The Latest Breaking News from Antony Blinken

What happened to WNBA star Brittney Griner and why is she detained in Russia?

Basketball icon has been detained in Moscow for five months and counting

The Independent UK · Aug 1, 2022

Who is Viktor Bout, arms dealer linked to swap for Americans held by Moscow?

The life of Viktor Bout, the Russian arms dealer jailed in the United States and linked to a possible swap for two U.S. citizens detained by Moscow, sometimes reads like a far-fetched spy thriller.

Reuters · Aug 1, 2022

US’s proposed swap for Griner and Whelan met with skepticism and fury

While some have praised the Biden administration for the deal, others are upset over the prospect of releasing Viktor Bout, nicknamed the ‘Merchant of Death’

The Guardian - US · Aug 1, 2022

Tunis Summons US Envoy Over Criticism of Constitutional Vote

Tunisia's foreign ministry summoned the US charge d'affaires on Friday to denounce "unacceptable" statements by American officials criticizing this week's constitutional referendum and the country's political development. The ministry said in a statement that it had called Natasha Franceschi, currently the top official at the US embassy, to its headquarters…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 30, 2022

Ukraine's Zelenskiy announces mandatory evacuation of Donetsk region

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday his government was ordering the mandatory evacuation of people in the eastern Donetsk region, scene of fierce fighting with Russia.

Reuters · Jul 30, 2022

Tunisia's foreign ministry summons U.S. envoy

Tunisia's foreign ministry has summoned the United States' acting chargé d'affaires after a statement issued by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding the political path in Tunisia, it said in a statement on Friday.

Reuters · Jul 29, 2022

Secretary of State Blinken speaks to Lavrov for first time since Ukraine invasion to discuss prisoners and sanctions

Russian Foreign Minister gave no indication if they would accept the prisoner swap

The Independent UK · Jul 29, 2022

Blinken, Lavrov Speak about Griner, Whelan

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke by phone to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday in the highest-level known contact between the two sides since Russia invaded Ukraine, with Blinken urging Russia to accept a deal to win the release of American detainees Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan.…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 29, 2022

Lavrov tells Blinken the U.S. is breaking promises about food sanctions

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Washington was not living up to promises regarding the exemption from sanctions for the supply of food from Russia, Moscow said.

Reuters · Jul 29, 2022

Blinken says he pressed Lavrov on detainees Griner, Whelan in call

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday he pressed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to accept a U.S. proposal for the release of detained Americans Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan.

Reuters · Jul 29, 2022