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.” |
Rebel Wilson posts rare photo of mother Sue Bownds and reveals her unique careerDortmund hopes resting on Fullkrug's shouldersVanessa Feltz glams up in a chic green print tiered maxi dress as she attends the starStuart Skinner gets 1st postseason shutout as Oilers beat Kings 1Hong Kong transgender activist gets ID card reflecting gender change after yearslong legal battleChina's Einstein Probe astronomical satellite captures its first inSpain is in suspense waiting for Pedro Sánchez to say whether he will resign or stay in officeStuart Skinner gets 1st postseason shutout as Oilers beat Kings 1Dragons nestle in the mountains outside BeijingTrains added to ease ticket shortage