Chris

Чудова зустріч із в. о. заступника державного секретаря США Джеремі Льюїном і помічником державного секретаря з питань демократії, прав людини та праці Райлі Барнсом. Важлива новина: адміністрація США запускає програму обсягом 25 млн дол., створену за рішенням Конгресу, для підтримки повернення, реабілітації та реінтеграції українських дітей, яких викрала Росія. Вдячна адміністрації та Конгресу за те, що зробили це пріоритетом. За кожною цифрою стоїть дитина, родина, життя, яке чекає на відновлення. Кожна українська дитина має повернутися додому.

Met @ZelenskaUA to discuss the impacts of the war in Ukraine. We will implement President Trump’s call to intensify efforts to return 🇺🇦 children. Working with Congress, we are launching a new $25 million program to support return & rehabilitation of 🇺🇦 children.

Today marks four years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, triggering four years of destruction and human suffering. On this anniversary, we recognize the people of Ukraine for their bravery and sacrifice, and we extend special gratitude to members of our local Ukrainian staff for their direct support and partnership on the path to peace. President Trump remains committed to achieving a negotiated settlement and lasting peace that ensures Ukraine's independent and prosperous future, with the United States as a strong and committed partner.

Honored to serve in this role.

During a meeting in Washington with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Riley Barnes, we discussed a key issue for Ukraine — the return of Ukrainian children abducted by russia. The Assistant Secretary of State briefed me on the efforts and measures being undertaken by the U.S. side to secure the release of Ukraine’s youngest citizens. I thanked him for these efforts, emphasising that for Ukraine, this is a humanitarian and moral priority.

Another 7 Ukrainian children were returned home in December from forced deportation to Russia. We are grateful to @BringKidsBackUA, our American colleagues, and everyone involved for the tremendous work behind this effort. Bringing the children back is only the first step. Together with our partners, we are working to provide them with a decent life: social housing, supported living for youth with disabilities, homes for foster families, and psychological rehabilitation. Each and every child should have a home and care. After all, their return is part of a just peace for Ukraine.

After a very long but successful three days ⁦@johnpcoale⁩

Treasury is imposing further sanctions as a result of Russia’s lack of serious commitment to a peace process to end the war in Ukraine. Today’s actions increase pressure on Russia’s energy sector and degrade the Kremlin’s ability to raise revenue for its war machine and support its weakened economy. The United States will continue to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the war, and a permanent peace depends entirely on Russia’s willingness to negotiate in good faith.

#UPDATE UN Security Council is holding an urgent briefing under “Threats to international peace and security.” The meeting, requested by Estonia, which said three Russian fighters violated its airspace on 19 September. Miroslav Jenča of @UNDPPA is briefing.

Hello FREEDOM! After five long years unjustly spent in Belarusian prison, l was released thanks to the courageous leadership of @POTUS and tireless efforts of @secrubio & @johnpcoale. I am forever grateful. I dream of the day that I can meet @POTUS and thank him in person.

After more than five years of unjust imprisonment in Belarus, @RFERL journalist Ihar Losik has been released. “This phase of his [Ihar's] excruciating and wholly unfair ordeal, which stretched beyond five years, is finally over,” said @RFERL President & CEO @SteveCapus.

@bmarsalis @nytimes Not the first crazy story about Russians and restaurants: washingtonian.com/2024/04/01/an-…

The Wild Russian Plot to Burn a London Restaurant and Kidnap Its Owner nytimes.com/2025/07/08/wor… via @NYTimes

1 A really positive step forward in #Armenian-#Azerbaijani peace talks… but we shouldn’t expect a signing ceremony and peace in our time soon. Some inaccurate reporting out there, this looks to me objective and accurate oc-media.org/armenia-and-az…

I am grateful to receive this Georgian flag carried by the brave people of Georgia in their protests against the brutal Ivanishvili regime which was hit with water cannons wrongly fired at protestors. I am touched by the messages of resolve written on it by the Georgian people.

One of the nice things about going on a new overseas posting is that it provides a ready-made reading project. So my reading list in 2024 has been all about New England. Here are eight of the highlights, in no particular order (apart from the first one).

American Friends of Georgia - Year End Appeal afgeorgia.org/post/year-end-…

🇺🇦🗽NYC! We’ve got something special planned on Jan 9 at @UkrInstitute. I’ll join friends & fellow journalists @shustry & @maslovsaslov to discuss our books + years of reporting on the Russo-Ukrainian war. Q&A + reception to follow. Come out! 🎟️ tickets: zeffy.com/ticketing/in-c…

Umberto Eco, who owned 50,000 books, had this to say about home libraries: “It is foolish to think that you have to read all the books you buy, as it is foolish to criticize those who buy more books than they will ever be able to read. It would be like saying that you should use all the cutlery or glasses or screwdrivers or drill bits you bought before buying new ones. “There are things in life that we need to always have plenty of supplies, even if we will only use a small portion. “If, for example, we consider books as medicine, we understand that it is good to have many at home rather than a few: when you want to feel better, then you go to the ‘medicine closet’ and choose a book. Not a random one, but the right book for that moment. That’s why you should always have a nutrition choice! “Those who buy only one book, read only that one and then get rid of it. They simply apply the consumer mentality to books, that is, they consider them a consumer product, a good. Those who love books know that a book is anything but a commodity.”

Love my bravest people!!! Despite cold and freezing we are here for our freedom!🇬🇪🇪🇺🇬🇪🇪🇺🇬🇪 Happening now

We have implemented measures to impose visa restrictions on nearly twenty Georgian Dream officials, police, and others for undermining Georgia’s democracy. We are using all available tools at our disposal to support democracy and fundamental freedoms in Georgia.