Category: Press Releases

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 April 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak noted that today Ukraine is not only defending itself from Russian aggression – it is protecting the whole European world. So Europe must help. He said this in an interview to leading international media – The New Yorker, Bild and Le Monde.

Andriy Yermak said that the position of Russian troops in the Kyiv direction is currently changing, but “we can believe that only when they leave our country.”

The Head of the Office of the President also said that the blockade of the city of Mariupol is continuing. There, people are dying without food and water, and the Russian side is not opening humanitarian corridors to evacuate residents.

Instead, the Russians are trying to force people to go to Russia under the pretext of the only way to survive, as stated by Andriy Yermak.

“Mariupol is blocked. They are ready to completely destroy Mariupol just to take it under control,” he added.

According to the Head of the President’s Office, given that Russian forces continue to bomb settlements in Ukraine, including civilian infrastructure, the Ukrainian government insists on closing the skies over our country to Russian aviation, but at the same time considers this issue in a realistic manner.

Andriy Yermak emphasized: “If you hear from NATO officials every day that this will not happen, we are not even told “this is a debatable issue”, but only “it will never happen”… What to do then? We are realists. We give our partners some way out. We continue to offer our partners – it’s not just the war between Ukraine and Russia, we protect you. If something happened in Chornobyl or at ZNPP, it would be 10 times bigger than in Chornobyl, and the population of Europe would have to be evacuated. And all the nations of the world would ask their governments: “What are you doing?”

According to the Head of the Office of the President, from the very beginning of the presidential term, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his team did their best to change the perception of Ukraine: from a country that constantly asks for something, to a country with which one should speak on an equal footing.

“And today we have been fighting for 36 days against one of the strongest armies in the world. We have proved to everyone that we are an important player who will have to be respected by everyone,” said Andriy Yermak.

He noted that before the Russian invasion, world leaders had ignored Ukraine’s calls for preventive sanctions, which, along with military aid, would be a major deterrent to the aggressor and could affect the situation before the war.

“We continue to talk about sanctions and turned to my good friend Michael McFaul for an analysis of sanctions. We analyze each sanction – how it works, where we are fooled, where they have learned to circumvent these sanctions. These are sanctions that must be effective quickly. Today there is a war, we pay the highest price – we pay with human lives. There is no time for lyrics and delays when our people are being killed,” said the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

Today, thanks to international restrictive measures against Russia and the successful deterrence of armed aggression by the Ukrainian army, Russia has moved from the language of ultimatums to dialogue, although this dialogue is difficult.

According to Andriy Yermak, Ukraine has always been in favor of dialogue and wants to achieve peace the most. But there are fundamental issues on which compromises are impossible.

“In Zelenskyy’s time, Ukraine will not give away a single centimeter of our territory. If Zelenskyy had been President in 2014, we would not have lost Crimea. Because everything started the same way – then and now,” he said.

According to the Head of the President’s Office, Ukraine, with its struggle for European values, freedom and justice, has once again proved that it deserves to take a worthy place among European countries. Today, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has become the leader of the free world, and the entire Ukrainian nation is a true hero.

“Some nations of the world are ready for more than their politicians. People do not believe in excuses why it is now impossible to do everything necessary for Ukraine to be a member of the EU,” said the Head of the Office of the President.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 31 March 2022.

Ukraine has received a message from the International Committee of the Red Cross that the Russian Federation confirms its readiness to open access for the humanitarian convoy to Mariupol in transit through Berdyansk. In addition, two humanitarian corridors in the Zaporizhzhia region have been agreed – from Melitopol and Enerhodar. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk.

According to her, 45 buses were sent to Mariupol along the route. In particular, as of 9:00 am, 28 buses were to be allowed to pass through the Russian checkpoint in Vasylivka. In addition, 17 buses have already departed from Zaporizhzhia.

“We will do everything possible to ensure that buses arrive in Mariupol today and pick up people who have not yet been able to get out of the city,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Two humanitarian corridors in the Zaporizhzhia region have been agreed. In particular, for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of people from the city of Melitopol. It is also planned to organize a column of citizens on their own transport from the city of Enerhodar to Zaporizhzhia.

Iryna Vereshchuk added that people on their own transport will be able to join the humanitarian columns from Mariupol and Melitopol on the way to Zaporizhzhia.

“Our military has fully confirmed and guarantees a full ceasefire. So, at 9:00 we will start the evacuation,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 31 March 2022.

Sanctions are a powerful and effective mechanism for influencing Russia and those who support the ruling regime in the aggressor country. However, sanctions need to be deepened, so a new US package is expected to be announced soon. This was stated by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak in an interview to TV presenter Vadym Karpyak, which was broadcast within the information marathon “United News #UArazom”.

“It is very important to develop new packages of sanctions,” Andriy Yermak stressed.

He said that during the recent conversation between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Joseph Biden, our state received a signal that a new package of sanctions from the United States will be introduced in the coming days.

“We see that US sanctions are very effective today. This is a very powerful tool. It needs to be continued,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

According to him, sanctions will primarily affect Russian politicians, deputies and people who supported the war against Ukraine and on whom this regime is based.

“Certainly, it will be financial sanctions, economic ones,” Andriy Yermak said.

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine stressed that sanctions should also be imposed on Russian energy sources and the largest banks.

“These sanctions should include an embargo on energy, first of all I’m talking about an embargo on oil exports. If it takes a long time or there are some difficulties, we also said that sanctions should be introduced making it impossible for Russia to receive funds for the sale of oil, and this money could be used in some way in Ukraine’s interests,” Andriy Yermak said.

He clarified that the issue of imposing an energy embargo concerns both gas and oil.

The Head of the Office of the President added that Ukraine is making every effort to ensure that European countries also support the embargo on Russian energy.

“Of course, it is a very complicated issue. We know that some EU countries are ready and they understand that today it is impossible to think of any benefit when children are killed. And it is impossible now to measure money, some income, when it concerns human life,” he said.

At the same time, Andriy Yermak stated that there are countries that still have a different position. But the talks of the President of Ukraine with the leaders of these states, his addresses to the parliaments and nations, the work of Ukrainian diplomats are aimed at changing the attitude in these countries. After all, if the governments of some states are hesitant, they must listen to the opinion of their citizens.

“The nations of the world have already made their choice today – they are all with Ukraine, they are all on the side of good. That is why it is very difficult now for the countries that still continue to “play” and do not have a clear position – today or tomorrow they will answer the questions of their people why they did nothing in eight years and what they did when Ukrainians were killed and when there was war,” said the Head of the Office of the President.

Andriy Yermak also noted that sanctions are a powerful tool, but they need a very deep and rapid analysis. That is why there is an initiative to organize the work of a group of Ukrainian and international experts who will analyze the real impact of the restrictions imposed on Russia. He said that experts will not only study the sanctions already in place – what works and what doesn’t. They will also talk about it publicly.

In addition, the Head of the Office of the President called important the direction of this group’s work to develop mechanisms that would make it impossible to circumvent the restrictions – both for individuals and for countries.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 31 March 2022.

Ukraine needs as big a supply of weapons as possible because our country pays a very high price every day defending the values of a democratic world in the fight against the aggressor. This was stated by Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak in an interview to leading international journalist of the American television company CNN Christiane Amanpour.

Andriy Yermak noted that Ukraine does not see any real confirmation of Russia’s statements on the withdrawal of troops from certain areas of the frontline.

“We believe they have changed their strategy and plans. Unfortunately, this does not mean stopping the war. I can say that the situation remains pretty difficult. I especially want to dwell on the humanitarian situation – everything is very bad,” he said.

The Head of the President’s Office stressed that Mariupol is in a catastrophic situation, where people are dying without food and water, and the Russians do not allow them to leave the city.

“The Russians did not allow the residents to leave the city. Russian troops have taken thousands of residents to Russia,” said Andriy Yermak.

According to him, the catastrophe in Mariupol is very similar to the blockade of Leningrad during World War II.

“Our Ukrainian position is very open and very transparent: we want to stop this war, we want Russian troops to be withdrawn from our territory. We insist on opening the humanitarian corridors, especially from Mariupol,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

Andriy Yermak stressed that the Ukrainian delegation continues difficult talks with the Russians, and the meeting in Istanbul is a confirmation of such a dialogue.

“I can say that we have very principled positions, and we do not want to compromise on our independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. We are ready to continue the discussion, our delegation works around the clock seven days a week in a video format. Yesterday (March 29 – ed.) it happened live. I have a little optimism about that. We are continuing this conversation,” said the Head of the Office of the President.

Andriy Yermak noted that in his addresses to the parliaments of the world, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the need to increase weaponry supplies to Ukraine.

“We do not have enough weapons. And we need it to continue our struggle,” he said.

The Head of the Office of the President hopes that all partner states of Ukraine understand that today our country pays an exorbitant price for its freedom, so the issue of weaponry supply is very important.

“The whole world can see that Ukrainians are a nation that will never stop fighting because we are fighting for our land. We are fighting for our country. We are fighting for the whole democratic world,” he said.

Andriy Yermak also emphasized that Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a very brave man focused on results.

“He is the absolute leader of our nation. He is a man who gives the necessary energy and courage to all Ukrainians, the whole world, all people. Because I am absolutely convinced that the people of the world support Ukrainians, they made their choice. And we can see thousands of people on the streets in different cities around the world. And we will win, Ukraine will be the winner. We are sure of that. But it is necessary to do it as soon as possible,” the Head of the President’s Office stressed.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 31 March 2022.

Ukraine calls on Canada and other partners to supply weapons. This was announced by Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak during an online conversation with journalists of the Canadian Global News.

“We need more weapons. Small arms, demining systems, drones, counter-battery radars, howitzers, body armor… Everything! But first of all, we need to close the sky to protect our cities from missiles,” Andriy Yermak explained.

The situation in the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, he noted, is as normal as possible in the current conditions. At the same time, there is no reason to talk about a full-fledged withdrawal of Russian troops from the Kyiv direction.

“Our people are calm, they are full of dignity and energy. Kyiv is reviving, shops are working, all services are working, public transport is working. Air alarms have already become a certain element of the current life of people in the city,” said the Head of the Office of the President.

He referred to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who said in his address that the Ukrainian side has not yet seen the Russians withdraw all their forces from the Kyiv direction. There are some movements, but it is more like a change of position or regrouping.

Andriy Yermak noted that according to one of the probable scenarios, the Russians will concentrate their forces around Donbas.

He reminded that the blockade of Mariupol continues and the situation in this city is catastrophic. Ukraine continues negotiations with many foreign leaders to unblock Mariupol as soon as possible.

Andriy Yermak stressed that the world community should continue to increase pressure on Russia. In particular, a group of Ukrainian and international experts has been set up at the President’s Office, which has already begun analyzing the real impact of sanctions against Russia and developing proposals for new effective measures.

The Head of the Office of the President also stressed the importance of increasing military assistance to Ukraine, in particular from Canada.

“Every hour of the war takes the lives of Ukrainians and causes great damage to our country,” he concluded.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 30 March 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had an hour-long phone conversation with US President Joseph Biden.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared his assessment of the situation on the battlefield and the forecast of developments. He spoke about the crimes of the occupiers against the civilian population and the heroic efforts of Ukrainians aimed to protect the independence and territorial integrity of their country.

The Presidents discussed concrete support that will further strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities at sea, on land and in the air.

“We need peace, and it will be achieved only when we have a strong position on the battlefield. Our morale is firm, there is enough determination, but we need your immediate support,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The leaders discussed preparations for the next package of painful sanctions against Russia, as well as the negotiation process and security guarantees for Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the United States for another $ 1 billion humanitarian aid package and additional $ 500 million in direct budget support.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 30 March 2022.

Ukraine wants to sign an international treaty on security guarantees, which will give it reliable allies and real protection from any new aggression in the future. Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office and member of the Ukrainian negotiating team Mykhailo Podolyak emphasized this during an online briefing at the Ukrainian Media Center.

Mykhailo Podolyak noted that he had quite optimistic impressions of the face-to-face round of the Ukrainian-Russian talks on ending the war, which took place on March 29 in Istanbul (Turkey).

“We have reached a very important construction for Ukraine when it will no longer be a fantasy, but a specific treaty on security guarantees, which will be legally fixed. Guarantor countries that undertake international legal obligations will be fixed there,” he said.

The Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office noted that Ukraine has been fighting one-on-one with the powerful army of the Russian Federation for more than a month. That is why our state wants to have such allies who will stand by when help is needed here and now.

According to him, in case of signing an international multilateral treaty on security guarantees, our state will finally have not only its own army, which is fighting very hard today, but also an additional security contour due to powerful allies that will stand by Ukraine.

Mykhailo Podolyak said that a group of international lawyers moderated by Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak is consulting with Ukraine’s future security guarantors.

“He holds preliminary negotiations with the guarantor countries at the level of political advisers, explains our positions, explains the fundamental principles of the treaty on security guarantees. After that, consultations take place at the level of legal groups,” he said.

Mykhailo Podolyak reminded that Ukraine would like to see the permanent members of the UN Security Council as the main guarantors of its security, as well as Turkey, Germany, Poland and several other countries. In particular, Italy has already expressed interest in participating in such a treaty. The treaty will be open for any country to accede to.

According to the Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office, many countries during and after this war will realize that the old formats of European or even global security do not work, and will understand that the future will be based on such agreements as Ukraine has proposed.

Mykhailo Podolyak is convinced that the available developments indicate that preparations for the meeting of the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia can already begin. However, the Russian side has yet to consider Ukraine’s proposals and give a preliminary answer to them. Currently, online working groups are constantly working to ensure the continuity of the negotiation process.

According to the Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office, intermediate proposals were recorded at the meeting in Istanbul, which the parties have already worked out and discussed. There is a possibility that in a few days it will be possible to agree on the next round of talks.

At the same time, he stressed that all issues related to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine are inviolable for Ukrainian negotiators, which is constantly emphasized by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 30 March 2022.

With the support of the Office of the President of Ukraine, the government, educational institutions and non-governmental organizations are creating the Ukrainian Global University (UGU), a network that brings together the world’s best educational institutions to provide Ukrainian students, scholarship holders, researchers and lecturers with access to educational institutions around the world, as well as new scholarships and postdoctoral programs.

Participants of the UGU initiative will have not only support, but also access to quality education and the opportunity to conduct research abroad, and then will be able to apply the acquired knowledge and skills in their home country.

In the future, the UGU team plans to launch internships and programs in Ukraine that will allow their participants to quickly reintegrate and contribute to the reconstruction of the country upon their return.

The initiative stipulates that displaced students, researchers and scholarship holders will not be abandoned.

The main goal of UGU is to overcome the devastating consequences of Russian aggression in Ukraine and to attract leading world experience to build a new Ukraine as a worthy member of the world community of free and democratic nations.

“Ukraine’s integration into the world educational space has been and remains one of the key priorities of our state. Now Ukrainian schoolchildren, students, teachers, scientists who have suffered devastating losses as a result of the military aggression of the Russian Federation, need support! Investing in educational potential, we, together with leading universities in the world and Ukraine, are investing in the future. The establishment of the Ukrainian Global University is a call to the entire educational world community to support Ukrainian schoolchildren, students and scientists in obtaining quality education. These people will return to Ukraine to rebuild it after the war with world-class knowledge,” said Olha Budnyk, adviser – commissioner of the President of Ukraine for the Fund of the President of Ukraine for Support of Education, Science and Sports.

Currently, the UGU team is focused on establishing personal and institutional partnerships with schools, universities and research centers around the world, which will be ready to consider applications for medium- and long-term programs from Ukrainians and sponsor a number of students, scientists and researchers. Details and conditions are agreed with each partner institution separately, but all partners must sign an open memorandum with UGU, which defines common values and principles.

Partnership applications can be submitted at https://uglobal.university/

Stanford, Harvard and dozens of other leading universities in the world have already supported the initiative.

“Stanford realized the importance of creating new educational programs for Ukrainians six years ago when we launched the Ukrainian Emerging Leaders Program. Graduates of this program have already made significant changes to improve Ukraine. I support UGU and call on all other universities in the world to support Ukrainian students and scholars,” said Michael McFaul, a professor of political science at Stanford University and director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.

“The University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne has a long tradition of solidarity with scholars and students in exile. It is especially important for us that UGU was founded by Ukrainian scientists who are now fighting not only for the sovereignty of their country, but also for our common European values. We will continue to provide our support after the end of the war, when Ukrainians return to rebuild their country,” said Christine Neau-Leduc, President of the University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne.

To maximize efforts, the initiative team forms a network of volunteers, which can be joined by graduates and representatives of educational institutions from around the world. They will help attract more institutions to the network, UGU is convinced, as they will be its ambassadors in their schools, colleges and universities. Volunteers can also contact the administrations of any institution around the world to initiate the process of establishing their partnership with UGU.

If Ukrainian students or scholars want to become members of UGU, they can use the simplified application process on the website. They will then have to go through the full or simplified application process at any educational institution listed on the platform to increase their chances of admission. A prerequisite for participation in the program for all students is return home after graduation or research completion to help rebuild Ukraine after the war.

UGU is also working with DuoLingo, an online language learning program, to allow Ukrainians to take English language tests for free and receive certificates wherever they are.

Leading domestic educational institutions and organizations, including the Kyiv School of Economics, Ukraine Global Scholars, the Ukrainian Catholic University, the Emerging Leaders Program at Stanford University, the Professional Government Association, the SET University and the Kyiv Academic University, joined the establishment of the Ukrainian Global University (UGU). The initiative was also approved by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States.