News from 2023


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg

The following is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel:


Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine

Pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, I am authorizing our 35th drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine valued at $500 million.


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Transatlantic Quad Foreign Ministers

The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel:


Secretary Antony J. Blinken And New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta Before Their Meeting

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. It’s a pleasure to be with Foreign Minister Mahuta and to have an opportunity here at NATO to talk about our strong and vital partnership in the Indo-Pacific and in fact around the world.


Public Designations of Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Shengelia, and Valerian Tsertsvadze, Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption

Today, the U.S. Department of State is publicly designating Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Shengelia, and Valerian Tsertsvadze under Section 7031(c) visa restriction authorities, due to their involvement in significant corruption.


Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. It’s always good to be back in Belgium, in Brussels, at the NATO Headquarters, which has become almost a home away from home.


Special Envoy and Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center Rubin’s Travel to Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania

Special Envoy and Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center James P. Rubin will travel from April 10-14 to Podgorica, Montenegro; Skopje, North Macedonia; and Tirana, Albania.


U.S. Government Mobilizing Partnership Opportunities in Ukraine

The Department of State, USAID, and the Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Government of Ukraine and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will host the U.S.-Ukraine Partnership Forum (UPF) on April 13 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Great Hall.


On Special Representative for International Labor Affairs Fay Rodriguez’s Participation at the 347th Session of the International Labor Organization Governing Body in Geneva, Switzerland

Special Representative for International Labor Affairs Kelly Fay Rodriguez engaged in deliberations at the 347th Session of the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Governing Body, including delivering U.S. position statements for the U.S. delegation led by the Department of Labor.


Secretary Blinken’s Trip to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Vietnam, and Japan

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Vietnam, and Japan, April 11-18, 2023.


Under Secretary Zeya’s Travel to Slovakia and France April 11-14, 2023

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya will travel April 11-14, 2023 to Bratislava, Slovakia and Paris, France.


Russia’s Wrongful Detention of Journalist Evan Gershkovich

Today, Secretary Blinken made a determination that Evan Gershkovich is wrongfully detained by Russia.


Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a UN Cybercrime Convention Fifth Negotiating Session at the United Nations in Vienna

The fifth negotiating session of the Ad Hoc Committee (AHC) to elaborate a UN cybercrime convention will convene at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria from April 11–21.


Special Representative for Afghanistan West’s April 11 – 18 Travel to Qatar, UAE, Istanbul

In Doha, Special Representative for Afghanistan (SRA) Thomas West will meet with Qatari colleagues, Afghan civil society leaders, and partner missions. In the UAE, SRA West will meet with Emirati counterparts, Afghan business and thought leaders.


Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba

The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel:


Further Curbing Russia’s Efforts to Evade Sanctions and Perpetuate its War Against Ukraine

Today, the Department of State and the Department of Treasury are imposing sanctions on more than 120 entities and individuals across more than 20 countries and jurisdictions in connection with the Russian Federation’s unlawful and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, including facilitators of sanctions evasion.


Under Secretary Zeya’s Travel to New York City

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya will travel to New York City from March 29-30.


Outcomes of the 52nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council

As we mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action this year, the United States will continue to place its commitment to multilateral engagement and human rights at the center of U.S. foreign policy.


Secretary Blinken’s Call with UN Secretary-General Guterres

The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel:


Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a UN Cybercrime Convention Fifth Negotiating Session at the United Nations in Vienna

The fifth negotiating session of the Ad Hoc Committee (AHC) to elaborate a UN cybercrime convention will convene at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria from April 11–21.