President Joe Biden has nominated Curtis Ried, a senior White House official and career foreign service officer, to be the US ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Ried, currently serving as the chief of staff and counselor of the White House National Security Council, has a background in multilateral diplomacy, including overseeing resettlement efforts for Afghans who worked for the US government and managing humanitarian aid to Gaza. The move comes at a critical time amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and as the Biden administration seeks to project its support for Ukraine.
With Congress debating additional aid for Ukraine, Biden administration officials have warned of the consequences of not providing sufficient funding to Ukraine, including losses on the battlefield and ceding ground to Russia. Biden emphasized in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that American assistance, including weaponry, is crucial for both Israel and Ukraine to defend themselves. The OSCE, of which Russia is a member, plays a key role in monitoring and addressing security issues in the region.
The OSCE has reported clear violations of international humanitarian law by Russian forces in Ukraine in the months following the invasion. The organization’s expert report detailed incidents that could potentially constitute war crimes, highlighting the brutality of the Russian government’s actions. The former US Ambassador to the OSCE, Michael Carpenter, has criticized Russian actions and now serves as the senior director for Europe at the National Security Council.
The nomination of Ried to the OSCE ambassadorship is part of the US’s effort to reaffirm its leadership on the global stage amidst political challenges in Washington that have hindered aid to Ukraine. CIA Director Bill Burns cautioned that without increased military support from the US, Ukraine could lose the war against Russia by the end of the year. The nomination of Ried still needs to be confirmed by the Senate, so it is unclear when he will assume the ambassadorship, but he is expected to continue in his current role for the time being.
Ried’s appointment to the OSCE is a significant step in demonstrating US commitment to supporting Ukraine and addressing security challenges in the region. With his experience in diplomacy and managing complex international issues, Ried is poised to play a key role in advocating for Ukraine and strengthening the partnership with OSCE members. The nomination reflects the Biden administration’s focus on global security and stability, particularly in the face of ongoing conflicts and threats in Europe.
Overall, Ried’s nomination as US ambassador to the OSCE underscores the importance of international cooperation and diplomacy in addressing security challenges and promoting peace. As the US continues to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly in regions like Ukraine, having experienced diplomats like Ried in key positions will be crucial in advancing US interests and values on the world stage. The appointment reflects a commitment to multilateralism and collaborative efforts to address global security threats and uphold international norms and laws.
