July 20, 2016. U.S. authorities have charged the alleged owner of today’s most visited illegal file-sharing website with criminal copyright infringement and have seized domain names associated with the website. Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Fardon of the Northern District of Illinois, Executive Associate …

July 20, 2016. We are shocked and saddened by the killing of Ukrainska Pravda journalist Pavel Sheremet in a car bombing in Kyiv. We join the government of Ukraine in support of a full and impartial investigation that will bring those responsible to justice. Mr. Sheremet, a Belarusian citizen, served as an example to journalists in …

July 16, 2016. Two years ago today, Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine, taking the lives of 298 innocent people from 11 countries.  Our sympathy and thoughts remain with the families and friends of the MH 17 victims. In October 2015, we welcomed the findings of the Dutch Safety Board in its …

Over the past week, Ukraine’s armed forces suffered the most casualties in any one-week period since the September 2015 ceasefire was signed. The fighting was especially intense yesterday in the Luhansk region, notably around Stanytsia-Luhanska, where the separatists advanced their position so that they are now on what was the Ukrainian-controlled side of the river. …

The United States strongly supports NATO’s cooperation with partners as a means to more effectively share burdens and further our common security goals.  This aligns with wider U.S. strategy of driving global cooperation on security challenges through networks of alliances and building local nation partnerships across the globe.  The Partnership for Peace (PfP), established in …

We believe that the time has come to give new impetus and new substance to the NATO-EU strategic partnership. In consultation with the EU Member States and the NATO Allies, working with, and for the benefit of all, this partnership will take place in the spirit of full mutual openness and in compliance with the decision-making …

The United States and our 27 allies are strongly committed to NATO’s three core tasks of collective defense, crisis management, and cooperative security.  In pursuit of these tasks, NATO seeks a range of capabilities and other resources from allies.  These capabilities are provided mostly from allied national inventories, but also in the form of military …

On June 29, 2016,  Acting Deputy Assistant Director Mathew S. Moon of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Director Artem Sytnyk of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen existing cooperation between the agencies as they pursue anti-corruption initiatives.  The memorandum establishes that the FBI and …

Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland and NSC Senior Directors Celeste Wallander and Charles Kupchan visited Moscow June 23 for consultations with Russian officials on the situation in eastern Ukraine and next steps to implement the Minsk agreements in support of the Normandy countries. The Russian delegation was led by …

Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland and NSC Senior Directors Charles Kupchan and Celeste Wallander met on June 22 with senior Ukrainian officials, including President Poroshenko, Speaker of Parliament Parubiy, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration for Foreign Policy Yelisieiev, and Foreign Minister Klimkin to discuss Ukraine’s reform agenda and …

Chairman Corker, Ranking Member Cardin, members of this committee. It is a privilege and an honor to appear before you today as President Obama’s nominee to serve as the United States Ambassador to Ukraine. If confirmed, I look forward to working with this Committee and Congress to continue our strong support for the Ukrainian people, …

During his meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, Vice President Joe Biden announced today in Washington that, pending Congressional notification, the White House plans to commit $220 million in new assistance to Ukraine this year in support of economic, political, and energy reforms.  This assistance package will continue our support for Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen democratic …

Vice President Biden met today at the White House with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman to discuss Ukraine’s reform agenda and the implementation of the Minsk agreements. The Vice President expressed strong support for the Prime Minister’s ambitious reform efforts and commended him for the bold reform steps his Cabinet has already taken in its …

Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter met with Ukrainian Minister of Defense General Stepan Poltorak today on the sidelines of the NATO Defense Ministerial in Brussels, Belgium. The two leaders discussed Russia’s ongoing aggression in eastern Ukraine and Secretary Carter emphasized that the United States, together with …

As prepared Thank you Chairman Corker, Ranking Member Cardin, and members of this committee for the opportunity to join you and discuss the challenges posed to international peace and security by Russia today, and the Administration’s policy toward Moscow. As this Committee knows, for more than 20 years following the collapse of the Soviet Union, …

Pryvit.  My name is Randy Berry and I am the U.S. State Department’s first Special Envoy for the Rights of LGBTI persons.  It is a real pleasure and honor to be here with you today in Ukraine and to play a role in launching your Pride Week.  My job as Special Envoy is to lead …

SEOUL – U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew released a statement following the signing today of a $1 billion loan guarantee agreement for Ukraine in Kyiv: “Today’s signing marks the third $1 billion U.S. loan guarantee agreement for Ukraine and underscores the continued support of the United States for Ukraine’s economic reform agenda. “The third $1 …

The United States and Ukraine signed today a $1 billion loan guarantee agreement, the third $1 billion loan guarantee provided by the U.S. to Ukraine since May 2014. This guarantee reinforces the United States’ strong commitment to the people of Ukraine by strengthening the Government of Ukraine as it continues to institute reforms that reduce corruption, improve …

Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons Randy Berry will travel to Ottawa, Canada, June 1 – 2 to participate in a panel session at the “Dignity Initiative LGBTI Human Rights Globally Conference.” The Conference aims to exchange information and develop common strategies for Canada’s role in advancing the human rights of LGBTI …

1. G7 Ambassadors reiterate the importance of the judicial reform in Ukraine, prior to the second reading of the draft law on amending the Constitution of Ukraine as to Justice at the Verkhovna Rada next week. We recall the judicial reform is a backbone of all the reforms in Ukraine to regain public trust and …

Vice President Biden spoke today with President Poroshenko of Ukraine. The Vice President congratulated President Poroshenko on the release of Ukrainian pilot and Rada member Nadiya Savchenko and called for the release of all Ukrainians unlawfully detained in Russia. The leaders discussed the importance of continuing to institute reforms in the Office of the Prosecutor …

During the 708 days since her abduction in eastern Ukraine, Nadiya Savchenko has endured inhumane imprisonment, countless interrogations, solitary confinement, the deterioration of her health, and farcical Russian legal proceedings. Today, Savchenko’s nightmare has finally ended. While we are overjoyed at the news that Savchenko is reunited with her family, we remember the other Ukrainians, …

Today at the Cabinet of Ministers, the United States signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement with Ukraine, providing a framework for expanded cooperation between the two countries on matters related to the flow of people, goods, and services into and out of Ukraine.  The agreement builds on the already robust partnership between the United States …

Today in Kyiv, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), Nancy Izzo-Jackson and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Assistant Administrator Robert Jenkins announced that the United States will provide more than $28 million in additional U.S. humanitarian assistance to help the hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people affected by Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine …

ASSISTANT SECRETARY NULAND: Hello everybody. It’s nice to see you. We are just completing a very constructive round of consultations here in Moscow. Yesterday, we had a very thorough discussion, led on the Russian side by Presidential Administration Senior Advisor Surkov, on the whole complex issues associated with the Minsk Agreements. Today here at the Foreign …

On May 17, Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland will travel from Vienna, Austria, to Moscow, Russia. She will meet with senior Russian government officials to discuss the situation in eastern Ukraine and next steps to implement the Minsk agreements in support of the Normandy countries and the Trilateral Contact Group. She …

Joint Statement by the Ambassadors to Ukraine of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States of America on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia Today, May 17, is the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia.  As representatives of the international community and our respective …

U.S. Secretary of State Kerry reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to combating corruption at the Anti-Corruption Summit in London this week. Heads of state from more than forty countries, multinational organizations, and civil society leaders joined together to make a clear statement: corruption drives political instability, erodes trust between citizens and government, cripples basic functions of …

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Assistant Secretary-General Zerihoun, Ambassador Apakan, and Special Representative Sajdik, for your informative briefings. I’d also like to thank the Ukrainian delegation for calling this essential meeting. We recognize, as I think all members of the Council do, the critically important work OSCE teams are carrying out in the field, …

ASSISTANT SECRETARY NULAND:  Good afternoon, everybody.  Apologies for keeping you waiting.  It is terrific to be back in Kyiv on this beautiful spring day, and on the eve of the Orthodox Easter holidays and the May Day holidays, and as the new Ukrainian government begins its work with the Rada under new leadership and a …

Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman met with Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland , during which the parties discussed the future course of action on reform in Ukraine, the question of their support from the   United States. Volodymyr Groysman informed his interlocutors about the priorities of the new Government. “The real situation is very …

Today at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Nuclear Safety Account Donors Assembly in Kyiv, the United States pledged an additional $10 million dollars in U.S. support to help ensure the safety of the Chornobyl nuclear facility and people living in the surrounding area. The pledge builds on the more than $400 million …

On April 25, Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland will travel from Hannover, Germany, to Kyiv, Ukraine, to meet with senior Ukrainian government officials, political party leaders, Rada members, and civil society representatives.  She will discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues, including reform priorities and Minsk implementation.

On this 30th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, our thoughts remain with the victims, from the emergency workers who gave their lives to prevent an even greater disaster, to those living in the area affected by the fallout. The United States marks this anniversary with a pledge of an additional $10 million dollars to help ensure the …

MR. KENT:  (In Ukrainian) Good morning, Minister Omelyan, Committee Head Dubnevych, Andy.  I’m very pleased to speak with you today on the modernization of Ukraine’s infrastructure. Allow me to continue in English.  I would like to congratulate you, Minister, on your appointment.  We’ve worked closely with you in the past, and we look to continue to build …

We call on the Russian Federation to reverse the Ministry of Justice’s recent decision to designate the Crimean Tatar Mejlis as an “extremist” organization and the decision by de facto authorities in Crimea to suspend this democratic institution.  The Mejlis has long been a representative body for the traditionally under-represented and historically oppressed Crimean Tatar …

As part of his previously announced travel to Hannover, Germany, President Obama will meet with President Francois Hollande of France, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy, and Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom in a meeting hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel on April 25.  The President looks forward to discussing with these European …

President Obama spoke today by phone with President Vladimir Putin of Russia to share his concern over the status of the Cessation of Hostilities in Syria between the Syrian regime and its allies on the one hand and the armed opposition on the other.  President Obama stressed the importance of pressing the Syrian regime to …

The Vice President spoke with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko today. The Vice President congratulated the President on the new cabinet and government program of work that were approved by the Rada today. The Vice President stressed that Ukraine must use the renewed political stability to move forward on the reforms required to secure Ukraine’s …

Vice President Biden spoke today with Ukraine’s newly-elected Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman. The Vice President congratulated the Prime Minister on his election, and on the new cabinet and government program of work that were approved by the Rada today. The Vice President stressed that, in order to maintain international support for Ukraine, the new team …

QUESTION:  So Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has recently resigned and now we know that one of his possible successors, head of the parliament Mr. Groysman, has refused to head the new cabinet.  What are the U.S. expectations from the new government, especially in terms of lasting cooperation in and providing financial support for Kyiv? …

Q    And separately, is the White House concerned about the state of events in Ukraine after the Prime Minister stepped down on Sunday — concerned about the pace of reform that otherwise was going on there? MR. EARNEST:  Well, Jeff, the administration has been concerned about the situation in Ukraine for quite some time now. And …

Vice President Biden spoke this morning with Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who announced today his intention to resign as Prime Minister next week in expectation that a new government would be confirmed by the Ukrainian Parliament. The Vice President thanked Prime Minister Yatsenyuk for his partnership during a historic time for Ukraine. He …

Vice President Biden met today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.‎ President Poroshenko updated the Vice President on coalition negotiations to form a new Ukrainian government that is committed to a reform program, including IMF and EU requirements, and the full implementation of its Minsk commitments. President Poroshenko also noted his commitment to installing a new, credible …

The conviction and sentencing of Nadiya Savchenko to 22 years imprisonment show a blatant disregard for the principles of justice and contravene Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements. For nearly two years, Russia has unjustly detained Savchenko on charges that have no basis in fact and has denied her the basic protections of the rule …

Vice President Biden spoke today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.  The Vice President condemned the unjust conviction and sentencing of Ukrainian pilot and member of parliament  Nadiya Savchenko and underlined Russia’s obligation under the Minsk Agreements to release her. The Vice President emphasized the importance of Ukraine quickly reestablishing a stable government and parliamentary coalition …

Thanks to all the colleagues who have come out for this very important event. It has been more than two years since Russia held its sham referendum in Crimea in an attempt to legitimize its occupation of a part of sovereign Ukraine – a sovereign UN Member State. It has been nearly two years since …

G7 Ambassadors in Ukraine express their serious concerns about the health of Nadiya Savchenko, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament and the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who has been imprisoned in Russia since 2014 and is currently on hunger strike in protest against her detention. G7 Ambassadors call on the Russian authorities to immediately release Nadiya …

Today, as Russia’s occupation of Crimea enters its third year, we reaffirm our commitment to a united, sovereign Ukraine.  The United States does not recognize Russia’s “referendum” of March 16, 2014 or its attempted annexation of Crimea, which violates international law. We remain deeply concerned by the situation in Russian-occupied Crimea, where occupation “authorities” suppress …

Testimony by Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs As prepared Thank you Chairman Corker, Ranking Member Cardin, members of this committee for the opportunity to join you today and for the personal investment so many of you have made in Ukraine’s democratic, European future. Ukraine still has a long way to go …

Nadiya Savchenko, a former Ukrainian pilot and current member of Ukraine’s parliament, was abducted in eastern Ukraine on June 17, 2014 and taken across the border to Russia, where she remains detained on baseless charges. Today, in spite of a “dry” hunger strike in which she has not had any food or liquid for nearly …

Last December, I had the great honor of addressing the Ukrainian Rada. I spoke to them about how, as members of Ukraine’s parliament, they had the opportunity to write a new future for their country. But one Rada member was notably missing that day—Nadiya Savchenko. Instead, her photo hung from the speaker’s podium as a …

Presenter: General Philip Breedlove, commander, U.S. European Command, and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe GENERAL PHILIP BREEDLOVE:  Last time I was here, I explained the security situation in Europe was rapidly evolving and becoming complex.  Even in just these past four months, the situation has grown more serious and more complicated. As I stated in …

MODERATOR:  Good morning everybody, and greetings from the U.S. Department of State.  I would like to welcome all of our participants who are dialing in from across Europe this morning, and thank all of you for joining in this discussion. Today we are especially pleased to be joined from Stuttgart, Germany by Major General David Allvin …

Today, we join the people of Ukraine in honoring the memory of their Revolution of Dignity and those who gave their lives to build a more just, democratic, and European Ukraine.  They braved sniper fire and three months in the bitter cold, and Ukraine got a second chance for freedom, justice, and a government that …

Today the Vice President spoke separately with Prime Minister Yatsenyuk and President Poroshenko of Ukraine. The Vice President sent his respects to the people of Ukraine and their leaders on this second anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity on the Maidan, adding that he was inspired by the progress the country has made. He stressed …

The Vice President spoke today to President Poroshenko of Ukraine. The Vice President welcomed the passage by the Rada this week of anti-corruption legislation sought by the IMF and EU, and commended President Poroshenko and the government of Ukraine for the hard work that went into ensuring passage. The Vice President also commended President Poroshenko’s …

QUESTION:  So Ukraine president has called on the resignation of prime minister and also the prosecutor general, who have been criticized of getting in the way of fighting corruption.  First, I would like to get your stand on this development.  Do you think it’s a good move toward reforms? MR TONER:  You’re talking about the …

On 16 February the US Embassy Office of Defense Cooperation organized a ceremony of handing over the US EOD (explosive ordnance) equipment to the SESU (State Emergency Service of Ukraine) in the main HQ building of the SESU in Kyiv. The ceremony was attended by US Assistance Coordinator, Ms. JoAnne Wagner, US Embassy Office of …

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.  The two leaders agreed on the importance of making progress on the security and political aspects of the Minsk agreements, and expressed serious concern about the worsening security situation in eastern Ukraine.  The leaders also discussed the political situation in Ukraine, agreeing that it …

The text of the following statement was issued jointly by the Ambassadors to Ukraine of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.   Original text as released by Embassy of Sweden is available  here . Begin Text: We are deeply disappointed by the resignation of Minister for Economic Development …

The Administration today announced an FY2017 Department of Defense funding request of $3.4 billion for the European Reassurance Initiative (ERI).  This request, which quadruples last year’s ERI funding level, represents a significant augmentation of our efforts to ensure peace and security in Europe.  Over the past two years, the United States has increased military activities …

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ASH CARTER: Thanks, David. Appreciate it. And good morning, everyone. Appreciate you being here. It’s a pleasure for me to be — what I understand, David, to be the first secretary of defense to address the Economic Club of Washington. And one of the core tasks for me, and one of my …

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia Thomas O. Melia and U.S. Department of State Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia Alina L. Romanowski will travel to Ukraine on January 25-29. Their trip will include meetings with Ukrainian officials, civil society leaders and the private sector to discuss …

The Vice President met yesterday with ‎President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko. The two leaders agreed on the critical importance of the continued implementation of Minsk by all sides of the Ukraine conflict, as well as the need to continue to move forward on Ukraine’s anti-corruption agenda.

Today, Assistant Secretary Frank A. Rose participated in a ceremony marking the reestablishment of the Nuclear Risk Reduction Centers’ (NRRC) government-to-government secure communications link between the United States and Ukraine.  It is a joint recognition—by the United States and Ukraine—that transparency, trust, and the exchange of information are foundational to all democratic societies.  This new …

Last night at Boryspil International Airport, the United States delivered $23 million in vital military communications and medical equipment to Ukraine.  The shipment included $21 million in secure radio equipment to help Ukrainian soldiers communicate effectively without putting themselves in harm’s way, as well as nearly $2 million in battlefield life-saving medical equipment. After clearing …

Assistant Secretary for Arms Control, Verification and Compliance Frank A. Rose, will travel to France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Lithuania from January 9-27. From January 10-18, Assistant Secretary Rose will be in Paris, The Hague, Berlin, and Rome for bilateral discussions on arms control, nuclear security, ballistic missile defense, …

CHARGE D’AFFAIRES URBAN: Thank you.  To our Ukrainian government colleagues, our Ukrainian Peace Corps representatives, host families and especially to our soon-to-be Volunteers, I wish you good morning on this happy occasion. If I may start on a personal note: I was never a Peace Corps Volunteer, but I’m married to one.  So if I …

Today, December 22, 2015, the Verkhovna Rada voted to approve the self-submitted resignation of Member of Parliament Mykola Martynenko.  As Ambassador Pyatt noted earlier this month, Martynenko’s decision to resign and submit to the rule of law is yet another sign of a changing Ukraine, in which public officials are accountable to the people they …

This week, the Rada will vote on several key pieces of legislation, including the 2016 State Budget and amendments to the Tax Code of Ukraine.  G7 Ambassadors have followed the process very closely over recent weeks.  We commend and fully support the efforts of the Government to achieve a workable deal that is in line with …

Let me first join my colleagues in thanking our briefers: Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, Assistant Secretary-General Simonovic, Director of Operations John Ging, and Ambassador Apakan. UN and OSCE teams are active on the ground working in extremely difficult conditions, and please express the United States’ gratitude and – I’m sure – the broader international community’s …

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk about the importance of maintaining Ukrainian political unity and moving forward with essential reforms. The Vice President condemned the attack on Prime Minister Yatsenyuk in the Rada today, calling on Ukraine’s lawmakers to end divisive rhetoric, which only hinders the reforms that the …

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  What a great honor for me to be able to represent my country before such an august audience. Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Chairman, members of the Rada, ladies and gentlemen, I am deeply honored to be invited to speak to you today at a moment marked by great …

Vice President Joe Biden met today with Ukrainian Rada Speaker Volodymyr Hroysman to discuss economic and government reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and implementation of the Minsk agreements. The Vice President expressed strong support for Ukrainian economic reforms, as welcomed the Speaker’s support for constitutional amendments to reform the judiciary and empower local communities.  The two leaders …

PRESIDENT POROSHENKO: (In Ukrainian, no translation.) VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: Well, Mr. President, thank you very, very much. Thank you for your hospitality. It’s good to be back in Ukraine. As you pointed out, it’s the fourth time since the Revolution of Dignity two years ago. And I’m always overwhelmed by your warmth and your friendship …

The United States remains steadfast in its support of the Ukrainian people as they defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity, advance the fight against corruption, implement democratic and constitutional reforms, strengthen the rule of law, restore economic stability and growth, and respond to humanitarian needs. In pursuit of these objectives, Vice President Joe Biden announced …

Vice President Joe Biden met today with reformers in the Rada, civil society, and government.  The Vice President and other participants spoke about the importance of anti-corruption, governance, and economic reforms. The Vice President also spoke about the situation in the Donbas, and underscored that the costs on Russia would continue to rise until the …

Vice President Joe Biden met today with Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klychko to discuss bilateral relations, economic and governance reforms, and the conflict with Russia in the Donbas. The Vice President underscored the U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  The Vice President also congratulated the Mayor on adopting important police, transparency, and procurement reforms …

The Vice President has departed for Kyiv, Ukraine, where he will meet with President Petro Poroshenko, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukrainian reformers from both government and civil society, and deliver a speech to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Please not that all time are approximate and are subject to change. Sunday, December 6, 2015 – …

More than three decades ago, the first known cases of HIV/AIDS sparked an epidemic in the United States — ushering in a time defined by how little we knew about it and in which those affected by it faced fear and stigmatization. We have made extraordinary progress in the fight against HIV since that time, …

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the continued detention of Nadiya Savchenko, Oleg Sentsov, Oleksander Kolchenko, Stanislav Klikh and all other Ukrainians unjustly held as prisoners and hostages in Russia. We note that on November 24, the Russian Supreme Court upheld the wrongful convictions of Oleg Sentsov and Oleksander Kolchenko. We regret …

We gather at a time in which combined Russian-separatist forces are ratcheting up the violence in eastern Ukraine; their attacks on Ukrainian positions result in almost daily casualties. In a 12-hour period on Monday and Tuesday of this week, separatists launched 30 provocations, and the SMM has noted the use of heavy weapons supposedly withdrawn …

GENERAL HODGES: General Pushnyakov, Ambassadors, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for the opportunity to be part of this ceremony today. The soldiers that you see in front of you, the equipment that has been provided, the radar, the investment of time and resources into this training center all are a manifestation of the …

Two years ago on a cold November night, a call to action on Facebook by a young journalist sparked a series of events that culminated in Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity. On the second anniversary of the Euromaidan, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has released a special video message reminding viewers around the world about what …

In response to a request from Ukraine, and as part of our ongoing efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defense and internal security operations, today the United States delivered two AN/TPQ-36 radar systems to Ukraine at a ceremony in Lviv. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had the opportunity to review the equipment, and was briefed by U.S. military …

Washington, D.C. – Vice President Joe Biden will travel to Ukraine the week of December 7th, 2015. The Vice President will meet with President Poroshenko, Prime Minister Yatsenyuk, members of the Rada, and representatives of civil society organizations. This will be Vice President Biden’s fifth trip to Ukraine since taking office in 2009. More information about …

KYIV – U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew met separately today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, and Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko to discuss the economic situation in Ukraine, the ongoing reform efforts, and the international community’s continued solidarity on imposing costs on Russia until it fully implements its commitments under the Minsk Agreements.  …

SECRETARY LEW:  Thank you, Prime Minister Yatsenyuk, Finance Minister Jaresko, for your warm welcome here in Kyiv and for welcoming me back for my second visit this year to your country.  We had good meetings this morning, both with the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister, but also with members of the Rada.  We exchanged …

KYIV – Prime Minister Yatsenyuk, Finance Minister Jaresko, thank you for welcoming me back to Ukraine and for sharing your views on Ukraine’s economy and the next steps in Ukraine’s reform effort.  I have greatly appreciated the hospitality and candid exchange of ideas extended by you and your colleagues. This is my second trip to Kyiv …

Today we join Ukrainians here in America and around the world  to remember the catastrophe of the Holodomor, and the millions of innocent Ukrainians who starved to death more than eight decades ago as a result of the brutal policies of Joseph Stalin’s regime. It was the Soviet regime’s deliberate seizure of Ukrainian crops and …

The United States condemns again in the strongest possible terms the continued detention of Ukrainian citizens Nadiya Savchenko, Oleg Sentsov, and Oleksander Kolchenko by Russia. The United States continues to closely monitor Ms. Savchenko’s trial. We note that Ms. Savchenko’s trial will resume later this month, and we expect that the court will allow her …

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko about implementation of the Minsk agreements, economic reforms, and anti-corruption initiatives.  The Vice President congratulated President Poroshenko on the conduct of Ukraine’s local elections, which represent another milestone in the country’s democratic development.  The two leaders also discussed the implementation of the Minsk agreements, …

ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY SLOTKIN:  Good afternoon. I would like to thank the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for hosting us today for our Bilateral Defense Policy Consultations, which I co-chaired with the Deputy Minister. These productive high-level talks were an important opportunity to review our defense relationship and set the course for our cooperation into …

Ambassadors Sajdik and Apakan, we welcome you back to the Permanent Council. Your appearance obviously comes at a critical juncture in the implementation of the Minsk agreements. In spite of President Putin’s statements in Paris on October 2, separatists are still threatening to walk away from their political commitments under Minsk and are blocking humanitarian …

The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine is pleased to announce a call for proposals for the 2016 Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). Since 2001, the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation has supported over 800 proposals from more than 100 countries, including 13 projects from Ukraine valued at a total of nearly $650,000. The Fund has …

In order to make my first comment I’d like to tell people that there is a basketball team in New York City, that residents of New York City have a love-hate relationship with because they don’t always deliver the way that their fans would like, called the New York Knicks – some of you may …

We congratulate millions of people in Ukraine for exercising their right to vote in Sunday’s elections, demonstrating that democracy in Ukraine remains resilient. These elections take on added importance because of the enhanced responsibilities authorities and local governments will inherit as the Ukrainian parliament completes the process of constitutional reform and decentralization. The elections took …

The United States takes note of the relative calm along the line of contact in eastern Ukraine. Continued progress on the security situation in the Donbas will help facilitate further gains on implementing the political, economic, and humanitarian aspects of the Minsk agreements. The calm that has largely held since September 1 has created space …

State Department Official: I do have a statement on this, which is that the United States congratulates the people of Ukraine for exercising their right to vote in yesterday’s local elections. According to the initial reports from observers that I think you mentioned, these elections largely reflected the will of the Ukrainian people, and generally …

SECRETARY PRITZKER: Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister, for welcoming our delegation here to Ukraine. I am honored to be here with you. As you said, I’m joined by six executives from American businesses – premiere companies like Cargill, Citibank, Dupont, Honeywell, NCH Capital, and Westinghouse. These business leaders took time from their very …

We congratulate the people of Ukraine for exercising their right to vote in yesterday’s local elections. Ukraine’s democracy remains resilient, despite facing difficult economic conditions and Russia’s actions in Ukraine, including the occupation of Crimea. According to initial reports from international observers, these elections largely reflected the will of the Ukrainian people and generally respected …

SECRETARY PRITZKER: Mr. President, thank you very much for your warm introduction and for your warm welcome to our delegation. It’s a pleasure to be back in Kyiv, and I am honored to be with you today. In September 2014, at President Obama’s request, I traveled here to discuss how the United States can support …

Today the United States transferred to Ukraine the first in a series of shipments of broadcast equipment to help improve Ukraine’s technical capacity to broadcast into eastern Ukraine.  Deputy Minister for Information Policy Tetyana Popova received three FM radio transmitters on behalf of the Ukrainian Government.  The transmitters will be provided to Donetsk TV and …

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker will travel to Ukraine from October 26-27 as a continuation of the Obama Administration’s sustained commitment to supporting the Ukrainian government and people, and helping strengthen the Ukrainian economy. The Secretary’s visit continues the high-level engagement launched during her first visit to Kyiv in September 2014 and follows the …

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the continued detention of Nadiya Savchenko, Oleksander Kolchenko, and Oleg Sentsov. We have not forgotten them – nor any of the other Ukrainian hostages detained on baseless charges by Russia. The United States remains deeply concerned by serious allegations of mistreatment and abuse of Ukrainian hostages …

I want to respond to a few of the points made by our distinguished Russian colleague: First, it’s fine for the petty statement that the American ambassador hasn’t read the Minsk agreements to be made. I leave that for him to decide if that is constructive. I would note that our distinguished Russian colleague claimed …

During the past few weeks, we have heard in the Permanent Council our distinguished Russian colleague call the conflict in Ukraine an “internal” one. Let us recall how we came to discuss this issue in the Permanent Council. On February 27, 2014, men in military uniforms lacking any insignia occupied the Crimean Parliament building in …

The United States – through the State Department Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Border Patrol – is supporting the Ministry of Interior’s (MOI) initiative to vet, train, and stand up a new SWAT police force. This new tactical police unit will be charged with addressing the complex law …

The United States today announced nearly $15 million in additional humanitarian assistance to help those affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine. This brings total U.S. humanitarian assistance to eastern Ukraine since the start of the crisis to nearly $84 million. This new funding—through USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance—will provide emergency shelter assistance to help more than …

The release today by the Dutch Safety Board of its investigatory report on the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014 is an important milestone in the effort to hold accountable those responsible for the shoot-down of the aircraft and the killing of those aboard. This independent investigation …

As prepared Thank you Chairman Corker, Ranking Member Cardin, members of this committee for the opportunity to join you today and for the personal investment so many of you have made in Ukraine’s democratic, European future. Your bipartisan support, your visits to Ukraine, the assistance you and your fellow members have provided are truly making …

Today the United States announced an additional $7.5 million in life-saving humanitarian assistance for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine, bringing total U.S. humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the start of the crisis to nearly $69 million.  The funding will be used to support efforts by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) …

Vice President Joe Biden met today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.  The two leaders discussed the implementation of the Minsk agreements and the need for Russia to press the separatists it backs to cancel sham elections in the separatist-controlled parts of the Donbas, which, if held, would be in direct contravention of the Minsk Implementation …

We condemn the recent decision by Russia-backed separatist leaders in Luhansk, Ukraine, to expel UN agencies and all international nongovernmental organizations providing humanitarian assistance in the area.  This will endanger many lives and is contrary to the Minsk agreements.  Expelling these organizations puts at risk up to three million people in separatist-held parts of Donbas …

We are deeply concerned by the decision by the de facto authorities in Luhansk to order international humanitarian agencies, including the ones from the UN, to end operations and to leave the Luhansk area by today, 25 September. The denial of humanitarian access is a violation of International Humanitarian Law. Furthermore, the move contradicts the …

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ASH CARTER:  Well, good afternoon, everyone. It’s a real privilege for me today to welcome here at the Pentagon Minister of Defense Colonel-General Poltorak for his first trip to the Pentagon, not his first visit with me. Let me first and foremost, therefore, thank him for his leadership, his fortitude at a …

Kenneth Myers, Director of the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), visited the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service (SBGS) in Kyiv today to oversee the transfer of 8 hydraulic telescopic excavators worth $1.9 million and to inspect other equipment that DTRA has transferred to the Border Guards. The excavators will be used to build defensive …

MR TONER: Matt, I came in the traditional route. I didn’t want to throw you off today. QUESTION: Thank you. MR TONER: (Laughter.) None of this walking back from – walking in through the regular entrance. Anyway, welcome everybody to the State Department. Happy Tuesday. Very quickly, just one thing I wanted to mention at the top and then …

Thank you, Director Link. Forty years ago, the Helsinki Final Act committed participating States to work together to seek “peace, security and justice” with the objective of “promoting better relations among themselves and ensuring conditions in which their people can live in true and lasting peace free from any threat to or attempt against their …

Just a few points: I think it’s clear that there is a logical sequence that has to happen and we have discussed this before in this chamber. And I think part of what we have heard here – relatively unanimously today – is that progress on the ceasefire, to the extent that it’s durable, moves …

In connection with the adoption of the Decision for the Extension of Deployment of OSCE Observers to Two Russian Checkpoints on the Russian-Ukrainian Border, the United States would like to make the following interpretative statement under paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the OSCE Rules of Procedure: The United States finds it deeply regrettable that the Russian Federation …

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the continued detention of Nadiya Savchenko by Russia.  Ms. Savchenko was captured by Russia-backed separatists over a year ago and taken to Russia, where she has remained in prison ever since. On September 15, a court in the Russian city of Donetsk ruled to extend Ms. …

The United States welcomes the decrease in violence resulting from the supplemental September 1 ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. We must seize this opportunity to consolidate the ceasefire, secure the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the line of contact, achieve complete access for OSCE monitors throughout Ukraine and its international borders, and allow for the delivery …

“We strongly welcome the Ukrainian parliament’s decisive vote today in support of the debt restructuring agreement between the Ukrainian government and the Ad Hoc Creditors Committee.  This agreement will help to improve Ukraine’s public finances, provide the authorities with breathing room to execute their ambitious reform agenda, and strengthen the groundwork for economic recovery. “Today’s …

“Ukraine’s East and Crimea: Solving the Unsolvable” at the 12th Yalta European Strategy Annual Meeting MODERATOR:  Victoria Nuland, if I may just turn to you. Obviously, you work for the State Department.  You represent the U.S. Government.  I think Ukrainians look at Barack Obama’s policy toward Ukraine and toward Putin and Putin’s strategy in Ukraine …

On September 10, Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine, to participate in the Yalta European Strategy (YES) Annual Meeting.  She will also meet with senior Ukrainian officials, party leaders, and civil society members to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues. Assistant Secretary Nuland will then …

[…] I wanted to respond to a few of the points raised by the distinguished Russian ambassador. First, I want to reiterate my delegation’s deep concern with what could be understood from comments of the Russian Federation–and since it was said this time as well as last time the Council met–that somehow the SMM’s reporting …

While the OSCE was on recess, a Russian military court sentenced Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov to 20 years in prison and Ukrainian activist Oleksander Kolchenko to 10 years in prison In an attempt to justify these sentences, the Russian court relied on unfounded allegations of plotting terrorist attacks and other activities in Russian-occupied Crimea. This …

Over the last few days, we have seen a welcome reduction in violence in eastern Ukraine, as the sides have worked to implement a September 1 ceasefire agreed to at the August 26 meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group. This development follows a sustained surge in attacks by combined Russian-separatist forces in preceding weeks, during …

The United States welcomes the Ukrainian parliament’s vote on constitutional amendments on decentralization. This action represents an important step toward comprehensive reform of Ukraine’s governance and the empowerment of regional and local authorities. In addition, this vote shows that Ukraine is steadfastly upholding its commitments under the Minsk agreements to adapt governance structures in certain …

And then lastly, but certainly not least, we welcome today’s vote by Ukraine’s parliament on draft constitutional amendments on decentralization.  This is an important step towards good governance for all Ukrainians which also helps fulfill another key piece of the Minsk agreements.  We deplore the violence outside the parliament today that reportedly resulted in the …

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko about the situation in the Donbas, Ukrainian political and economic reforms, and implementation of the Minsk agreements.  The Vice President congratulated President Poroshenko on reaching agreement with Ukraine’s commercial creditors on debt restructuring, and welcomed news of an agreement among several pro-reform political forces …

This week marked another reform milestone for Ukraine—the newly trained Patrol Police in Odesa were publicly sworn-in in front of Ukraine’s President Poroshenko, Prime Minister Yatsenyuk, and Minister of Internal Affairs Avakov. The State Department, working through the California Highway Patrol and the Reno and Dayton police departments, supported this training for new and more …

“We welcome the announcement that the Ukrainian authorities have reached agreement with the creditor committee on debt restructuring terms that are consistent with the objectives outlined in Ukraine’s IMF program. This agreement will help to improve Ukraine’s public finances, provide the authorities with breathing room to execute their ambitious reform agenda, and strengthen the groundwork …

The United States strongly condemns today’s sentencing in a Russian military court of acclaimed Ukrainian director Oleh Sentsov and activist Oleksandr Kolchenko to 20 and 10 years respectively, on groundless allegations of plotting terrorist attacks and other subversive activities in Russian-occupied Crimea. This is clear miscarriage of justice. Both Ukrainians were taken hostage on Ukrainian …

We welcome today’s meeting among Chancellor Merkel, President Hollande, and President  Poroshenko in Berlin, and their ongoing shared commitment to the full implementation of the Minsk agreements. We remain concerned about violence in eastern Ukraine.  Our analysis continues to show, and as I have said before, it is the combined Russian-separatist forces, and not Ukrainian …

Russian organizers will hold a “Koktebel Jazz Party” August 28-30 in Crimea.  Crimea remains Ukrainian territory and this event is being conducted without the permission of the Government of Ukraine.  It should not be confused with the official Koktebel Jazz Festival, which will be held in the Ukrainian town of Zatoka, near Odesa, August 23-30. …

For Nadiya Savchenko, Oleg Sentsov, Oleksander Kolchenko, and other Ukrainian hostages, more than one year has passed in Russian custody. Russia has chosen to ignore its commitments under the Minsk agreements, which calls for the release of all hostages and illegally detained persons. We call on the Russian Federation to honor its international commitments and …

At the outset, let me thank the Chairmanship for holding this special meeting of the Permanent Council to address the disturbing developments in Ukraine, and Ambassador Apakan for briefing us on the situation. Ambassador Apakan, as you noted, conditions on the ground in eastern Ukraine are more volatile and unpredictable than before. Your characterization of …

Today the United States officially transferred to the Government of Ukraine a $7.6 million dollar expeditionary military field hospital to help enhance the country’s ability to treat soldiers injured in ongoing operations to defend Ukraine’s sovereign territory against aggression by Russian-separatist combined forces in eastern Ukraine.  Colonel Carol Northrup, Defense Attaché at the U.S. Embassy …

A government has no more important task than to protect and defend the fundamental freedoms and human rights of its people.  That’s why we were disappointed when this weekend, in Odesa, LGBT activists were denied the opportunity to freely assemble, faced harassment, and had smoke bombs thrown at them for advocating for expanded civil rights …

Prosecutors hold a privileged place in a democratic society.  They are entrusted by their people not only to represent the law and enforce it, but to make good on the promise of fairness and equality, and to protect the needs of victims and the rights of all. That’s why the reform of the Prosecutor General’s …

Last fall, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law requiring that Ukraine reduce the number of prosecutors from 18,000 to 12,000.  On July 2, the Rada passed amendments to that law requiring that an objective testing process be used to determine which prosecutors would be retained. At the request of the Ukrainian Government, the United States …

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today as a Congressional Delegation concluded their visit to Ukraine: “Security has been the central focus of our Congressional Delegation’s meetings in Ukraine – national security, economic security, energy security, and food security.  In our conversations with Ukraine’s leaders, we talked about the challenges Ukraine faces …

Nathan Sheets, Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs Although the ongoing conflict in Ukraine’s east has caught the world’s attention, no less important for Ukraine’s future are the transformative and unprecedented reforms being undertaken by the government in Kiev, as it seeks to arrest the country’s economic crisis and lay the foundation for long-term growth. …

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Members of a Congressional Delegation held a press availability today at Maidan Nezalezhnosti, where they placed flowers on a memorial for the Heavenly Hundred who were killed standing up for the rights and freedom of Ukraine’s people.  Focused on national, economic, and energy security, the Congressional Delegation met with …

The Law on National Police signed by President Poroshenko is a significant step forward in strengthening policing and rule of law in Ukraine.  We commend the Government, Rada and people of Ukraine on passing this landmark piece of reform legislation, and the many international and civil society partners whose contributions were critical to developing and …

Via Teleconference MS THOMPSON:  Good afternoon.  Thanks for joining us today.  This afternoon we’ll have a discussion on security, law enforcement, and rule of law in Ukraine with Assistant Secretary of State William Brownfield.  He is the Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement.  This call will be on the record.  Assistant Secretary Brownfield …

Action Targets Former Yanukovych Regime Officials, Close Associates, and Crimean Entities; Underscores U.S. Commitment to Maintain the Strength of Existing Sanctions and the Unity of the International Coalition Concerned About Russia’s Activities in Ukraine WASHINGTON – To ensure the efficacy of existing sanctions, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today …

Just before I get into your questions, I just wanted to – a very brief statement at the top to say that we strongly support President Poroshenko’s call to sign an agreement on the withdrawal of heavy weapons under 100 millimeters in caliber in eastern Ukraine, and we urge all sides to implement such an …