PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JANUARY 26, 2023 The United States is sanctioning individuals and entities linked to Russia’s para-military Wagner Group and its head, Yevgeniy Prigozhin – including its key infrastructure and associated front companies, its battlefield operations in Ukraine, producers of Russia’s weapons, and those administering Russia-occupied areas of Ukraine. …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE DECEMBER 28, 2022 Today marks four years that Paul Whelan has spent wrongfully detained, away from his family, suffering through an unfathomable ordeal. Russian authorities subjected him to a secret trial and sentenced him to 16 years in a Russian penal colony based on secret evidence. His …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE DECEMBER 9, 2022 Today, we are imposing sanctions on three Russian entities connected to Moscow’s growing military relationship with Tehran – a relationship that includes the transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) from Iran. The Kremlin is deploying these UAVs against Ukraine, including in large-scale attacks on …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE DECEMBER 9, 2022 On the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of Victims of the Crime of Genocide and the Prevention of this Crime, the world must pause not only to remember the lives lost to and torn apart by genocide, but also to recognize those that …
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MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON DECEMBER 8, 2022 The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Chile, Iceland, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Begin Text: The undersigned Foreign Ministers for country members of the Global Partnership for Action …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE DECEMBER 8, 2022 This morning, I joined President Biden, Vice President Harris, National Security Advisor Sullivan, and Cherelle Griner in the Oval Office, as Cherelle spoke to her wife Brittney, who is now on her way back to the United States and to her wife’s loving embrace. …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE NOVEMBER 25, 2022 Today we recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. Despite great strides to prevent and respond to the pervasiveness of gender-based violence around the world, violence remains …
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MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON NOVEMBER 20, 2022 The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union. Begin Text: On the launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE NOVEMBER 14, 2022 In response to Moscow’s unprovoked war against Ukraine, the United States will continue to disrupt Russia’s military supply chains and impose high costs on President Putin’s enablers, as well as all those who support Russia’s brutality against its neighbor. Today, the Departments of State …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE NOVEMBER 9, 2022 Following a sham trial and the unjust sentencing of Brittney Griner, Moscow is transferring her from a prison in Moscow to a remote penal colony. It is another injustice layered on her ongoing unjust and wrongful detention. As we work to secure Brittney Griner’s …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 29, 2022 The United States regrets Russia’s suspension of its participation in the operations of the U.N.-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative. We urge all parties to keep this essential, life-saving Initiative functioning. The Black Sea Grain Initiative has already moved more than 9 million metric tons …
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ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 27, 2022 PRESS STATEMENT The United States joins the international community in marking the 24th occasion of International Religious Freedom Day. Freedom of religion or belief is a founding principle of our nation, enshrined in our Constitution. Americans cherish the right to worship, or not worship, as they …
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MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON OCTOBER 23, 2022 The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, France, and the United Kingdom. We, the Foreign Ministers of France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, reiterate our steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 The United States unequivocally rejects Russia’s fraudulent attempt to change Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, including by holding sham “referenda” in Ukraine’s Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya regions. This is a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. In response, the United …
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ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 PRESS STATEMENT The Kremlin’s sham referenda are a futile effort to mask what amounts to a further attempt at a land grab in Ukraine. To be clear: the results were orchestrated in Moscow and do not reflect the will of the people of Ukraine. The United …
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ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 26, 2022 PRESS STATEMENT The United States today committed an additional $457.5 million in civilian security assistance to enhance the efforts of Ukrainian law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to improve their operational capacity and save lives as they continue to help defend the Ukrainian people, their freedom, …
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ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS NEW YORK, NEW YORK SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 REMARKS SECRETARY BLINKEN: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much, Madam President, for having brought this council together at this very grave moment of the crisis of the war of Russia on Ukraine. (In English) Mr. Secretary General, thank you …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 President Putin’s call to partially mobilize Russian citizens, directing them to fight in Ukraine, reflects the Kremlin’s struggles on the battlefield, the unpopularity of the war, and Russians’ unwillingness to fight in it. President Putin is not operating from a position of strength; rather, …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 The United States welcomes the negotiated prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, which includes two U.S. citizens captured while serving in Ukraine’s military. The United States is appreciative of Ukraine including all prisoners of war, regardless of nationality, in its negotiations, and we look …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE FOREIGN PRESS CENTER NEW YORK, N.Y. SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 REMARKS SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. Before we begin, let me just take a moment to again welcome the safe return of Mark Frerichs, an American Navy veteran who spent more than two and a half years in captivity in …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 The United States continues to hold the Russian government to account for its war against Ukraine. Today, we are taking actions against major Russian defense entities, key advanced-technology firms that support Russia’s defense industrial base, and financial infrastructure. We are also taking actions against …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 Together with our Allies and partners, we are delivering the arms and equipment that Ukraine’s forces are utilizing so effectively as they continue their successful counter-offensive against Russia’s invasion. President Biden has been clear we will support the people of Ukraine for as long …
Read More» Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State The United States is immensely grateful for the tireless dedication and commitment of our locally employed staff and contractors at U.S. Mission Russia. We thank them for their contributions to the overall operations and their work to improve relations between our two countries. Their dedication, expertise and friendship have …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 21, 2021 The United States has taken action against dozens of Belarusian individuals and entities in response to last month’s forced diversion of a commercial Ryanair flight between two European Union member states and the politically motivated arrest of journalist Raman Pratasevich and Sofiya Sapega. These …
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. traveled to Cornwall, UK; Brussels, Belgium; and Geneva, Switzerland. On June 10-12, President Biden took part in the G7 meeting in Cornwall. The President then took part in the NATO Summit on June 14 and also participated in the U.S.-EU Summit on June 15, both in Brussels. Finally, President Biden …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 12, 2021 On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the citizens of Russia as you celebrate Russia Day. This holiday marks the significant step Russia made on June 12, 1991, when it held its first free, open, and fair elections, …
Read More» MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON JUNE 1, 2021 Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken participated today in the virtual NATO Foreign Ministerial hosted by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Secretary Blinken discussed the upcoming NATO Summit and reaffirmed U.S. commitment to NATO, highlighting the Administration’s priority to revitalize our alliances. The Secretary expressed support …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 1, 2021 During this year’s Pride Month, we celebrate an important message: “You are Included.” The diverse experiences, perspectives, and contributions of the State Department community make our institution stronger and advance the goals of American diplomacy. Out of many, we are one. The Department has committed to increasing U.S. engagement on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 23, 2021 The United States strongly condemns the forced diversion of a flight between two EU member states and the subsequent removal and arrest of journalist Raman Pratasevich in Minsk. We demand his immediate release. This shocking act perpetrated by the Lukashenka regime endangered the lives …
Read More» MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MAY 20, 2021 Today, at the 12th Arctic Council Ministerial meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland, foreign ministers from all eight Arctic States signed onto the 2021 joint declaration reaffirming the Council’s commitment to maintain peace, stability, and constructive cooperation in the Arctic region, emphasizing Arctic States’ unique position to promote …
Read More» 05/19/2021 08:30 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the margins of the Arctic Council Ministerial. The Secretary noted that the United States sought a more stable and predictable relationship with Moscow. To …
Read More» 05/19/2021 07:35 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister Reykjavik, Iceland Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good evening. I’m pleased to be meeting with Sergey for the first time in my capacity as the Secretary of State. And as President Biden shared with President Putin, we seek a …
Read More» FACT SHEET OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MAY 19, 2021 “… [at the Arctic Council Ministerial] I’ll reaffirm America’s commitment to meeting our climate goals and encourage other Arctic nations to do the same.” …
Read More» Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State This year’s May 17 marks 16 years since the first International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB). In the intervening period, the United States has endeavored to reaffirm the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex persons. To be …
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SECRETARY BLINKEN: Religious freedom is a human right; in fact, it goes to the heart of what it means to be human – to think freely, to follow our conscience, to change our beliefs if our hearts and minds lead us to do so, to express those beliefs in public and in private. This freedom …
Read More» READOUT OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MAY 12, 2021 Share The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Secretary Blinken and Minister Lavrov discussed the upcoming Arctic Council Ministerial, where they will meet next week, and the potential to cooperate during Russia’s …
Read More» REMARKS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE AMERICA HOUSE KYIV, UKRAINE MAY 6, 2021 MS KVIEN: Hello. Good afternoon, everyone. I’m Kristina Kvien. I’m the charge d’affaires here at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. And it is my enormous pleasure to have with me today our Secretary of State Antony Blinken. We’d like to thank …
Read More» FACT SHEET OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MAY 2, 2021 “Another enduring principle is that we need countries to cooperate, now more than ever.” – Secretary Antony J. Blinken, March 3, 2021 Secretary Blinken will attend the G7 Foreign and Development Minister’s Meeting in London, the United Kingdom, from May 3-5, 2021. The members of the …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 2, 2021 Tomorrow, the United States joins the international community in celebrating World Press Freedom Day. Information and knowledge are powerful tools, and a free and independent press is the core institution connecting publics to the information they need to advocate for themselves, make informed decisions, and …
Read More»![Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken holds a press availability in Kabul, Afghanistan on April 15, 2021. [State Department photo]](https://d2v9ipibika81v.cloudfront.net/uploads/sites/138/secstate-pressavail-kabul-750x450.png "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken holds a press availability in Kabul, Afghanistan on April 15, 2021. [State Department photo]")
REMARKS TO THE PRESS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE U.S. EMBASSY KABUL KABUL, AFGHANISTAN APRIL 15, 2021 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon. Good to see everyone. I’ve come to Afghanistan today because it was important to me and important to President Biden to convey in person America’s commitment to an enduring partnership with Afghanistan and …
Read More» Today, we announced actions to hold the Russian Government to account for the SolarWinds intrusion, reports of bounties on U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, and attempts to interfere in the 2020 U.S. elections.
Read More» Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) Acting CEO Kelu Chao today to discuss the vital role that free and independent media play in the preservation and promotion of democratic principles worldwide. Secretary Blinken expressed his strong support for USAGM-affiliated networks around the world, including Radio Free Europe/Radio …
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“President Biden has committed to putting human rights back at the center of American foreign policy, and that’s a commitment that I and the entire Department of State take very seriously. We will bring to bear all the tools of our diplomacy to defend human rights and hold accountable perpetrators of abuse. The reports we’re releasing today are just one way to …
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SPEECH ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE NATO HEADQUARTERS AGORA BRUSSELS, BELGIUM MARCH 24, 2021 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon. A few weeks ago, not long after becoming Secretary as State, I spoke directly to the American people. I said that my number one job is to ensure that America’s foreign policy delivers for them – …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MARCH 22, 2021 Water is an invaluable resource that we rely on for nearly everything we do. Reliable access to water underpins health, economic opportunity, and security in every country, and ensuring global access to safe and adequate water for basic needs is now more important than ever. Climate change is already …
Read More» REMARKS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. MARCH 10, 2021 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member McCaul, thank you so much for your warm welcome. It’s very, very good to be back before this committee, to be back in this room. And I really do appreciate the opportunity to talk today about the …
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The United States is committed to a world in which human rights are protected, their defenders are celebrated, and those who commit human rights abuses are held accountable. Promoting respect for human rights is not something we can do alone, but is best accomplished working with our allies and partners across the globe. President Biden …
Read More» Around the world, corruption threatens security and stability, hinders economic growth, undermines democracy and human rights, destroys trust in public institutions, facilitates transnational crime, and siphons away public and private resources. The Biden Administration recognizes that we will only be successful in combating these issues by working in concert with committed partners, including courageous individuals …
Read More»![Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken participates in a video teleconference with the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on February 22, 2021. [State Department Photo by Ron Przysucha/ Public Domain]](https://d2v9ipibika81v.cloudfront.net/uploads/sites/138/50968951973_0d19bd9755_k-750x450.jpg "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken participates in a video teleconference with the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on February 22, 2021. [State Department Photo by Ron Przysucha/ Public Domain]")
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken participated virtually in today’s EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) at the invitation of EU High Representative Josep Borrell. Secretary Blinken highlighted the United States’ commitment to repairing, revitalizing, and raising the level of ambition in the U.S.-EU relationship. He emphasized the importance of close cooperation with the EU and …
Read More» On January 20, on his first day in office, President Biden signed the instrument to bring the United States back into the Paris Agreement. Per the terms of the Agreement, the United States officially becomes a Party again today.
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 8, 2021 The Biden administration has recommitted the United States to a foreign policy centered on democracy, human rights, and equality. Effective use of multilateral tools is an important element of that vision, and in that regard the President has instructed the Department of State to …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 4, 2021 Today, President Biden signed a Presidential Memorandum directing all U.S. government departments and agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons around the world. The …
Read More» READOUT OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FEBRUARY 4, 2021 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today. Secretary Blinken and Minister Lavrov discussed the New START extension and the need for new arms control that addresses all of Russia’s nuclear weapons and …
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REMARKS TO THE PRESS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE PRESS BRIEFING ROOM WASHINGTON, DC JANUARY 27, 2021 (Right-click on thumbnail to show video controls or Click here to play video in a new window ) MR PRICE: Good afternoon. Welcome back to the briefing room, to your briefing room. We’ll be spending quite a bit of time together starting very shortly, and I …
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REMARKS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE WASHINGTON, DC JANUARY 19, 2021 SECRETARY-DESIGNATE BLINKEN: Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. And to you, to Ranking Member Menendez, to all the members of this committee, thank you for the opportunity to be here today, and I greatly appreciate everything you’ve done to …
Read More» The United States is deeply concerned by reported preliminary conclusions from German medical experts that Russian opposition activist Aleksey Navalny was poisoned. If the reports prove accurate, the United States supports the EU’s call for a comprehensive investigation and stands ready to assist in that effort. MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE: Mr. Navalny’s family …
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REMARKS MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE / MAY 14, 2019 BOCHAROV RUCHEY SOCHI, RUSSIA PRESIDENT PUTIN: (Via interpreter) Mr. Secretary of State, dear colleagues, we are glad to welcome you in Russia. As you know, several days ago I had the pleasure of talking to the President of the United States on the phone, and …
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PRESS AVAILABILITY MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE / MAY 14, 2019 RUS HOTEL SOCHI, RUSSIA MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Ladies and gentlemen, we are beginning a joint press conference. Secretary of State, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, please. FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (Via interpreter) Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. First of all, I would like to …
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MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 14, 2019 RUS HOTEL SOCHI, RUSSIA FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (Via interpreter) Mr. Secretary of State, (inaudible) welcome to Sochi. We had a chance to hold the discussion on the 6th of May, when we had our negotiations in Finland on the margins of the Arctic Council. We covered and …
Read More» The text of the following statement was released today by UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, and U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo.
Read More» U.S. Department Of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Statement by Secretary Pompeo September 18, 2018 The United States expresses sorrow for the death of the aircrew members of the Russian plane that was downed by Syrian regime anti-aircraft fire. Yesterday’s unfortunate incident reminds us of the need to find permanent, peaceful, and …
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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Statement by Secretary Pompeo September 10, 2018 Tomorrow we honor the nearly 3,000 people who were killed in the terrorist attacks 17 years ago on September 11. Tomorrow also marks six years since the tragic loss in Libya of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, Glen …
Read More» Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC August 23, 2018 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert: Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov about Ukrainian political prisoner Oleh Sentsov, who has been on a hunger strike for more than three months in a Russian prison. The Secretary noted …
Read More» U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Statement by Secretary Pompeo July 25, 2018 Russia, through its 2014 invasion of Ukraine and its attempted annexation of Crimea, sought to undermine a bedrock international principle shared by democratic states: that no country can change the borders of another by force. The states …
Read More» On July 21, Secretary Pompeo spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. They discussed a broad range of issues, some of which were following up from the meeting between President Trump and President Putin.
Read More» Secretary Michael R. Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke today. The two discussed the upcoming meeting between President Trump and President Putin, as well as issues related to Syria and DPRK.
Read More» Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC May 30, 2018 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert: Secretary Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke by phone today, their first conversation since the Secretary’s swearing in and the Foreign Minister’s reappointment. The two discussed issues and concerns related to the bilateral relationship, Ukraine, …
Read More» U.S. Department Of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Remarks May 21, 2018 The Heritage Foundation Washington, D.C. SECRETARY POMPEO: Well, good morning, everyone. I first want to thank the Heritage Foundation and its president, Kay Coles James. Thank you for hosting me today. First as a private citizen and then as a …
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As we exit the Iran deal, we will be working with our allies to find a real, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Iranian threat. We have a shared interest with our allies in Europe and around the world to prevent Iran from ever developing a nuclear weapon.
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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release May 8, 2018 SECRETARY POMPEO: So the first time it was truly an intel effort, in that the South Koreans had made representations about things that North Korea was preparing to do that Kim Jong-un had told them, and we largely went there to …
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