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• EU agrees extra €500 million of military support for Ukraine

  The Foreign Council of the European Union reached political agreement for a 7th tranche of military support to Ukraine worth €500 million. 

  The Council also agreed on an additional assistance measure worth €45 million for the Ukrainian forces being trained by the EU’s military training mission, EUMAM Ukraine. This brings the total military support under the European Peace Facility to €3.6 billion. According to EU High Representative Josep Borrell, the EU’s military, financial, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine has now reached nearly €50 billion.

  Before the Council discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba addressed EU foreign ministers via video conference and briefed them on recent developments on the ground and on Ukraine’s current priorities.

  Regarding the creation of an accountability mechanism, EU foreign ministers stressed the importance of preserving the crucial role of the International Criminal Court in international criminal justice and expressed broad support for the establishment of the International Prosecutor’s Office in The Hague as a first step.

  Regarding the effectiveness of sanctions, Josep Borrell noted that Russian oil (Urals) sells for US $40 a barrel while Brent sells for US$80. “This means that the Russian oil is being sold at a discount of 50%, and it is being bought by mainly India and China,” said Borrell. “So, it is losing US$40 per barrel. It is a big hit on Russia’s financial stability.”  

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  Press release

• Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili meets Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic

  Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with Jan Lipavský, Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic, the current holder of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

  At the meeting, Irakli Garibashvili pointed out that the visit by the Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic to Georgia during the Presidency of the EU Council underlines the firm support of the Czech Republic for Georgia’s priorities. In this context, emphasis was placed on the importance of the Czech Republic’s support in the process of European integration.

  The conversation touched on Georgia’s considerable progress on the path to European integration. Irakli Garibashvili briefed the Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic on the dynamic of implementation of the EU’s recommendations.

  The conversation at the meeting also revolved around the First Summit of the EU-initiated European Political Community held in Prague. It was noted that numerous important and interesting discussions were held within the scope of the summit, with their participating leaders considering effective ways to solve existing challenges.

  The discussed issues also included the regional and global security environments. Focus was made on Georgia’s key strategic location. The Prime Minister emphasized that Georgia can play a significant role in the diversification of transport routes and in terms of ensuring Europe’s energy supply.

  It was underscored that Georgia is the EU’s reliable partner and ally in the region.

  The meeting was attended by the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic, Martin Dvořák, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Georgia, Petr Mikyska, the Foreign Minister of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Czech Republic, Mariam Rakviashvili, and the Head of the Government Administration, Revaz Javelidze. 

  Press Service of the Government Administration
• Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili meets with Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Norway

  Today, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with Anniken Huitfeldt, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Norway.

  The issues discussed included the growing dynamic of partnership between the two countries and prospects of deeper cooperation in the future.

  It was noted that the significant assistance of Norway as one of Georgia’s largest international donors has contributed tremendously to the country’s democratic reforms, institutional modernization, and socioeconomic development.

  The need to maintain close political dialogue was underscored.

  Irakli Garibashvili thanked Anniken Huitfeldt for firmly supporting Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and European integration.

  The conversation touched on the need to continue working toward enhanced connectivity in the Black Sea. Georgia’s important strategic location for the European Union’s energy security was pointed out. According to the Prime Minister, Georgia is Europe’s reliable partner and ally in the region.

  The meeting was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway to Georgia, Helene Sand Andresen, Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, and the Head of the Government Administration, Revaz Javelidze.

  Press Service of the Government Administration
• Secretary Blinken’s Trilateral Meeting with Azerbaijan and Armenia

  The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

  Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken hosted Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov for the first direct talks since recent fighting. Secretary Blinken conveyed condolences for the lives lost and emphasized the need to prevent further hostilities, underscoring the importance of returning to the peace process. They discussed next steps, and the Secretary encouraged the sides to meet again before the end of the month.

  By U.S. Embassy Tbilisi 
• $775 Million in Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine

  PRESS STATEMENT

  ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE

  As we approach the six-month mark of Russia’s unprovoked and brutal full-scale war against Ukraine, President Putin’s forces continue their assault, inflicting grievous harm on civilians and causing massive destruction of civilian infrastructure. President Biden has been clear that we will continue to support the people of Ukraine in defending their country from Russia’s aggression for as long as it takes.

  As part of those efforts, pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, today I am authorizing our nineteenth drawdown since September 2021 of U.S. arms and equipment utilizing this authority.  This $775 million drawdown includes additional arms, munitions, and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense inventories, equipment that Ukraine’s forces have used so effectively for their country’s defense.  This package brings total U.S. security assistance committed to Ukraine to approximately $10.6 billion since the beginning of this Administration.

  The United States stands with our Allies and partners from more than 50 countries in providing vital security assistance to support Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.  The courage and strength of Ukraine’s military and its people are extraordinary, and the United States will continue to provide additional systems and capabilities for Ukraine.  These capabilities are carefully calibrated to make the most difference on the battlefield and strengthen Ukraine’s position at the negotiating table.

  By U.S. Embassy Tbilisi