to Qatar, Germany, the Netherlands, and Greece
06/23/2023 08:02 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma will travel to Doha, Frankfurt, the Hague, and Athens from June 25-30, where he will discuss a range of U.S. priorities, including support for the people of Afghanistan, global security challenges, modernization, and regional support platforms.

For updates, follow Deputy Secretary Verma on Twitter .




Secretary Blinken’s Call with G7 Foreign Ministers and the High Representative of the EU
06/24/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Call with G7 Foreign Ministers and the High Representative of the EU
06/24/2023 09:07 AM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary Blinken spoke today with Foreign Ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to discuss the ongoing situation in Russia. Secretary Blinken reiterated that support by the United States for Ukraine will not change. The United States will stay in close coordination with Allies and partners as the situation continues to develop.




U.S.-Turkiye Joint Statement on the Strategic Mechanism Dialogue
06/24/2023

U.S.-Turkiye Joint Statement on the Strategic Mechanism Dialogue
06/24/2023 09:13 AM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

Begin text:

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and Turkish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Burak Akçapar chaired the fifth meeting of the Türkiye-U.S. Strategic Mechanism Dialogue on June 23, 2023, in Washington. Türkiye and the United States were represented by interagency delegations that included officials from the United States Departments of State and Defense and Turkish Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Defense.

As NATO Allies and partners, the United States and Türkiye reiterated their commitment to further deepen their robust cooperation in all domains of mutual interest. They committed to expand and intensify bilateral political, defense and security consultations at all levels, and to strengthen their comprehensive partnership in line with the strategic interests of both countries. They concurred that U.S.-Türkiye defense and security cooperation contributes to regional peace, and discussed progress on Türkiye’s request to modernize its F-16 fleet.

The delegations reviewed preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit to be held in Vilnius, Lithuania July 11-12. The United States and Türkiye affirmed their strong support for NATO’s Open Door Policy. Both sides welcomed the membership of Finland to NATO, concurring that it substantially contributed to the strengthening of the Alliance. They explored avenues to further reinforce NATO’s deterrence and discussed implementation of the trilateral memorandum signed by Türkiye, Finland, and Sweden, and Sweden’s path to membership in the Alliance.

The Eastern Mediterranean was also on the agenda, whereby both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the maintenance of stability and dialogue based on the principles of cooperation and regional inclusion.

Türkiye and the United States reiterated their strong support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.in face of Russia’s unacceptable war. Both sides pledged to continue to work closely with a view to finding a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the principles of the UN charter. The United States expressed its appreciation for Türkiye’s efforts in coordination with the UN to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has helped stabilize food prices around the world.

Both sides welcomed the steady rise in bilateral trade volume and renewed their commitment to advance their economic partnership to capitalize on opportunities, bolster resilient supply chains and enhance cooperation in areas of science and technology. Welcoming regular consultations on energy between Türkiye and the United States they expressed their mutual desire and common goal to contribute to global energy security through regional partnership and advance cooperation on sustainable clean energy, including civil nuclear energy. They also committed to establish a Climate and Energy Dialogue in the face of the challenges the new global energy landscape presents.

They also discussed concrete joint endeavors to advance U.S.-Türkiye cooperation in other regions, and reiterated their unwavering commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including ISIS/DAESH and PKK. Both sides committed to remain in close coordination to combat terrorist organizations and root causes of terrorism.

Both delegations reconfirmed the critical importance of continued dialogue between Türkiye and the United States on bilateral, regional, and global issues through mutual high-level visits, including within the scope of the Strategic Mechanism Dialogue.

They committed to work on the preparations for the Strategic Mechanism Foreign Ministers Meeting.

End text.




Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
06/24/2023

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
06/24/2023 05:10 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary Blinken spoke today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to discuss the situation in Russia. Secretary Blinken reiterated that support by the United States for Ukraine will not change. The United States will stay in close coordination with Ukraine as the situation develops.




Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
06/24/2023

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
06/24/2023 05:20 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary Blinken spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the ongoing situation in Russia. Secretary Blinken reiterated that U.S. support for Ukraine will not change. The United States will stay in close coordination with Allies and partners as the situation develops.


Secretary Blinken’s call with Polish Foreign Minister Rau
06/24/2023


Secretary Blinken’s call with Polish Foreign Minister Rau
06/24/2023 07:23 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary Blinken spoke today with Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau to discuss the ongoing situation in Russia. Secretary Blinken welcomed Poland’s sustained assistance to Ukraine and its people and underscored that U.S. support to Ukraine will not change. The Secretary emphasized the United States will remain in close coordination with Allies and partners as the situation continues to develop.

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