Cindy Saine

State Department: Russia Not Justified in Retaliating After Expulsions

The State Department responded swiftly to an announcement by the Kremlin that Russia will retaliate for the expulsions of Russian diplomats from the U.S., Britain and other countries. Moscow announced Thursday it is expelling 60 U.S. diplomats and closing the U.S. consulate in St. Petersburg. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters that is not justified and the U.S. reserves the right to respond. VOA's Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine has more from the State Department.

Trump's Pick for National Security Adviser Advocates Tough Response to Russia

John Bolton, the former US ambassador to the UN, has called for the US to respond in cyberspace and elsewhere to Russia's 'attack' on the 2016 US presidential election

NATO Expels Russian Diplomats, US Defends Its Expulsions

NATO has joined the ranks of  at least 25 countries expelling several Russian diplomats as part of a "broad, strong and coordinated" international response to the nerve agent attack on a former Russian double agent and his daughter in Britain. Russia denies responsibility for the poisoning, and has promised tough retaliation within a week. As VOA's Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department.

US Expels 60 Russians After 'Brazen' Poisoning of Former Russian Spy in the UK

The United States on Monday ordered 60 Russian diplomats it accuses of being spies to leave the country within one week. A number of U.S. allies, including France, Germany and Poland, are making similar moves in a united response to the March 4th chemical weapons attack on a former Russian double agent and his daughter in Salisbury, Britain. VOA diplomatic correspondent Cindy Saine has more from the State Department.

Experts: Trump's Bolton Pick Signals Shift Toward More Aggressive US Foreign Policy

President Donald Trump's choice for national security adviser, John Bolton, has sparked strong reaction among foreign policy experts and former diplomats. While some have expressed alarm and others are pleased, there is broad agreement this will be the most hawkish U.S.national security team in recent memory. VOA's Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine has more from the State Department.

US: Plans Being Made in Case Iran Nuclear Talks With Europeans Fail

Unclear whether US talks with Britain, France and Germany on revising Iran nuclear deal will meet May deadline

White House: Trump Not Scheduled to Congratulate Putin on Re-election

Whilel results show Putin won his fourth term with 77 percent of the vote, election 'lacked real competition' according to international observers in Moscow

Analysts Predict Tougher Stance on Iran, North Korea Under Pompeo

US President Donald Trump recently tapped CIA Director Mike Pompeo to replace Rex Tillerson as secretary of state; Pompeo is said to be more in-line with Trump on major foreign policy issues

Under Pompeo Analysts Expect More Reliance on US Military Strength

Following Rex Tillerson's abrupt firing as secretary of state Tuesday, many around the world are turning their attention to President Donald Trump's designee to take his place: CIA Director Mike Pompeo. Whether it be Iran, North Korea or Russia, analysts say Pompeo's views are more in sync with Trump's than Tillerson's were, and — like the president — Pompeo favors U.S. military strength over the "soft power" of diplomacy. VOA Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine has more.

Analysts: Pompeo Will Have Little Time to Prepare for North Korea Summit

Trump 'On the Same Wavelength' as Mike Pompeo on North Korea

Analysts note that CIA director's thinking on crucial foreign policy issues such as N. Korea and Iran more in line with president's own than views of fired secretary of state Rex Tillerson

Tillerson Says N. Korea Talks Trump's Idea, Downplays Exclusion of State Department

Some former national security officials say it's likely Tillerson was unaware such an announcement could come from Trump

Analysts: Trump Administration Lacks Experts Needed for North Korea Talks

Experts say the Trump administration lacks the experts needed to prepare and conduct direct talks with North Korea

US and Turkey Vow to Work Together to Avoid Confrontation in Syria

The United States and Turkey have vowed to work together to avoid a potential military confrontation in Syria and to step back from the brink of a collapse in ties between the two NATO allies. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson wrapped up his six-day tour of the Middle East on Friday, amid escalating tensions in the region over the fighting in northern Syria. VOA's Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department.

Top US Intelligence Officials: US Elections Again 'Under Attack' From Russia

Top U.S. intelligence officials say Russian President Vladimir Putin is targeting the U.S. midterm elections this November. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told the Senate Intelligence Committee Tuesday the United States is "under attack,” with Russia and other adversaries engaging in cyber warfare to degrade American democratic institutions. VOA’s Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department.

State Department: No One Drives a Wedge Between US and South Korea

With the launch of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert dismissed concerns that U.S. efforts to counter North Korea's "charm offensive" could create a rift with South Korea. But some analysts are expressing concern that tough talk from Vice President Mike Pence on Pyongyang could put the U.S. on a collision course with its long-time ally, South Korea. VOA diplomatic correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department.

State Dept: No One Drives a Wedge Between US, South Korea

Washington and Seoul postponed joint military drills until after Winter Olympics

Tillerson: Trump to Decide on Ban on Venezuelan Oil

US top diplomat says dire situation for people of Venezuela, possible restrictions on oil have been on agenda at every stop on his Latin American tour

Despite Tensions, US and Russia Complying With Key Nuclear Arms Reduction Treaty

State Department says both countries will exchange data on their respective nuclear arsenals 'within the next month ....'

Despite Tensions, US and Russia Complying with Arms Reduction Treaty

The State Department says both the United States and Russia appear set to meet a February 5 deadline to comply with the limits set by the bilateral Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as "New START." VOA's Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department.