The United States, through Assistant Secretary James C. O'Brien, has reiterated that they will continue to offer aid and support to both Ukraine and Israel. O'Brien expressed gratitude towards Bulgaria, the first stop on his European tour, recognizing their significant contributions as an ally and partner, especially amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He commended Sofia for its pivotal role in assisting Ukraine in defending itself against Russia's aggression, particularly in ensuring the security of the Black Sea and preventing it from becoming a Russian-dominated region.
During his visit to Sofia, O'Brien participated in the Black Sea Security Conference organized by the International Crimea Platform. This event aimed to underscore the US's dedication to promoting a secure, prosperous, interconnected, and democratic future for the Black Sea region. The US State Department informed the public about O'Brien's involvement in this conference as a demonstration of the United States' commitment to supporting stability and cooperation in the Black Sea area.
In response to queries about the US's alliance with NATO post the November presidential elections, O'Brien noted that the answer to this question would likely become clearer in the coming months. This uncertainty implies that the US's dedication to NATO and its collaboration with European partners remains a topic of interest and speculation as the political landscape evolves.