The United States condemns the Lukashenka regime’s decision to label @Viasna96 Human Rights Center an “extremist formation.” We stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus and their legitimate demands for accountability and respect for human rights.

During a year and a half of incredible adversity and suffering, Ukraine’s people have demonstrated extraordinary resolve.

Congratulations, Ukraine on your Independence Day.

Full statement: bit.ly/44iJz5X

Today, we celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day.
It’s a day that should be marked by festivities and celebrations, yet today also marks 1.5 years of Russia’s bloody & reckless war against independent Ukraine.

Full statement: bit.ly/44iJz5X

For 9 years, Russia has occupied Crimea and subjected its residents to a campaign of brutalization and repression. But the people of Ukraine have not backed down, not even after the Kremlin’s illegal and horrific invasion. Crimea is Ukraine. Russia’s aggression must end.

Yet more irresponsible rhetoric from Russian officials with unsatiated imperialistic ambitions.

The United States will continue to partner with Georgia to strengthen its sovereignty & territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
reut.rs/47GzmmR

For nearly 30 years the Sakharov Center has devoted itself to promoting human rights throughout Russia. On Friday, a Moscow court furthered the Kremlin’s goal of silencing civil society and opposition voices by forcing the Sakharov Center to close its doors. Russia continues to…

Russia just attacked grain storage terminals. It’s sick. Does anyone in the world believe the Kremlin’s rationale for destroying grain? (By the way, Russia is earning unprecedented profits off its grain exports this year).

Following today’s sentencing of Aleksey Navalny on politically motivated charges, we join Mr. Navalny’s family, colleagues, and supporters in calling for his immediate release and an end to the continued repression of independent voices in Russia. state.gov/conviction-and…

The United States strongly condemns Russia’s conviction of opposition leader Aleksey Navalny on politically motivated charges. The Kremlin cannot silence the truth. Navalny should be released.

The BSGI is necessary only because of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Having first undermined the initiative, Russia has doubled down on its attacks on Ukraine’s ports and granaries. Over 180,000 tons of grain destroyed, enough to feed over 800,000 people for a year. Russia is yet…

Today, we remember the 2,897 Roma and Sinti women, men, and children murdered at Auschwitz-Birkenau on August 2, 1944, and all victims of the Nazi genocide against Roma. We call on all governments to work together to end discrimination against the Roma and Sinti communities.

Absolutely heartbreaking. What a complete travesty of justice for the Russian government to persecute someone for exercising their constitutional right to free speech. (Yes, I’m talking about the Russian constitution). Also a violation of Russia’s freely undertaken OSCE…

Putin’s cronies in Crimea continue to arrest, repress, and persecute Crimean Tatars. Yesterday 13 Crimean Tatars who gathered near the “supreme court of Crimea” to peacefully express support for imprisoned Tatars were detained by Russian occupation authorities. This included two…

It was an honor to speak with the Helsinki Commission along with U.S. State Dept. Trafficking in Persons Office on protecting Ukraine's children.  Thanks to the Commission members for their ongoing attention to this issue. You can find my testimony here. state.gov/opening-remark…

We are deeply disturbed by reports of the death of political activist & former political prisoner Oleg Horjan. We have spoken out numerous times in the OSCE Permanent Council about Mr. Horjan’s unjust detention for voicing opposition to the de facto authorities in Transnistria.…

The people of Ukraine are given no rest from Russia’s war. They are given no reprieve from its terror, no reprieve from violence and from pain. In the words of a 14 year old taken to Russia: “I didn’t want to go. But nobody asked me.” 👇bit.ly/3rLcz93

Russian forces continue to brutally attack Ukraine, its civilians & its food & agriculture infrastructure. Overnight, Russia launched 40+ missiles and drones across Ukraine & yesterday we learned the IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ found landmines at ZNPP.
Full statement: bit.ly/3rLcz93

Great meeting with OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid today. Despite Russia’s aggression and obstructionism, the OSCE continues to advance all dimensions of security in Europe and Eurasia, including through projects, field operations, and election observation.

Whether by unilaterally suspending the BSGI, manipulating the global grain market, or striking Odesa & Ukraine’s farmland in the east, let’s be clear about what’s happening here, the Russian Federation is continuing to weaponize food during its unlawful war.…