Category: Press Releases

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 18 May 2022.

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak emphasizes that Russia’s aggressive war against our country may end sooner if the Ukrainian army receives the weapons on which negotiations are underway and there are agreements with partner countries. Prolonging the war is a risk for the whole world, he said on the American television channel MSNBC.

Andriy Yermak noted that now the Ukrainian military is succeeding on the frontline, for example in the Kharkiv region. At the same time, very heavy fighting continues in Donbas, which is an unnecessary reminder of the horrors of this war.

According to him, Ukrainians have already shown the world that they will fight for complete victory.

“And, of course, we are confident of our victory. And I am convinced that this will be a victory not only for Ukraine, but also for all our friends and partners,” Andriy Yermak said.

The Head of the Office of the President suggested that there are certain forces and people in the world who may be interested in making this war very long.

“But I can say that the longer this war lasts, the greater the risks for other countries, for the whole world that this war will affect not only Ukraine. At first, it will affect states that have borders with Russia, and then it may be a war involving even more countries,” he said.

Andriy Yermak noted that today the Ukrainian nation is showing how not to be afraid and fight. And if Ukraine receives in time everything that was agreed on with our partners and friends, it will win and will do it as soon as possible.

In particular, the Head of the President’s Office noted that Ukraine is waiting for the US Senate to approve a bill on the allocation of almost 40 billion US dollars in support of Ukraine and for President Joseph Biden to sign it.

“It’s vitally important. And we are very grateful to the American people, President Biden and his administration, Congress, the Democratic and Republican parties, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and everyone who is involved and continues to support and help Ukraine,” he said.

Andriy Yermak reminded that a team of leading international and Ukrainian experts (Yermak-McFaul group) has developed an Action Plan to strengthen sanctions against Russia, and one of its key elements is a full embargo on Russian energy.

He noted that everyone is currently watching the ongoing discussions and consultations in the European Union on the sixth package of sanctions against Russia, and expressed hope that this decision will be made.

“Because we see the reaction and position of societies in European countries that fully support my country and the struggle of Ukrainians. Because they understand that today Ukraine is defending not only itself, its independence and freedom, but also the freedom and independence of the whole world, especially Europe,” the Head of the President’s Office concluded.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 18 May 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak spoke by video conference with renowned American film actor, director and producer Robert De Niro and producer Jane Rosenthal, co-founders of the Tribeca Film Festival, which emerged in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Andriy Yermak thanked the Hollywood legend for his support of Ukraine and his position on the terrible war waged against our state by the Russian Federation.

“When we are supported by people like you, it inspires, gives energy and strength,” he said.

The Head of the Office of the President stressed that today Ukraine is fighting not only for itself and its freedom, but also for the entire free democratic world.

Jane Rosenthal noted that it is very difficult to observe what is happening in Ukraine.

“We are trying to do everything possible to help Ukrainians,” she said.

In particular, the producer offered to show the video address of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the participants and guests of this year’s Tribeca festival, which will take place on June 8-19. Andriy Yermak supported this idea.

The Head of the Office of the President also invited Robert de Niro and Jane Rosenthal to consider joining support for the United24 project initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which should unite people from all over the world to help Ukraine.

Andriy Yermak invited Robert De Niro to visit Ukraine at this crucial time, when the opportunity arises. The actor said he was looking forward to that opportunity.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 18 May 2022.

Russia will be able to circumvent EU sanctions and continue to earn crucial cash from its oil sales. That is why Ukraine insists on a ban on transporting Russian oil by EU-flagged vessels. This was stated by Adviser to the President of Ukraine on Economic Issues Oleg Ustenko in a comment to Politico.

The EU countries are now actively discussing the sixth sanctions package against Russia. In particular, they are negotiating whether it will envisage a prohibition for EU-flagged ships from transporting Russian oil to third countries. It is stated that this European Commission idea was shot down by Greece, Malta and Cyprus over concerns their shipowners would lose out to rivals and their economies would take a hit.

Global Witness, a climate advocacy group, estimates that vessels owned or managed in Greece, Cyprus or Malta, or sailing under their flags, have picked up at least 150 million barrels of crude from Russian ports between February 24 and May 10.

According to a Lloyd’s List report, Greek shipowners actually stepped up their Russian oil deliveries in April: accounting for 76 out of 190 tankers shipping crude or oil out of key Russian ports compared with 30 out of 172 tankers in the same period last year.

According to the publication, in 2021 Russia received 45% of budget revenues from oil and gas sales.

Oleg Ustenko said Russia’s oil exports are earning around $1 billion a day — making it crucial to stop shipments immediately.

“You can imagine how many missiles and bombs they can buy in order to bomb our cities, to kill our citizens, to rape our women,” he said.

“Politicians on the EU side are talking about money and we are talking here about lives,” Oleg Ustenko noted.

Foreign vessels are vital to Russia’s ability to ship oil. This should be blocked immediately, the President’s adviser is convinced.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 17 May 2022.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva is on a working visit to the Czech Republic scheduled for May 16-18.

During a meeting with Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala on Tuesday, Ihor Zhovkva conveyed words of profound gratitude from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Czech government and the Czech people for their strong support in countering Russian military aggression.

“The Czech Republic is one of Ukraine’s key European partners, which provides significant political and practical assistance to Ukraine and is one of the five key suppliers of weapons to our country,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

In the context of the reconstruction of Ukraine, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic was invited to consider the possibility of patronage over one of the cities or regions of our country.

During a meeting with President of the Senate of the Czech Parliament Miloš Vystrčil, ways to strengthen the parliamentary dimension of cooperation between the two countries were discussed. Ihor Zhovkva thanked for the uncompromising position of the Czech Parliament on Russian aggression, in particular for the recently approved Senate resolution in support of Ukraine, which recognizes Russia’s actions as genocide of the Ukrainian people.

The agenda of the meeting with Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský included the coordination of the efforts of Ukraine and the Czech Republic to overcome the challenges associated with full-scale Russian aggression against our state. In particular, the results of the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council held the day before were discussed. The interlocutors agreed on the need to further strengthen sanctions against Russia and to impose a sixth package of sanctions as soon as possible, which must include an oil embargo.

The Deputy Head of the President’s Office thanked the Czech Republic and the Czech people for providing temporary shelter to more than 300,000 Ukrainians who were forced to leave their home due to the war, and for creating all necessary conditions for their comfortable stay.

The key topic of Ihor Zhovkva’s meeting with Minister of European Affairs Mikuláš Bek was to attract the support of the Czech Republic in the implementation of Ukraine’s aspirations to become a member of the European Union. In this context, the Czech side’s attention was drawn to the importance of the approval by EU member states of the decision to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate country for EU membership in the near future. Ihor Zhovkva called on the Czech side not only to support such a decision, but also to make efforts to persuade other EU states, which are still showing a more restrained position.

Mikuláš Bek outlined the priorities of the Czech presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2022 and presented some initiatives to consolidate the financial support for our country. Ihor Zhovkva thanked his interlocutor for the fact that Ukraine has a special place among these priorities of the presidency.

“We look forward to the active role of the future Czech presidency of the EU Council in supporting the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. Despite all the challenges to the security of our country, despite Russia’s military aggression and numerous casualties and destruction, Ukraine is confidently moving towards the dream of membership in the European Union. And on this path we are assisted by true friends, such as the Czech Republic,” Ihor Zhovkva said.

The key topics of the meeting with Head of the Foreign Department at the Office of the President of the Czech Republic Rudolf Jindrák were the priorities of the Czech presidency of the EU Council and the importance of coordinating the parties’ efforts to combat Russian aggression. Ihor Zhovkva made special emphasis on the need to increase the sanctions pressure on the aggressor state.

Meetings with representatives of the Czech and Ukrainian business circles are also planned during the visit. Possibilities of attracting business to the reconstruction of our state, as well as prospects for expanding trade and economic cooperation, which will be opened in the process of Ukraine’s integration into the European Union, will be discussed.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 17 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena took part in the farewell ceremony for President of Ukraine in 1991-1994 Leonid Kravchuk.

The ceremony took place at the Ukrainian House in Kyiv.

Volodymyr and Olena Zelenskyy laid flowers at the coffin of Leonid Kravchuk. The presidential couple spoke with members of the deceased’s family and expressed their condolences.

“Leonid Makarovych was the man to whom one could turn for wise advice. He has always heard and understood the aspirations of the people, even in the most difficult moments for our country. His contribution to the formation of an independent Ukraine is invaluable. As well as efforts to recognize our state as an equal participant in world processes and overcome the consequences of totalitarianism. I am sure that his invaluable experience will help us in defeating the aggressor and building a strong, peaceful, European state of Ukraine,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The farewell ceremony was also attended by Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak.

The former President will be buried in the Baikove Cemetery in Kyiv.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 16 May 2022.

Ukraine still does not know how many children were killed by the Russian enemy in the temporarily occupied territories and how many young Ukrainians were forcibly deported. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an online meeting with the US university community.

The Head of State noted that today almost 300 children are known to have died in the formerly occupied territories of Ukraine as a result of Russian shelling, bombing and torture.

“But (still – ed.) there are temporarily occupied territories. And we do not know how many people died there, how many victims and how many children died or are in critical condition. We will be able to understand this only after the deoccupation of certain territories,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

In addition, according to the President of Ukraine, about 500,000 people were forcibly deported from the temporarily occupied territories to Russia.

“Children and adults were separated. According to our data, children were sent to different families or to orphanages, boarding schools – where there are orphans, children without parents. That is why it is a tragedy for us. We do not know this number of children, we do not know the number of people, we do not know in what condition they are. It was a deportation by force. Documents were confiscated from them, from adults in the first place, passports were confiscated and exchanged for Russian ones,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the need to investigate every case of forced deportation of Ukrainians.

In addition, the President thanked all states that provide education to Ukrainian children from families of IDPs.

“It is very important not to lose the educational program, even if it is in another state. Education should continue in spite of everything,” the Head of State said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed hope that after the end of the war, many Ukrainian young people who left Ukraine due to hostilities will return home.

“Without science, without education, without students, there will be stagnation in the state. Even all the optimism after the victory will go nowhere, because without the strength of young people, without this energy, it is impossible to build anything,” said the President.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 16 May 2022.

During an online conversation with the US university community, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited academics to join a program to rebuild schools and universities in Ukraine, as Russia destroyed thousands of Ukrainian educational institutions during the full-scale invasion.

According to the Head of State, a major plan for the reconstruction of Ukraine is being worked out, which will include, in particular, the reconstruction of schools, universities, institutes and other educational institutions.

“Thousands of educational institutions were destroyed. This is a great tragedy for us. Therefore, we will only be grateful to you if we have such projects for restoration at the level of ministries of education, at the level of educational programs, at the level of universities,” said the President.

“When we talk about restoration, it is a question of not only money, but also specialists. Because we can build an institution, a university, but it is very important that there are people who are carriers of knowledge and specialists. That is why we are ready for such joint work and we will be very grateful if you help us develop new educational programs,” he added.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine’s reconstruction plan envisages programs to rebuild various sectors of the economy and public life.

“We form partnerships with one or another institution, with one or another state. We even have patronage. We already have several such examples. I know that the United States, Canada, European countries will choose the appropriate region for the reconstruction of our country,” said the President.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 16 May 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a meeting with Secretary of State, Head of the International Policy Bureau at the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland Jakub Kumoch.

“We discussed Poland’s security and economic support for Ukraine. Together we oppose the aggression of the Russian Federation, because today Ukraine protects from Russian aggression not only itself, but also the whole of Europe – common values, freedom and democracy,” Andriy Yermak said.

He praised the solidarity of the Polish government and the Polish people with the Ukrainian people.

“I am grateful for the unprecedented support for Ukraine by the Republic of Poland from the first hours of the full-scale invasion of Russia,” said the Head of the Office of the President.

The interlocutors also discussed the strengthening of security cooperation now and the future architecture of security guarantees after achieving peace.

Andriy Yermak noted that the Ukrainian side is currently actively working with Poland to build new logistics routes, speed up cargo clearance procedures and increase capacity at the common border.

“I am grateful to our Polish friends for the leadership in the issue of Ukraine’s EU membership. I expect the decision of the European Union to grant our state the status of a candidate country to be adopted as soon as possible,” the Head of the President’s Office stressed.

“I am convinced that the current unprecedented mutual support between Kyiv and Warsaw creates a unique opportunity for a new stage in bilateral relations, for overcoming historical barriers and making significant progress in all issues of bilateral cooperation,” he added.

Andriy Yermak also invited Poland to take an active part in the reconstruction of settlements and infrastructure facilities in those Ukrainian regions that have suffered significant damage as a result of Russian aggression.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 16 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a video conference with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva on the eve of her participation in the meeting of the G7 finance ministers.

The President thanked the IMF for supporting Ukraine’s economy during the difficult times of the war.

“Thank you for being a leader in the issues of assistance and overcoming this situation,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to the President, the monthly deficit of the state budget of Ukraine is about 5 billion US dollars. So he called on the IMF to speed up support for our country.

In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of financial support to Ukraine from partner countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan and the European Union.

He called on the IMF to actively participate in the development of Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction program.

The Head of State noted that our country is willing to continue implementing important reforms.

“Where we can show the results of reforms, we must not stop and move forward. Because of the war, not everything is yet possible. But we are ready to show the world that we are moving forward,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

For her part, the IMF Managing Director said she would inform the G7 about the need to speed up the provision of the necessary financial support.

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

The European Union’s embargo on Russian oil imports must take effect immediately, as Ukraine cannot wait another six months while Russia continues killing our citizens. This was stated by Adviser to the President of Ukraine Oleg Ustenko in an interview with the international media organization Project Syndicate.

He noted that Ukraine commends the proposal of the European Commission to stop the import of Russian crude oil, but believes that postponing the implementation of this decision for six months is unacceptable. After all, the Russian Federation uses the revenues from the sale of energy to finance its military machine.

“Russia is receiving $1 billion per day for its energy exports. You can imagine how many missiles, weapons, and bombs they can buy in the six months before the embargo is fully implemented. Our position is straightforward. We want this embargo to go into effect at once. We don’t have an extra six months to wait while Russia continues to kill our citizens. Under the circumstances, we believe that Europe must act immediately,” the Adviser to the President emphasized.

According to him, after the introduction of a full embargo on Russian oil in the short term, world oil prices will rise, which could cause losses for Europe. But in the medium term, prices will adjust, as oil producing countries will increase production not only in the Middle East, but also in Africa, and this should lower prices.

“Second, the Chinese economy is slowing, which means it will consume less oil. That, too, will move markets toward a new equilibrium and reduce prices,” Oleg Ustenko said.

In the long-term perspective, it would be a win-win situation for the whole world, because it is going to be more predictable, stable and secure. Hence, business income will grow.

To mitigate the short-term negative effects of the embargo, the Adviser to the President of Ukraine proposes, for example, to limit the price of Russian oil for a transitional period.

“The marginal cost of production for Russian oil is around $10 per barrel. Russia should be allowed to keep $10 per barrel sold, and any amount above that should be seized through sanctions. This money should go into a special fund for rebuilding Ukraine,” he said.

As for natural gas, here, according to Oleg Ustenko, Europe can continue to buy Russian gas, but the proceeds should go into an escrow account, which is administered by a special board.

“With the board’s approval, some of the funds could go to Russia for critical imports such as pharmaceuticals. This would leave Russia with some incentive to continue selling natural gas to Europe, even in the face of the new sanctions. And the board could approve greater disbursements to Russia if it withdraws from Ukraine and stops the war,” the Adviser to the President noted.

According to him, this escrow account should be administered by a board formed by Ukraine’s allies – the United States and the European Union or the European Commission. Our state must also be represented on the board.

In addition, as Oleg Ustenko noted, along with tightening restrictions on oil and natural gas imports, the Ukrainian side would welcome the imposition of new sanctions on the individuals in power in Russia.

“There have been some sanctions for top-level individuals, but not yet for their family members. All members of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s party, United Russia, should be cut off from Europe. They and their family members are still spending their time in Europe, rather than enduring life in Russia. They should be stopped from doing that, so that they have a greater incentive to put pressure on Putin to end the war,” the Adviser to the President emphasized.

He also said that any trade with Russia must be stopped. Insurance companies must be prohibited from providing coverage for ships departing from Russian ports, and all Russian banks must be excluded from the international payment system.