SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — The U.S. secretary of state assured allies bordering the Black Sea on Monday that they could depend on his country’s support to make the region more secure, prosperous and integrated.
Addressing the attendees of the Second Black Sea Security Conference in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, via a video feed, Anthony Blinken underscored the importance of investing in the region’s security to ensure peace and freedom across Europe.
Russia illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula — on the northern coast of the Black Sea — in 2014. It has served as a key hub supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine which President Vladimir Putin ordered in Feb. 2022.
“Putin believed that Ukraine’s neighbors in the region would be divided, but he was wrong,” Blinken said, adding that “the United States will continue to support Ukraine both so it can defend itself today and stand on its feet.”
What's causing the catastrophic rainfall in Kenya?
China's top political advisory body concludes standing committee session
TDSL prepares 27 proposals to share at upcoming two sessions
U.S. allegation of 'forced labor' in Xinjiang is huge lie: Foreign Ministry
India recalls Rishabh Pant for T20 World Cup after near
Xi attends opening meeting of NPC annual session
Peace talks sans Russia absurd: Kremlin
Manila move a violation of sovereignty
China slams U.S.' citing mutual defense treaty to back Philippine provocations in South China Sea
Iran commutes a tycoon's death sentence to 20 years in prison
Top court: Trump will stay on ballot in Colorado