Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a formal announcement on Tuesday morning regarding the resignation of Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland.
In light of Nuland's departure, Under Secretary for Management John Bass will assume the role of Acting Under Secretary until a successor is appointed.
Blinken praised Nuland's extensive career, spanning over three decades and involving service under six Presidents and ten Secretaries of State. He highlighted her diverse roles within the Department of State, ranging from consular and political officer to spokesperson and Ambassador. Nuland's leadership was particularly commended in her handling of complex crises in regions such as the Sahel, Haiti, the Middle East, and her instrumental role in strengthening America's global alliances.
Notably, Nuland's pivotal contributions in addressing the conflict in Ukraine were underscored by Blinken. He emphasized her crucial role in mobilizing international support to counter Putin's aggression, ultimately aiding Ukraine in its path towards self-sufficiency in various aspects.
The Biden administration faced scrutiny in September 2022 following the disruption of the Nord Stream pipelines connecting Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea. Nuland's prior statement, made shortly before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, regarding the future of Nord Stream 2 amidst a potential invasion, garnered attention. She had asserted, "If Russia invades Ukraine, one way or another, Nord Stream 2 will not move forward."
Login