US: "Ukraine Decides War Conduct... Russia Must Restore Black Sea Grain Agreement"

Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State
"Black Sea Grain Initiative Must Be Restored Quickly"

U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken said on the 17th (local time) regarding Russia's claim that Ukraine attacked the Crimean Bridge, "Ukraine must decide how to conduct the war to defend its own territory, people, and freedom."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At a State Department briefing that day, Secretary Blinken stated, "We are currently monitoring the situation."

Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) announced that Ukraine attacked the Crimean Bridge with two underwater drones. The incident resulted in two deaths and one child injured. Russian President Vladimir Putin said, "Another terrorist act has been carried out targeting the Crimean Bridge," adding, "Naturally, there will be a Russian response."

Regarding Russia's announcement to terminate the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Secretary Blinken called it "unconscionable" and emphasized, "The agreement must be restored as soon as possible." This initiative ensures the safety of grain export ships in the Black Sea, allowing Russia and Ukraine to export grain even during the war.

Secretary Blinken also warned China not to use the transit of Lai Ching-te, the next presidential candidate of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, through the United States as a pretext for provocation. Lai Ching-te will visit Paraguay next month and transit through the U.S.

He explained, "Considering the travel distance, the transit is routine," adding, "Over the past several decades, 10 Taiwanese vice presidents have transited through the United States." He further emphasized, "There is absolutely no reason for China to use this as a pretext for provocative actions," and "We will uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We have no intention to change the status quo."

Earlier, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, strongly opposed Lai's visit to the U.S., stating, "We firmly oppose any form of official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.