Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba

Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke by phone yesterday with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to express his condolences over the deaths of over 50 Ukrainian detainees in Russia-controlled Donetsk yesterday morning.  The Secretary reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to hold Russia accountable for atrocities committed by its forces against the people of Ukraine.  The two also reiterated the need for swift implementation of the UN-brokered grain transport deal among Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine.  The Secretary noted that Russia’s continued blockage of Ukrainian food exports by sea has further exacerbated global food insecurity.  The Secretary expressed his hope that the first ships would be able to depart Ukraine’s ports without further delay.  He also provided a readout of his call with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and underscored the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity as President Putin’s war of choice continues.