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.”
Liverpool confirms Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's replacement
FISU Games torch relay highlights global youths' determination to chase dreams
Police warn of traffic safety risks ahead of Qingming Festival
Student fatally shot, suspect detained at Georgia's Kennesaw State University
National Fitness Day: Equestrian
5 Chinese nationals, 1 Pakistani killed in terrorist attack in NW Pakistan
Egypt's president sworn in for 3rd term in new capital
Jon Wysocki dead at 53: Staind drummer passes away
Syrian, Russian forces destroy terrorist strongholds in N. Syria
Trump accepts a VP debate but wants it on Fox News. Harris has already said yes to CBS
Chinese heritage attracts Universiade athletes in Chengdu