The Latest Breaking News from State Department

Easy Russia sanctions exhausted, U.S. and allies face economic bite

As the world's wealthy democratic powers roll out new sanctions against Russia in response to horrifying images of executed Ukrainians in the city of Bucha, it has become clear that the easiest options are now exhausted and stark differences have emerged among allies over next steps.

Reuters · Apr 6, 2022

US Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Jaishankar review bilateral ties and situation in Ukraine on phone

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has discussed with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on phone about the regional and global priorities and the latest developments in Ukraine, a State Department spokesperson has said.

Dynamite News · Apr 6, 2022

U.S. approves $95 million boost to Taiwan's air defense system

The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale to Taiwan of equipment, training and other items to support the Patriot Air Defense System in a deal valued at up to $95 million, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

Reuters · Apr 5, 2022

Images of dead in Ukrainian town of Bucha a 'punch in gut,' says Blinken

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said images of dead Ukrainian civilians found in the town of Bucha after Russian troops left were a "punch in the gut" and those responsible for any war crimes must be held accountable.

Reuters · Apr 3, 2022

Biden official says US will likely see an uptick in asylum requests and immigration

LOS ANGELES — Democracy in Central America appears to be on the downslide.

Los Angeles Times · Apr 2, 2022

‘It matters’: US marks Arab American Heritage Month

Advocates say government recognition of month celebrating Arab Americans can help reduce bigotry.

Al Jazeera · Apr 1, 2022

Blinken, Britain's Truss discuss additional actions in response to Ukraine invasion - State Dept

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Minister Liz Truss on Friday discussed additional possible actions to ratchet up their response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. State Department said.

Reuters · Apr 1, 2022

US says India should use its leverage with Russia to call out Moscow for its aggression

WASHINGTON: The Biden administration is asking New Delhi to use its "leverage" with Moscow to call out Russia's aggression against Ukraine, while asserting that principles undergirding Quad -- a rules-based international order -- are universal.

The Times of India · Apr 1, 2022

Two detainees released from Afghanistan -U.S. State Dept

An American and a U.S. resident have been freed from detention in Afghanistan, the State Department said on Friday, and one of the pair identified themselves as brothers who were engaged in humanitarian work when the Taliban arrested them.

Reuters · Apr 1, 2022

Taliban releases American aid worker detained in Afghanistan

Safi Rauf and his brother were held in Afghanistan for 105 days.

Axios · Apr 1, 2022