Special Edition of The Week at State
 

Friends,

One year ago last week, Russia renewed its unjust, brutal assault against Ukraine. The free people of Ukraine stood strong — bravely defending their sovereignty and democracy. The United States, alongside our allies and partners, did not hesitate to stand with them. 

Russia chose this war, and the world is responding to hold Russia accountable for the atrocities it is committing in Ukraine. We want this war to end as quickly as possible — with a just peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Read on for highlights of key recent events that underscore how the United States, and our allies and partners around the world, remain in lockstep to support Ukraine, hold Russia accountable, and deter further Russian aggression.

– Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken

President Biden Visits Kyiv

One year later, Kyiv stands. Ukraine stands. Democracy stands. America — and the world — stands with Ukraine. During his trip to Kyiv, President Biden reaffirmed our unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine's democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Follow President Biden on Twitter to learn more about his trip and his work. Read the White House Fact Sheet: On One Year Anniversary of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine, Biden Administration Announces Actions to Support Ukraine and Hold Russia Accountable. 

United Nations General Assembly Condemns Russia's Invasion

One year after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 141 countries came together and voted for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine — one that is in line with the United Nations Charter's most fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Read Secretary Blinken's Remarks at the United Nations Security Council Ministerial Meeting on Ukraine.

Ukraine Before and After: The War in Pictures

"Ukraine’s people have demonstrated remarkable courage since Russia's full-scale, illegal invasion of their country nearly a year ago. These photos tell the story of their resilience and resistance," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. 

Russian Crimes Against Humanity

"Based on the law and available facts, I have determined that members of Russia’s forces and other Russian officials have committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine. All those responsible for these atrocities must be held accountable," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Read Secretary Blinken's Press Statement on Crimes Against Humanity in Ukraine, and listen to a clip of Vice President Kamala Harris' remarks delivered last week at the Munich Security Conference.

U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink's Message to Ukrainians

"A year ago today, Russia tried to change borders by force, take away your liberty, and break your will, but Ukraine stands strong, proud, and free. We refuse to accept a world governed by fear and force: we stand for freedom, we stand with Ukraine," Ambassador Brink on Twitter (video).

Useful links

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• Travel advisories and updates on international travel for U.S. Citizens from the Department of State
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