Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Accessibility arrangements for Her Majesty The Queen’s Lying-in-State [September 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 14 September 2022.
- Accessible queueing scheme for disabled, D/deaf and neurodiverse people and people with long-term health conditions and mobility issues
- Step-free access and British Sign Language interpreters to help ensure people who need accessibility arrangements can pay their respects
Accessibility arrangements include:
- Step-free access along the whole route;
- Arrangements and facilities signposted along the length of the route;
- Guidance and information available in alternate formats including HTML compatible with screenreaders and with the ability to increase text size;
- A separate accessible route for people unable to stand for long periods, or who have specific accessibility requirements (either visible or non-visible disabilities) – more detail below;
- Assistance dogs permitted throughout the route, including in Westminster Hall;
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters available at the accessible queue kiosk;
- TfL have worked with organisers to integrate accessible and step-free stations into route planning;
- Portable toilets and accessible portable toilets available throughout the route;
- All marshals and volunteers have received disability awareness training to signpost to nearest facilities, including nearby changing places toilets in Victoria Station and Guy’s Hospital;
- Queue marshals monitoring the queue to identify guests with accessibility needs or those otherwise experiencing difficulty, to provide additional support.
Separate accessible route

An accessible queue will be open to people who have specific accessibility requirements or who are unable to stand for long periods of time. The scheme will enable people with specific needs to be admitted in the next available entry slot for the Lying-in-State. When it is time for your visit, you can join the accessible queue.

Disabled people who need to join the separate, accessible queue, should travel to a kiosk located outside Tate Britain, where accessible facilities – including accessible toilets, a water point, and BSL interpreters – will be available.

Capacity for each time slot will be capped. People can use the space in the Tate Britain which has seating, toilets and ‘quiet space’ areas while waiting for the next slot to open. We cannot guarantee everyone seeking a place in the accessible queue will be given access to the Lying-in-State because of overall capacity limits.

The route from the kiosk to Westminster Hall is approximately 800 metres and is step-free for people with mobility needs. Accessible toilets will also be provided on the route from the Tate Britain to Westminster Hall in Victoria Park South. Changing places toilets are available within Westminster Palace. Trained marshals and volunteers will be on hand to provide support to people travelling to the Lying-in-State.

Further information
- Time slots cannot be booked in advance.
September 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : CBI right to raise concerns about the standards of English and maths [May 2011]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 9 May 2011.

The CBI has today published their annual Education & Skills survey 2011, which shows that many employers are concerned with the basic skills levels of school and college leavers.

Responding to the survey, a Department spokesman said:

The CBI is absolutely right to raise concerns about the standards of English and maths of so many of our young people.

45 per cent of young people did not get a C or better in GCSE English and maths at 16. And just 4% of those who fail then go on to achieve this from 16 to 19.

Yet it is good qualifications in these key subjects that employers demand before all others – that’s why we are prioritising them.

The recruitment of specialist maths teachers, introducing a phonics-based reading test for 6-year-olds and restoring the rigour of GCSE and A level exams are all part of the overall package to raise participation across the board.

September 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Induction regulations for newly qualified teachers [April 2011]
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 28 April 2011.

The Department for Education is looking at the induction arrangements for newly qualified teachers to see how they can be refined, improved and updated to better meet the needs of teachers and schools.

Qualified teachers who are employed in maintained schools in England must, by law, have completed an induction period after their initial training. The induction period usually lasts for 3 terms.

The current regulations and guidance on statutory induction were last updated in 2008, run to more than 70 pages and are based on the needs of the school system in 1999. Some schools say that current process is bureaucratic and can be a barrier to recruiting and retaining good teachers.

The department will informally consult with key stakeholders such as headteachers, induction co-ordinators and newly qualified teachers.

It will consider things like:
- how induction can support and challenge newly qualified teachers to improve their confidence and quality of teaching in their first year of practice;
- the level of regulation needed in induction and whether schools should play a greater role in induction arrangements than they currently do;
- the role of new teaching schools in future induction arrangements;
- how quality assurance of new teachers can be secured for all schools including academies, free schools and independent schools.
Schools Minister Nick Gibb said:

The countries that provide the best education are those that value teachers most highly and train them to the highest standard. We have some of the best teachers in the world, but it is vital that their training and development keeps pace with what schools and pupils need.

Our schools white paper ‘The Importance of Teaching’ sets out how we will do this by reforming initial teacher training, creating new teaching schools and improving professional development.

This is the first step towards a less bureaucratic and more fit for purpose induction programme for our newest teachers, to set them on the path to a successful career.

The department will formally consult on new regulations for the statutory induction period in the autumn term. The consultation will run for 12 weeks. We expect that new arrangements will come into force by September 2012, along with the revised Teachers’ Standards.

The changes to induction arrangements will apply to maintained schools in England. They will also apply to independent schools, academies, free schools and other settings that wish to provide statutory induction for their newly qualified teachers.
September 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : DfE responds to media stories about public sector pensions [April 2011]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 21 April 2011.

Following a number of stories in the media about public sector pensions, a government spokesperson said:

Former Work and Pensions Secretary Lord Hutton has made it clear that change is needed. People are living longer – in the early 1970s life expectancy of a 60-year-old was around 18 years: now it is around 28 years. This has meant that the value of public service pensions has increased, with most of these costs falling to employers and taxpayers. The Government has accepted Lord Hutton’s recommendations as a basis for consultation with public sector workers and will set out proposals by the autumn that are affordable, sustainable, and fair to both the public sector workforce and taxpayers.

In addition, when addressing the ATL Union Conference on 20 April 2011, Schools Minister Nick Gibb said about pensions:

…We have already been clear that we don’t want to see a race to the bottom in pension provision – and that public service pensions should remain a gold standard.

A good pension has long been an important part of the overall reward package that teachers expect.

Our priority is to ensure that continues to be the case. Opt out rates from the Teachers Pension Scheme are extremely low and we want to keep them that way. But we won’t be able to achieve all of this if we ignore the realities of the cost pressures that all pension schemes are facing as life expectancy increases.

The combination of more teacher pensioners and the increase in their life expectancy has meant that the cost of teachers’ pensions increases every year. In 2005 to 2006, the cost of paying teachers’ pensions was around £5 billion. By 2015 to 2016, the cost is forecast to rise to almost £10 billion.

This is why long term reform of public service schemes is needed – and why teachers and other public service scheme members are being asked to pay a higher pension contribution from April 2012.

From the start, the Government has made its commitment to protecting accrued rights absolutely clear. All the benefits that have been built up in a teacher’s pension will not be affected by any reforms recommended by Hutton. This means there is absolutely nothing to be gained by teachers seeking to retire earlier than they have planned.

The Government has accepted Lord Hutton’s recommendations as the basis for discussions with all the trades unions. There have already been some constructive discussions between the TUC and the Government. The aim is to agree a package of principles for pensions reform by the end of June. I fully understand the strength of feeling here in this room – but I strongly urge the ATL to wait for the outcome of those discussions before deciding on whether to take further action…

September 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Corporal Navin Thapa Magar of the First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 September 2022.

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Corporal Navin Thapa Magar of the First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles. He died during a non-operational training incident in Brunei on 11th August 2022.

Corporal Navin was a member of A (Delhi) Company. He grew up in Tanahun District in Western Nepal and attended selection for the British Army in 2013, where he passed the famously challenging Doko Race and received an award as top recruit for the Western Region. He completed his basic training as part of the 2014 Intake in Gurkha Company at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick before joining his Regiment. He spent his career serving with his Battalion in Brunei, the UK, on operations in the Balkans, and on numerous overseas training exercises.

Corporal Navin was an outstanding example of a leader who served his soldiers to the utmost. He was one of the most respected soldiers and leaders in the unit and he cared deeply about the welfare and development of those more junior than him. He would never miss a moment that could be spent educating his soldiers, going out of his way to provide them with the benefit of his own experience. The high performance and team spirit of those around him was a credit to the effect he had on people. He was a constant source of good advice to his commanders; never shy to speak up where the mission or the soldiers could benefit from his insight. His own performance on professional courses was frequently exceptional, and he promoted to the rank of Corporal quickly.

He deployed to Kosovo with the Battalion in September 2021 on Op ALLIED SOLACE where he led a team of soldiers who took part in efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for Afghan refugees. During his time in Kosovo, he demonstrated all the qualities that make Gurkhas so well-renowned; courage, resilience, and a compassion for those in a time of need. His excellent cultural understanding and warm nature helped him support efforts to assist the refugees and lead his soldiers through testing conditions.

Beyond the routines of work, Corporal Navin was a sociable, energetic, and trusted friend. As with his work, his enthusiasm for fun was contagious. He was a gifted musician and dancer, often playing guitar and leading a chorus of Nepalese songs or encouraging his friends into a dance routine at company events.

Corporal Navin’s abilities and his constant pursuit of excellence propelled him toward ever greater challenges. His loss is felt deeply amongst all who knew him. He leaves behind his mother and father and his elder brother and sister. The thoughts, prayers and condolences of his Battalion are with them at this most difficult of times.

Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Stanford-Tuck, Commanding Officer, First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles said:

Corporal Navin was a phenomenal soldier and leader. Unrelenting in his pursuit of professional excellence he embodied the finest qualities of the Gurkha soldier. His loss leaves a hole in the Battalion which it will be impossible to fill. More than this, he was a friend to all, and the very best of us. We will all miss him, we will remember him. I am filled with the greatest sympathy for his friends and comrades but above all for his family. They have experienced the most terrible of losses. My thoughts and prayers are with them in Nepal at their time of grief.

Major James Devall, Officer Commanding, A (Delhi) Company said:

Corporal Navin had a tremendously positive influence in the Company. He possessed that special blend of high-achievement, humility, and consideration for others. His relationship with the junior riflemen was the personification of good leadership; setting the highest personal standards and challenging his soldiers to reach their own potential, while always demonstrating a genuine compassion and a desire to educate. He was constantly testing himself to his limits but no matter the hardship, I never saw him without a ready smile to encourage those who followed him. We will all remember him proudly, as a great leader and friend. Our thoughts are with his family.

Captain Narbir Galami, Second in Command, A (Delhi) Company said:

Corporal Navin Thapa Magar was an utterly professional, robust, and versatile individual possessing the exceptional qualities of an infantryman, and a typical Gurkha soldier. An excellent ambassador and a true role model who was always the backbone of the Company. The Company is still in shock and saddened to learn of his irreplaceable loss. At this extremely difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family. Navin “I Do” Bhai, we will miss you terribly. May your departed soul rest in peace, see you at the other end.

WO2 Bhabindra Rai, Company Sergeant Major, A (Delhi) Company said:

Corporal Navin was one of the most professional Gurkha Junior Non-Commissioned Officers I’ve met in my career. He was humble, polite, and hugely competent in his job. He always had time for his juniors and shared a big smile with everyone he met. Navin is inspirational for all of us, his dedication, love, and caring nature for all Delhi Company personnel will remain forever. Our deepest prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends.

Lieutenant Matt Bennett, 1 Platoon Commander, A (Delhi) Company said:

Upon joining the Battalion, I will never forget how welcome Corporal Navin made me feel. He was far more than just a fantastic soldier; he managed to weave creativity, intelligence, and a strong work ethic around a deep care for other people. This was most apparent to me during his tour to Kosovo. His junior soldiers meant everything to him and his efforts to care for them, alongside leading them professionally, were exceptional. A role model in the Platoon, he showed great resilience and took pride in all that he did. My deepest condolences are with his family and friends at this time.

Sergeant Ojasbi Rai, 1 Platoon Sergeant, A (Delhi) Company said:

An incredibly professional, dedicated, and loyal JNCO, Corporal Navin was not only skilful in a military context, but he was also equally talented outside of it, and was a fantastic dancer, football player and video maker. A great leader, friend, and gentleman; always loved and praised by all for his exemplary work ethic and morals he truly inspired all around him. It was a great honour to have served with such an inspiring image of bravery and compassion. Corporal Navin was a remarkable friend and comrade to many people and will be sorely missed. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Corporal Bikram Pata, A (Delhi) Company said:

He was like my younger brother. We were from the same hometown … He was one of the most versatile athletes during sports. Besides that, he was good at painting, playing guitar and leading a sing song with fellow members during his spare time. I will always feel very lucky to have had him in my life as a brother and close friend … The last memory I had with him was eating momo dumplings together in barracks where we both shared the same plate of food together … I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Lance Corporal Ritesh Rai, A (Delhi) Company said:

He was a role model for so many people. His life will always teach us what a phenomenal soldier would look like and for junior soldiers he was the man they could always look to for inspiration … I still remember his last dance at our company party with a Bruno Mars hat on, he was such a talented individual … Navin was an all-rounder, he was good at playing football, good at dancing, good at guitar, fittest in the company, he had a great sense of humour, most importantly he was a great soldier, who always fulfilled his duty with great dignity … You have only gone out of our sight my friend but not from our heart. Much more power and prayer to a family and friends in Nepal.

Lance Corporal Shiva Gurung, A (Delhi) Company said:

Cpl Navin Thapa was a very good natured and kind-hearted person. We have worked together within the same company since Day 1 of our Army career. I have always known him as a very dedicated soldier who showed great influence and motivation to his fellow friends and juniors. … Not only was he expert in the military field, but he was also always the best in most sports, music and even in dance. It’s difficult to accept the fact that I am never going to see you again. Death might have taken you away quickly, but you will live forever in our heart, dear friend. Jay intake 14.

Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said:

It is with deep sadness that I heard of the death of Corporal Navin Thapa Magar of the First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, in Brunei. It’s clear from his colleagues that he was a dedicated, professional soldier held in the highest regard and a shining example of what the British Armed Forces stand for. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this terrible time.

September 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : PCS to support Clarence House staff facing redundancy [September 2022]

The press release issued by the PCS trade union on 14 September 2022.

PCS has called for proposed redundancies at Clarence House to be halted and pledged to support every member of staff following the announcement, during the period of mourning for the Queen, that around 100 jobs are at risk.

We believe the decision to announce redundancies in the Royal Household during the period of national mourning is nothing short of heartless. Up to 100 employees at King Charles’ former official residence, including some who have worked there for decades, received notification that they could lose their jobs following his accession to the throne. This is a significant majority of the household and many of these staff will be the same people who have so diligently supported the new king during this period of mourning, working extremely hard over recent days only to be given redundancy notices as thanks.

We are working to ensure that staff have full job security and to ensure that they receive the information on their legal rights, the redundancy process and what support is available to them. We continue to support other royal staff concerned that their futures will have been thrown into turmoil by this announcement at this already difficult time.

PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka said: “While some changes across the households were to be expected, as roles across the royal family change, the scale and speed at which this has been announced is callous in the extreme. Least of all because we do not know what staffing the incoming Prince of Wales and his family might need. We therefore call for an immediate halt to the redundancy process.”

We will be visiting Clarence House as soon as possible and ensuring that every member of staff receives the information on their legal rights, the redundancy process and what support is available to them.

We believe that the change will have a knock-on effect across the royal family’s estates, with Prince William now adopting the role of Prince of Wales. It seems highly unlikely that he will be able to manage the additional workload of the Prince of Wales without extra staff, and so the announcement is not only callous in its timing but also premature in the extreme.

The staffing changes are also likely to directly affect the Royal Households themselves, although to a much lesser extent. While, of course, we will resist any compulsory redundancies in the Royal Household, where we are the recognised trade union, it is also noteworthy that the RH has not made any formal announcement of redundancies during a period of mourning.

The Royal Household is exempt from a number employment laws, including the Equality Act, but it does not appear that Clarence House is, so we will be ensuring that all measures are taken to protect any staff, who choose to join PCS, under the act. And we would urge the new king and government to reverse the exemption on the Royal Household.

September 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Lord Hill congratulates the winners of the National Governors’ Association’s annual Outstanding School Governance Awards [April 2011]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 12 April 2011.

Schools Minister Lord Hill today congratulated the winners of the National Governors’ Association’s ‘Outstanding School Governance Awards 2011’.

Governing bodies are responsible for schools, their standards and their conduct. Governors aim to ensure that children are attending schools which provide them with a good education and support their well-being. Over the past decade the responsibilities of governing bodies have grown, and this continues with the increasing autonomy the Government is giving to schools.

There were two awards presented: one for outstanding governing bodies and one for outstanding clerks to governing bodies.

Lord Hill said:

“Many school governors and clerks make an outstanding contribution to the job of running their own school and of helping to set the standards for all governing bodies. Today’s winners highlight some of the best and I am delighted to have the chance to congratulate and thank them.

Governing bodies should be the key strategic body for a school. We want to attract more excellent school governors and have more effective governing bodies supported by trained clerks. That is why we are making it easier for schools to choose more flexible governing bodies made up of people equipped with the right mix of skills to suit the needs of their particular school.”

September 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : First Lady of Ukraine arrived in Strasbourg to participate in the announcement of the annual State of the EU Report and met with the President of the European Commission [September 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 September 2022.

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska arrived in Strasbourg at the invitation of President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to participate in the announcement of the Report on the State of the European Union.

Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers such a Report at the plenary session of the European Parliament. Until now, there was no practice of inviting foreign guests or delegations to the announcement of the Report. The wife of the President of Ukraine became the first guest of honor at such a session of the European Parliament.

This year’s Report is devoted, among other things, to the EU’s response to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine (sanctions against Russia, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, support for displaced persons, increased investment in the defense of EU countries), as well as energy security issues (implementation of the REPowerEU plan to gradually abandon Russian energy carriers).

During the speech, Ursula von der Leyen announced the decision of the European Commission to allocate 100 million euros for the reconstruction of 74 Ukrainian schools in the framework of the Fast Recovery Plan. Institutions should be restored before the beginning of winter. Separate plans have been prepared for each school.

Olena Zelenska also personally met with the President of the European Commission. The First Lady thanked her for the invitation and solidarity with Ukraine in the fight against the Russian invaders.

“Millions of Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes and go abroad in order to save the lives of their children. We are grateful to European countries for sheltering our citizens and creating conditions for their temporary residence. We have to solve a large number of problems, and today I hope to discuss with you the needs of Ukrainians both abroad and inside the country in the fields of health care, education and culture,” said Olena Zelenska at the beginning of the meeting.

The interlocutors paid attention to the topic of medical assistance to Ukrainians, in particular to wounded servicemen and civilians. Assistance from the EU in solving problems with certain categories of special care medical institutions, implementing programs for psychological support of the population, and building Ukraine’s capacity in the field of prosthetics was also discussed. In addition, they discussed the urgent educational needs of Ukrainians abroad and at home, support from the EU in protecting and preserving Ukrainian cultural heritage.

“Ukraine must win, and we will do everything for it. This victory is not just a victory of Ukraine over Russia in the war, it is a matter of survival and the future of democracy. We will stand by your side until the end, no matter how long it takes,” said Ursula von der Leyen.

Olena Zelenska noted the role of the European Union in evacuating wounded Ukrainian servicemen and civilians abroad. On March 11, the European Commission introduced a standard medical evacuation procedure (MEDEVAC). Over this time, 1,187 people were transported from Ukraine to medical facilities in European countries.

The First Lady called on the EU to support the National Program of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, which is being implemented to help the population affected by hostilities, as well as the development of Ukraine’s capabilities in the field of prosthetics, facial reconstruction and treatment of post-traumatic disorders.

In addition, Olena Zelenska emphasized that the Ukrainian authorities are implementing the recommendations of the European Commission, which are necessary for the start of the negotiation process on our country’s acquisition of EU membership.

“Russia’s war is also aimed at hindering Ukraine’s European integration processes. However, these efforts of Russia turned into a fiasco. I want to assure you that the authorities of Ukraine are determined to make every effort to speed up our country’s path to full membership in the EU. Ukraine is ready to do all the necessary work in order to bring the start of negotiations closer,” the First Lady assured.

During the visit, Olena Zelenska plans to discuss these and other issues also with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić, Vice-President of the European Commission for Promoting the European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides.

September 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy – After the return of Ukraine to Crimea, life will return there as to the Kharkiv region [September 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 September 2022.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the residents of all temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea, should know that Ukraine will definitely return there, and with it, a full-fledged life will return. The Head of State said this while talking to journalists in de-occupied Izyum during a working trip to the Kharkiv region.

“We should send signals to our people who, unfortunately, are still under occupation. And my signal to the people in Crimea: we know that these are our people, and it is a terrible tragedy that they have been under occupation for more than eight years. We will return there. I don’t know when exactly. But we have plans, and we will return there, because this is our land and our people,” said the President.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the residents of the temporarily occupied Crimea have been under the pressure of the propaganda of the Russian Federation all these years, but when Ukraine returns to the peninsula, Crimeans will see the falsehood of Russian television and propaganda.

“Because we know that the truth is on our side,” the Head of State emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the warmth with which the Ukrainian warriors are greeted in the liberated territories.

“This is a very emotional moment. This means that together with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, life is coming back,” he said.

Talking about his impressions of what he saw in the de-occupied Izyum, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that he knew this region very well even before he became the President of Ukraine, so what he saw was shocking.

“What we see is shocking, although we have already seen this in Bucha, in the first de-occupied territories. Likewise, destroyed buildings, killed people… Unfortunately, this is part of our history today. And this is part of the modern Russian nation – what they did,” the Head of State noted.

He thanked international partners for sending investigators and prosecutors to Ukraine, who help in collecting materials related to crimes committed by Russia in the de-occupied territories.

“We all understand that this process takes time. Our Office of the Prosecutor General is working, performing important tasks. They enable both journalists and investigators to come to these places and find important details,” said the President.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the main thing for Ukraine is to remain as open as possible in these issues.

“And then, I am sure, there will be verdicts for all this, there will be a tribunal. I don’t doubt it for a second,” the Head of State summed up.

September 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : President took part in the ceremony of raising the State Flag in de-occupied Izyum [September 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 September 2022.

During a working trip to the Kharkiv region, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the ceremony of raising the State Flag of Ukraine in the city of Izyum, which was liberated by the Ukrainian military from the Russian invaders.

The ceremony took place in the central square of the city in the presence of defenders of Ukraine. During the raising of the flag, the National Anthem of Ukraine was played.

The President thanked the servicemen who are liberating Ukrainian lands from the enemy.

“I want to thank you for saving our people, our hearts, children and future,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Head of State wished the servicemen health and success.

“The last few months have been extremely difficult for you. Therefore, I am asking you: take care of yourself, you are the most precious we have,” he said.

The President emphasized that no occupier will manage to conquer the hearts of Ukrainians.

“Probably, it is possible to temporarily occupy the territories of our state. But it is definitely impossible to occupy our people, the Ukrainian people,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced.

The Head of State noted that today, when the defenders are liberating Ukrainian lands from the occupiers, the flag of Ukraine acquires special significance.

“Ealier, when we looked up, we always looked for the blue sky, the sun. And today, looking up, we and especially the people in the temporarily occupied territories are looking for only one thing – the flag of our state. It means that the heroes are here. It means that the enemy is gone, ran away,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Those present honored the memory of defenders who gave their lives for Ukraine with a moment of silence.

The Head of State had a brief conversation with the mayor of Izyum Valerii Marchenko regarding the situation in the city.

September 14, 2022