WASHINGTON — The U.S. is urging the former Soviet republic of Georgia to further integrate with Europe and NATO.
The U.S. is also renewing demands that Russia withdraw troops from disputed enclaves it now occupies there. The call comes amid growing tensions between Russia and the West over the ouster of a pro-Moscow president in Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry insisted Wednesday that U.S. policy toward the states that once made up the Soviet Union is not aimed at reducing Russia's influence in its neighborhood.
Kerry said the U.S. supports Georgia's membership in NATO and wants to see it sign a partnership agreement with the European Union later this year.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.