Hungary’s National Day
08/20/2023
Hungary’s National Day
08/20/2023 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I wish the people of Hungary a happy Saint Stephen’s Day as you celebrate over a thousand years of history as a nation.
The American and Hungarian people are united in our fundamental commitment to democratic values and rule of law, collective security, and prosperity. It is on this basis that we look forward to increasing our cooperation on shared challenges at an important moment.
The relationship between Hungary and the United States is too important not to do everything we can to ensure the actions of our governments fully reflect the strong historic ties between our nations and our tremendous potential to address the challenges of our day, together as NATO Allies.
It is my hope that the partnership between our governments and our peoples only grows stronger and more productive in the year ahead.
Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer Travels to Stockholm and Brussels
08/20/2023
Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer Travels to Stockholm and Brussels
08/20/2023 09:37 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (SEHOA) Mike Hammer will travel to Stockholm, Sweden and Brussels, Belgium August 19-26. In Stockholm, he will participate in World Water Week, hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute. He will also participate in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Stockholm International Peace and Research Institute (SIPIRI). In his capacity as primary U.S. interlocutor on issues related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Ambassador Hammer will discuss how agreements related to water management, use, and access can contribute to security and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Special Envoy Hammer will then continue to Brussels, where he will meet with European Union (EU) officials on Ethiopia and Sudan. He will discuss how the United States and EU can support a peaceful resolution to ongoing violence in Ethiopia’s Amhara and Oromia Regions through dialogue, and the need to protect civilians. Ambassador Hammer and EU officials will also discuss their common efforts to support the full implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement for Northern Ethiopia, which was signed in Pretoria, and to advance peace, justice, and accountability for the benefit of all Ethiopians. On Sudan, Ambassador Hammer will discuss regional and international efforts to silence the guns, support accountability, and chart a path forward for restoring democratic civilian governance, while also mobilizing support for regional humanitarian needs.
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry’s Travel to Switzerland and United Kingdom
08/21/2023
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry’s Travel to Switzerland and United Kingdom
08/21/2023 12:52 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel August 21-25 to Geneva, Switzerland; Edinburgh, Scotland; and London, England to hold meetings to advance objectives related to COP 28, climate solutions, innovation, and private sector initiatives, including the First Movers Coalition.
On August 24 in Edinburgh, he will deliver a keynote address at the Scottish Global Dialogues focused on imperatives for success in combating the climate crisis and for COP 28 in Dubai. Find the livestream of the speech here .
For media inquiries, please contact ClimateComms@state.gov.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken Video Remarks at the Crimea Platform Summit
08/23/2023
Secretary Antony J. Blinken Video Remarks at the Crimea Platform Summit
08/23/2023 07:02 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Kyiv, Ukraine
Aired on August 23, 2023
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Hello, everyone. Thank you, President Zelenskyy, for convening us for the third Crimea Platform Summit.
We meet at the 18-month mark of Russia’s brutal full-scale war against Ukraine. For 18 months, the Ukrainian people have endured a constant assault against their lives and their country’s future. They’ve seen their homes, their schools, their houses of worship destroyed. They’ve suffered atrocities, horrific human loss.
And over those same 18 months, the Ukrainian people have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and resolve. Governments and people around the world – the United States proudly among them – have rallied to Ukraine’s side in defense of the principles at the heart of the United Nations Charter: sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity.
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine began when President Putin invaded Crimea and tried to redraw Ukraine’s borders by force in 2014. Russia militarized the peninsula, seized the parliament, orchestrated a sham referendum – the blueprint for its attempted annexations in eastern and southern Ukraine last year.
And since then, the Kremlin has subjected Crimeans to a campaign of brutalization and repression. It has detained, tortured, and disappeared journalists, activists, religious and political leaders. It’s destroyed independent media outlets, wielded pro-Russia propaganda to turn neighbor against neighbor, and attempted to militarize Ukrainian children at Crimean so-called summer camps.
Moscow continues to target Crimean Tatars – raiding mosques and homes, criminalizing peaceful groups, detaining civic activists in Russian prison colonies, conscripting young and old to fight their own homeland.
Crimea is Ukraine. We do not – we will not – recognize Russia’s illegal attempted annexation.
The international community will continue to work through the Crimea Platform to support the restoration of Ukrainian control over all its territory, including Crimea; to shine a spotlight on Russia’s abuses in Crimea; to address the security risks and economic harm caused by Russia’s invasion and occupation; to call for the release of all political prisoners held by Russia.
That includes Crimean Tatar Deputy Mejlis head Nariman Dzhelyal – sentenced to 17 years of hard labor after participating in the inaugural summit of the Crimea Platform.
And we, together with countries around the world, will continue to work to bring about a just and lasting peace – one that upholds the principles at the heart of the UN Charter.
Tomorrow is also, of course, Ukraine’s Independence Day – a day of strength, of pride. Thirty-two years ago, the Rada declared, and Ukrainians in every region affirmed, and I quote: “The territory of Ukraine is indivisible and inviolable.”
That’s the principle that brings us together today. And that’s what we’ll keep defending together.
Thank you. Slava Ukraini.
Ukraine National Day
08/24/2023
Ukraine National Day
08/24/2023 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
I want to congratulate all Ukrainians on their Independence Day. August 24th is a testament to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and democracy and a day of pride in Ukraine’s strength and resilience. It is also a day of celebration of Ukrainian heritage and culture.
Today also marks one and a half years since the Kremlin launched its brutal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine – 18 months of senseless aggression, causing death and destruction across Ukraine. As we join you in celebrating more than three decades as an independent country, we also mourn with you remembering your sons and daughters who have given their lives in defense of your country. We stand by you in the fight for your beloved country.
It is because of you and your resilience that Ukraine will prevail, and Russia will pay a high price for what it has done. The United States will continue to stand with you and work with our Allies and partners to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself, to recover, and to thrive.
Imposing Sanctions and Visa Restrictions on Individuals and Entities to Promote Accountability for Forced Transfer and Deportation of Children During Russia’s Illegal War Against Ukraine
08/24/2023
Imposing Sanctions and Visa Restrictions on Individuals and Entities to Promote Accountability for Forced Transfer and Deportation of Children During Russia’s Illegal War Against Ukraine
08/24/2023 11:47 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Today, on Ukrainian Independence Day, the Department of State is imposing sanctions and pursuing visa restrictions to promote accountability for individuals and entities connected to forcible transfer and deportation of Ukraine’s children. Some targets are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 , which authorizes sanctions with respect to specified harmful foreign activities of the Government of the Russian Federation, while others are subject to a visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes the Secretary of State to restrict visa issuance to Russian Federation military officials and Russia-backed or Russia-installed purported authorities who have been involved in human rights abuses, violations of international humanitarian law, or public corruption in Ukraine. The United States will continue to hold Russia to account for its illegal war against Ukraine.
FINANCIAL SANCTIONS – HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE AND FORCED RE-EDUCATION
The Department is designating the below individuals and entity that have reportedly played a role in forcibly deporting Ukrainian children from Russia-occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia, and/or transferring Ukrainian children within Russia-occupied areas of Ukraine. Children are the most innocent victims of war: we have not forgotten Ukraine’s children. These designations underscore our commitment to upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and advancing accountability for the Russian individuals and entities as well as Russian proxy authorities involved in these atrocities.
The following individuals are being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(A) of E.O. 14024 for being or having been leaders, officials, senior executive officers, or members of the board of directors of the Government of the Russian Federation:GALINA ANATOLEVNA PYATYKH is the advisor to the Governor of Belgorod and Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Belgorod region and has been involved in facilitation of the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and their adoption by Russian families.
IRINA ANATOLYEVNA AGEEVA is the Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Kaluga region and has been involved in facilitation of the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and their adoption by Russian families.
IRINA ALEKSANDROVNA CHERKASOVA is the Commissioner for Children’s Rights in Rostov region and has been involved in facilitation of the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and their adoption by Russian families.
MANSUR MUSSAEVICH SOLTAEV (SOLTAEV) is the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Chechen Republic and is reportedly associated with human rights violations and abuses and the suppression of protests against the Russian mobilization of troops. Additionally, Soltaev has been involved in facilitation of the transfer of civilians of the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic” and the so-called “Luhansk People’s Republic”, to include the deportation of Ukrainian children to camps in the Chechen Republic.
MUSLIM MAGOMEDOVICH KHUCHIEV is the Chairman of the government of the Chechen Republic and has been involved in facilitation of the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and their adoption by Russian families.
The following entity is being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(ii)(F) of E.O. 14024 for being responsible for or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, activities that undermine the peace, security, political stability, or territorial integrity of the United States, its allies, or its partners, for or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, directly or indirectly, the Government of the Russian Federation:FEDERAL STATE BUDGETARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN CENTER ARTEK (ARTEK) is a Government of Russia-owned “summer camp” located in Russia-occupied Crimea that has received Ukrainian children who are subsequently placed in extensive “patriotic” re-education programs and are prevented from returning to their families.
The following individual is being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(C) of E.O. 14024 for being or having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of Artek, an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked:KONSTANTIN ALBERTOVICH FEDORENKO is the director of Artek.
The Department is designating the following individuals and entity that have been involved in the transfer of children from Russia-occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia, including youth camps in Russia, and Russia-occupied areas of Ukraine.
Pursuant to section 1(a)(ii)(F) of E.O. 14024, the following individuals and entity are being designated for being responsible for or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, activities that undermine the peace, security, political stability, or territorial integrity of the United States, its allies, or its partners, for or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, directly or indirectly, the Government of the Russian Federation:ZAMID ALIEVICH CHALAEV is a special police battalion commander in the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs who took part in the storming of the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works during the siege of Mariupol and was involved in the transfer of Ukrainian children to camps in the Chechen Republic.
OLENA OLEKSANDRIVNA SHAPUROVA is the Russia-appointed, so-called “Minister of Education and Science” in Russia-controlled portions of the Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine and has implemented pro-Russia educational curriculums in schools in these areas threatening to remove children from Ukrainian families if they do not attend pro-Russia schools.
AKHMAT KADYROV FOUNDATION (AKF) is used by the Kadyrov family to oversee the “re-education” of Ukrainian children in camps outside of Grozny in the Chechen Republic. AKF was also previously designated pursuant to E.O. 13818 in 2020 for being owned or controlled by Ramzan Kadyrov, who was designated pursuant to E.O. 13818 in December 2020. Ramzan Kadyrov was also designated pursuant to the Russia Magnitsky Act in December of 2017, and E.O. 14024 in September 2022.
AYMANI NESIEVNA KADYROVA (AYMANI KADYROVA) is a member of the board of directors of AKF. AYMANI Kadyrova is the mother of U.S.-designated Ramzan Kadyrov and the president of AKF, who is involved in efforts to transfer children from Ukraine to military camps outside of Grozny in Chechnya. AYMANI Kadyrova is being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(C) of E.O. 14024 for being or having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of AKF.
VLADIMIR VLADISLAVOVICH KOVALENKO (KOVALENKO) is a member of the board of directors of the All Russian Children and Youth Patriotic Public Movement Youth Army, an entity designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 in April 2023. Youth Army is an initiative created by Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu responsible for militarizing, propagandizing, and Russifying schoolchildren in Russia-controlled areas of Ukraine. Kovalenko is the Chief of Staff of the Sevastopol Branch of Youth Army, which is responsible for organizing Russian military and patriotic camps for Ukrainian children in Crimea. Kovalenko was designated by the European Union in June 2023 and the United Kingdom in July 2023. Kovalenko is being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(C) of E.O. 14024 for being or having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of the All Russian Children and Youth Patriotic Public Movement Youth Army.
Pursuant to section 1(a)(ii)(F) of E.O. 14024, the following individual is being designated for being responsible for or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, activities that undermine the peace, security, political stability, or territorial integrity of the United States, its allies, or its partners, for or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, directly or indirectly, the Government of the Russian Federation:VLADIMIR DMITRIEVICH NECHAEV is the Russia-appointed head of Sevastopol State University in Crimea, overseeing a Russian cultural, historical, and patriotic reeducation program for Ukrainian children transported from the Luhansk region to Crimea.
FINANCIAL SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today’s action, and in accordance with E.O. 14024, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Additionally, all individuals or entities that have ownership, either directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt. These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
IMPOSING VISA RESTRICTIONS ON RUSSIA-INSTALLED PURPORTED AUTHORITIES
Additionally, the Department of State is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on three Russia-installed purported officials for their involvement in human rights abuses of Ukrainian civilian minors, in connection with the deportation, transfer, and confinement of Ukraine’s children by Russian Federation and Russia-backed authorities.
This action is taken under the Immigration and Nationality Act 212(a)(3)(C) visa policy approved by Secretary Blinken in May 2022 to restrict visa issuance to Russian Federation military officials and Russia-backed or Russia-installed purported authorities who are believed to have been involved in human rights abuses, violations of international humanitarian law, or public corruption in Ukraine, and immediate family members of such individuals, as appropriate.
Two of the three individuals were found to be involved in the forced transfer of Ukrainian children from the Russia-occupied Kherson Region to Crimea. In most cases, the Ukrainian minors were taken and kept in camps in Russia-occupied territory. The third individual was involved in the ill-treatment of Ukrainian children in camps in Crimea, where they were subjected to physical abuse and confinement.
Imposing Sanctions and Visa Restrictions on Individuals and Entities Russia to Promote Accountability for Forced Transfer and Deportation of Children During Russia’s Illegal War Against Ukraine
08/24/2023
Imposing Sanctions and Visa Restrictions on Individuals and Entities Russia to Promote Accountability for Forced Transfer and Deportation of Children During Russia’s Illegal War Against Ukraine
08/24/2023 04:03 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Today, on Ukrainian Independence Day, the United States is taking additional actions against entities and individuals, including those connected to human rights violations and abuses committed since Russia’s invasion.
The Department of State is imposing sanctions on two entities and 11 individuals for their roles in the forcible transfer and deportation of Ukraine’s children to camps promoting indoctrination in Russia and Russia-occupied Crimea and who have imposed Russian indoctrination curriculums in those regions of Ukraine.
Additionally, the Department of State is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on three Russia-installed officials for their involvement in human rights abuses of Ukrainian civilian minors, in connection with the forced deportation, transfer, and confinement of Ukraine’s children.
With these actions, the United States continues to demonstrate its commitment to promoting accountability for the atrocities and other abuses inflicted by Russia on the people of Ukraine.
Today’s sanctions actions are being taken pursuant to Executive Order 14024, which authorizes sanctions with respect to specified harmful foreign activities of the Government of the Russian Federation. Additional actions are pursuant to a visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes the Secretary of State to restrict visa issuance to Russian Federation military officials and Russia-backed or Russia-installed purported officials who are believed to have been involved in human rights abuses, violations of international humanitarian law, or public corruption in Ukraine.
For more information about today’s actions, see State Department fact sheet. For more information about Russia’s deportation of Ukrainian children, see the Global Engagement Center’s report.
New Package of Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
08/29/2023
New Package of Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
08/29/2023 01:12 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Today we are announcing the next package of military assistance to aid Ukraine as it defends its territory and protects its people. This package contains important capabilities to help Ukraine on the battlefield. It includes AIM-9M missiles for air defense, munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, mine-clearing equipment, Javelin and other anti-armor systems and rockets, over 3 million rounds of small arms ammunition, ambulances, demolition munitions for obstacle clearing, as well as spare parts, services, training, and transportation. This package of weapons and equipment, which are valued at $250 million, is being executed under drawdowns previously directed for Ukraine.
Every day, Russia continues to wage a brutal war of conquest that has killed many of Ukraine’s civilians and displaced millions of its people. Their attacks on Ukraine’s ports and grain infrastructure have caused price volatility in food and grain markets and worsened hunger and global food insecurity around the world.
Russia started this war and could end it at any time by withdrawing its forces from Ukraine and stopping its brutal attacks. Until it does, the United States and our allies and partners will stand united with Ukraine, for as long as it takes.
The Humanitarian Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh
08/31/2023
08/31/2023 11:21 AM EDT
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
We are deeply concerned about deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the continued blockage of food, medicine, and other goods essential to a dignified existence. The United States has worked continuously with the sides over the past several weeks to allow humanitarian assistance to reach the population of Nagorno-Karabakh. We reiterate our call to immediately re-open the Lachin corridor to humanitarian, commercial, and passenger traffic. Further, officials from Baku and representatives from Stepanakert should convene without delay to agree on the means of transporting critical provisions to the men, women, and children of Nagorno-Karabakh – including additional supply routes – and resume discussions on all outstanding issues. Basic humanitarian assistance should never be held hostage to political disagreements.
Assistant Secretary Stewart Travels to Israel, Turkey
08/31/2023
Assistant Secretary Stewart Travels to Israel, Turkey
08/31/2023 04:31 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, Mallory Stewart, will travel to Jerusalem and Ankara during the week of September 4-9.
In Jerusalem, she will meet with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for discussions on strategic stability, multilateral arms control, responsible uses of artificial intelligence and space security.
In Ankara, Assistant Secretary Stewart will meet with MFA and Ministry of National Defense officials on strategic stability, risk reduction, and current arms control and security matters.
Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to Romania and Italy
08/31/2023
Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to Romania and Italy
08/31/2023 06:36 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) Geoffrey R. Pyatt will travel to Bucharest, Romania and Rome, Italy on September 5-8. On September 5-6 in Bucharest, he will participate in the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Summit and meet with Romanian and regional government officials to discuss progress on shared energy security and clean energy priorities, and support for Ukraine and Moldova. In Bucharest, Assistant Secretary Pyatt will also participate in an American Chamber of Commerce-hosted forum and address the energy sector as a strategic avenue for stronger U.S.-Romania economic ties. On September 7, Assistant Secretary Pyatt will travel to Rome for bilateral meetings with senior Italian government officials and representatives from the private sector to discuss regional energy security issues, advancing collaboration on the clean energy transition, and support for Ukraine. For further media information, please contact ENR-PD-Clearances@state.go
Slovakia’s National Day
09/01/2023
Slovakia’s National Day
09/01/2023 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I wish the people of Slovakia a happy 30th Constitution Day.
As we mark 30 years of bilateral relations between the United States and Slovakia, we honor our long-standing partnership and Slovakia’s emergence as a proud democracy and strong NATO Ally. Your steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal war is a demonstration of your strong values and global leadership. As friends and Allies, we have worked together to promote democracy, rule of law, and essential human freedoms. We appreciate the shared commitment to collective security and furthering our common economic and people-to-people bonds.
As we look back on 30 years of bilateral ties, we reaffirm our pride in the strength of the friendship between Slovakia and the United States. I look forward to a continued close Alliance between our nations.
U.S. Government Meetings with Leaders of Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Institutions
09/01/2023
U.S. Government Meetings with Leaders of Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Institutions
09/01/2023 12:35 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
From August 28 – September 1, 2023, the Departments of State, Justice, and Treasury, as well as USAID, hosted leaders from Ukraine’s Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), and High Anti-Corruption Court in Washington, D.C.
Ukraine’s commitment to tackling corruption is key to winning its future and to realizing its European aspirations. The United States applauds Ukraine’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts even amid Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion and supports Ukraine as it works to implement key anti-corruption reforms aimed at securing its democratic future, built on the rule of law. Strong and decisive action by Ukraine’s government and its independent anti-corruption institutions, as well as vigilance by civil society and media, continue to be important to counter corruption, ensure transparency in public procurement, build investor confidence, and hold those in positions of public trust to account.
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