Category: Press Releases

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 February 2022.

Baseline scenario of the special operation of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is to enter Kyiv and liquidate the leadership of the state. But President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains in the capital to show the sustainability of the Ukrainian people. This was said by Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President Mykhailo Podolyak at a briefing at the President’s Office.

“Today, the baseline scenario of the special operation of the Russian Federation is clear. The only goal is to enter Kyiv and liquidate the leadership of Ukraine, personally Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is the purpose of the special operation. Therefore, there is such a crazy pressure on Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains in Kyiv, because he must show the endurance of the Ukrainian people,” said Mykhail Podolyak.

He emphasized that Ukrainian soldiers continue to strongly resist the enemy and do not give up “an inch of land”.

“This applies not only to Zmiinyi, this applies to each piece of our land. Ukraine is precisely a state, and today it confirmed that,” said Advisor to the Head of the President’s Office.

According to him, the state banking sector works.

“Only the branches in the cities where there are fighting collisions or those on a clash line do not work,” said Mykhailo Podolyak.

Mobile communication, energy and water supply operate in regular mode. All malfunctions are eliminated by repair brigades.

“Transport, key roads operate in regular mode. Of course, they have some traffic jams, because panic moods, regretfully, are there, too,”said Advisor to the Head of the President’s Office.

He said that in Ukraine ports are closed and aviation has been stopped, but most trains run in accordance with the schedule.

“The availability of fuel is a problem. There are limits, there are queues at petrol stations, we are talking directly about it. Regarding the groceries – currently there is a sufficient quantity of goods in stores. They will be replenished, at least in those places where fighting does not happen today. The main networks of pharmacy distributors do not work, but the pharmacies themselves work,” said Mykhailo Podolyak.

The Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office emphasized that all energy facilities are protected and operating under the supervision of the state.

“We have a completely controlled situation in Ukraine. This is the key thing,” he summed up.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

Ukraine calls on its Western partners to help close the sky over our country in order to stop the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation. This was stated by Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office Mykhailo Podoliak.

“This applies to our Western partners. If we want to stop the powerful full-scale expansion of the Russian Federation, which could lead to thousands of victims, we must close the sky over Ukraine. This is key,” he said.

Also, according to the Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President, it is necessary to block the financial flows that Russia uses today.

Mykhailo Podoliak noted that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is now working to establish an international coalition for peace.

He said that the Head of State signed a decree on the establishment of military administrations in all regions of Ukraine on the basis of existing district state administrations.

For his part, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that at an extraordinary government meeting in Kyiv a decision was made to implement a plan of civil protection under martial law.

“The decision was made for the most effective defense of the state and protection of the population in the context of hostilities against the Russian aggressor,” he said.

According to the Prime Minister, the decision allows to coordinate as much as possible all authorities, regional state administrations in martial law. In addition, it will help allocate all the necessary resources, quickly and efficiently use them for the needs of defense, our military.

The Regional State Administrations have been instructed to intensify evacuation work in areas of active hostilities. Special services are working to help Ukrainians who have been forced to evacuate.

The Prime Minister also noted that the financial and economic bloc of the government is working with the NBU to make payments on the so-called list of critical imports that Ukraine needs to ensure livelihood in hostilities.

He stressed that today the government is working responsibly, and Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is fully in charge of the Armed Forces.

“We will work around the clock to ensure that our servicemen are equipped and our economy works for the needs of our army,” said Denys Shmyhal.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

Citizens of Ukraine.

What do we hear today? It’s not just rocket explosions, battles, the roar of aircraft. It is the sound of a new Iron Curtain lowering and closing Russia away from the civilized world. Our national task is to make this curtain pass not through our Ukrainian territory, but at the home of Russians.

The Ukrainian army, our border guards, police and special services stopped the enemy’s attacks. In the language of conflict, this can be called an operational pause.

In Donbas, our Armed Forces are doing great, the Kharkiv direction is very difficult, the forces for the defense of the city are working, they are reliable, they are our men. The most problematic situation today is in the south. Our troops are fighting fierce battles in the suburbs of Kherson. The enemy is pushing out of the occupied Crimea, trying to advance towards Melitopol.

In the north of the country, the enemy is slowly advancing in the Chernihiv region, but there are forces to hold it. Reliable defense is built in the Zhytomyr region. Enemy paratroopers in Hostomel are blocked, troops are ordered to destroy them.

Yes, we, unfortunately, have losses, losses of our heroes. Yes, we have captured Russian soldiers. Our doctors are helping some of them – those who have surrendered. Many Russian aircraft and many armored vehicles were destroyed.

Yes, we see that many Russians are shocked by what is happening. Some Russians are already calling on social media that they are against the war. We see it. But the leadership of the Russian Federation is unlikely to see it.

So please.

If you hear us, if you understand us, if you understand that you are attacking an independent country, please go out to the squares and address the President of your country.

We are Ukrainians. We are on our land. You are Russians. Now your military has started a war. The war in our state. I would very much like you to speak on Red Square or somewhere else on the streets of your capital, in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities in Russia. Not only in Instagram – it is very important.

What do we see at this hour? For the world community, Russia is becoming an analogue of the so-called DPR – this is complete isolation.

I am in constant contact with the leaders of partner countries and international organizations. Russia has already begun receiving the first sanctions from a large package of sanctions, the most powerful in world history.

No one will be able to convince or force us, Ukrainians, to give up our freedom, our independence, our sovereignty. But it seems that the Russian leadership is trying to do this by destroying the potential of their country. Everything that Russia has done since 2000 can now be burned live in front of the world.

We emphasize that Ukraine did not choose the path of war. But Ukraine offers to return to peace.

What can Ukrainians do? Help the national defense. Join the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and territorial defense units. Any citizen with combat experience will now be useful. It is up to you and all of us whether the enemy will be able to advance further into the territory of our independent state. Please help the volunteer community and the medical system, for example by donating blood.

Politicians and community leaders – help people, ensure normal life on the ground as much as possible. Everyone should take care of their loved ones and take care of those neighbors or acquaintances who need it. The duty of journalists, an important duty, is to defend democracy and freedom in Ukraine.

I spoke today with many leaders – the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, Germany, the EU, the United States, Sweden, Romania, Poland, Austria and others.

If you, dear European leaders, dear world leaders, leaders of the free world, do not help us today, then tomorrow the war will knock on your door.

Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

The state of Ukraine severed diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation, which treacherously attacked it at 5 am on February 24. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a briefing at the Office of the Head of State.

“This morning has gone down in history, but this story is completely different for our country and for Russia. We have severed diplomatic relations with Russia. Ukraine is defending itself and will not give up its freedom, no matter what Moscow thinks. For Ukrainians, independence and the right to live on their land according to their will is the highest value. Russia treacherously and self-destructively attacked our state in the morning. Just like Nazi Germany did during the Second World War,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

According to him, from today Ukraine and Russia are on different sides of world history, because the Russian Federation is on the path of evil.

At the same time, according to the President, much depends on the Russian people now.

“Today, the citizens of Russia will choose which way each of them personally is on,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on all Russian citizens who have not yet “lost their conscience” to come out and protest against this war with Ukraine. He also asked Ukrainians who have relatives, friends, acquaintances, journalists, bloggers in Russia to address them with appropriate appeals and information so that the Russian Federation knows the truth.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

In the framework of repelling the military operation by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, there are currently four dangerous directions – the Crimean Isthmus, the JFO area, the directions of Chernihiv and Kharkiv. This was announced by Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President Oleksiy Arestovych at a briefing in the Office of the President.

Currently, the most successful situation for the Ukrainian side is in the area of the JFO – all attacks are repulsed there, the line of defense is not broken. Despite the reports and statements of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Ukraine has preserved Shchastya – many armored vehicles of the enemy are destroyed there, there are losses of their manpower as well.

In addition, Russian troops, according to preliminary data, have crossed the isthmus with the Crimean peninsula and are developing an offensive in two directions, but are moving slowly.

“The first is towards Melitopol, the second is towards Kherson. They are now lined up in marching columns and preparing to move. There are our troops there, and they will resist, they will defend. Of course, I will not say the details of where they are located, but it will not be easy for them – we will stop them,” said the Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office.

Oleksiy Arestovych also noted that the invaders hang their flags on buildings to shoot and post propaganda videos, but the Armed Forces oppose them.

Separate advanced detachments of the Russian Armed Forces, numbering two or three tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, and several dozen servicemen have appeared in the Belarusian direction. They try to enter Ukrainian territory, but face resistance and withdraw.

“We can’t say that they are advancing, but the Armed Forces and other military formations are monitoring the situation,” he said.

The Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office also denied the report that the border in the Volyn direction had been breached: border guards are being fired on, but there is no breakthrough.

In the north of the Chernihiv region, closer to the administrative border with the Sumy region, the advance of enemy troops at a distance of 10-20 km was recorded.

“They are now, most likely, preparing, building battle formations, and will try to advance further, but Kyiv is well protected, especially from the Chernihiv direction,” Oleksiy Arestovych stressed.

Also, according to him, the military of the Armed Forces and the National Guard continue to defend Kharkiv.

Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office also said that there is no paratroopers landing from the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, the Zmiinyi Island is kept by Ukrainian border guards and the military.

“No warrior of the Armed Forces and other law enforcement agencies yields, everyone fights, there is no surrender or escape,” he said.

According to Oleksiy Arestovych, there are even heroic stories, such as conscripts of the National Guard, 18-year-old soldiers who have not yet studied the general military battle, destroyed four tanks of the Russian Federation.

He also noted that more than 40 servicemen have been killed so far, and several dozen have been wounded, mostly due to air strikes this morning.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

All sanctions will be lifted on Ukrainian citizens who are currently subject to restrictive measures and who are ready to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state and defend the country in the ranks of the Territorial Defense Forces. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a briefing at the Office of the Head of State.

“We will lift sanctions by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on all citizens of Ukraine who are ready to defend our state with weapons in their hands as part of territorial defense,” he said.

The President emphasized that the future of the Ukrainian people now depends on every citizen of Ukraine.

“Everyone who has combat experience and can join the defense of Ukraine must immediately come to the relevant staffing centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” said the President.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the country’s economy and the continuation of enterprises’ operations another frontline.

“Working now is also a serious job, as well as defense in these difficult conditions. Therefore, our future depends on each company, each entrepreneur. Take care of your employees, work for the sake of society, for the good of each of us. People should have all the necessary goods, all the necessary services,” he said.

The President also assured that the National Bank and the banking system have all the necessary resources to meet the financial needs of the state, its defense, to protect the interests of citizens.

Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office Mykhailo Podoliak added that a cash withdrawal limit of UAH 100,000 has been introduced.

“There were some interruptions a few hours ago with the possibility to pay for goods or services by card. These are all local manifestations of cyberattacks, which are accompanied by military attacks on our industries. In the banking sector, everything is sufficiently controlled,” he said.

Mykhailo Podoliak also said that the energy sector is operating normally.

“Nuclear power plants, hydroelectric power plants operate normally. There is increased security, but it has been strengthened for several weeks. Today, of course, there is additional protection. We don’t have any blackouts yet,” he said.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine are fighting hard battles repelling attacks by the Russian army throughout our country. The Ukrainian servicemen need the support of citizens. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a briefing at the Office of the Head of State.

“Our servicemen need this support. The main thing is that they need the support of our population. We have an army of powerful people. Our population is also a powerful army. So support our military,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President called on the Ukrainian media to more actively inform the public about the success of the Armed Forces and the losses of the enemy.

“The enemy has suffered heavy losses. The losses of the enemy will be even greater. They came to our land. Ukraine is under attack from the north, east and south. Attacked from the air. Protection works. Today, the army and national solidarity are the mainstay of Ukrainian statehood,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the provision of weapons to all citizens who want to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty has already begun.

“The future of our Ukrainian people depends on every citizen. Everyone who has combat experience and can join the defense of Ukraine must come to the appropriate centers. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will involve veterans in the defense of the state,” he said.

The President also called on citizens to join the donation of blood for wounded defenders.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has approved all necessary decisions to defend the country. The Armed Forces are actively resisting the troops of the Russian Federation, which carried out a treacherous attack on our state. This was announced by Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office Mykhailo Podoliak at a briefing in the press center of the President’s Office.

“At 5 am, Mr. Putin actually declared war against Ukraine. He did it for no reason. There was no reason to declare war against Ukraine unilaterally. Only fake reasons used by Russian propaganda,” he said.

According to Mykhailo Podoliak, Russian troops using artillery systems began to bomb military infrastructure on the territory of Ukraine, airports, airfields, warehouses and military facilities of the Ukrainian army. After that, ground operations of the Russian armed forces began in part violating Ukraine’s state border in several regions.

“President Volodymyr Zelenskyy immediately convened the Military Cabinet, the National Security and Defense Council. All the necessary decisions were made in terms of the logistics of the counter-operation against the armed forces of the Russian Federation, and martial law was imposed in Ukraine. These are concrete actions to protect our territorial integrity,” said the Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office.

He stressed that the President is in constant contact with the leaders of the partner countries.

“Virtually the whole world unanimously believes that this is a treacherous attack by the Russian armed forces, which will have great legal consequences,” said Mykhailo Podolyak.

The Office of the President called on the citizens of Ukraine to keep calm.

“The Armed Forces are fighting hard battles, but they are fighting. We already have many results. In some areas, the Russian armed forces have been repulsed. The Armed Forces were ready for all of Russia’s scenario plans and are now actively resisting. This resistance will be growing,” said the Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office.

Mykhailo Podoliak also called on the media to carefully check the information they publish or broadcast.

“Because to date no one has canceled the information war waged by Russia against Ukraine. Unfortunately, some Ukrainian media outlets are reprinting propaganda materials of the Russian Federation,” he said.

For his part, Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office Oleksiy Arestovych noted that according to preliminary estimates, Russia’s first blow failed.

“As for cities, geography is Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytskyi, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Kramatorsk and directly along the JFO area,” he said.

Oleksiy Arestovych noted that, according to preliminary information, the enemy slightly advanced at a distance of up to 5 kilometers in the north of the Kharkiv region and Chernihiv region. The enemy’s advance was repulsed in the Volyn direction.

According to the Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office, the losses of the Ukrainian side did not reduce the combat effectiveness of the Armed Forces and other law enforcement agencies.

“The Armed Forces are ready. The President is working. He runs the country and is in constant contact with international partners, who are now taking steps internationally to punish the Russian Federation for the full-scale military aggression it has committed,” he said.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

Due to the launch of a military operation against Ukraine by Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held an urgent meeting with the leadership of the government, representatives of the defense sector and the economic bloc.

Up-to-date information was heard on the current security situation in Ukraine and on its borders, as well as on the measures taken by the security and defense forces to repel the Russian armed forces.

The President also spoke about negotiations with world leaders to form an international coalition to end Russian aggression.

In addition, measures to ensure the livelihood of the country were discussed.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Decree № 64/2022 “On the imposition of martial law in Ukraine”. People’s deputies approved the document by 300 votes.

According to the decree, martial law is imposed from 5:30 am February 24, 2022 for a period of 30 days. This decision was made due to the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, on the basis of the proposal of the National Security and Defense Council and in accordance with Ukrainian law.

The Military Command, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, other executive bodies and local self-government bodies, must ensure the measures and powers envisaged by the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Regime of the Martial Law” necessary to ensure Ukraine’s defense, public safety and state interests.

Due to the imposition of martial law in Ukraine, the constitutional rights and freedoms of man and citizen provided for in Articles 30-34, 38, 39, 41-44, 53 of the Constitution of Ukraine may be temporarily restricted, temporary restrictions on the rights and legitimate interests of legal entities will also be imposed.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine must immediately put into effect a plan to implement and ensure measures of the legal regime of martial law in Ukraine, and provide appropriate funding.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine together with local state administrations and other state bodies, institutions, enterprises, organizations of all forms of ownership are instructed to immediately bring a single state civil protection system, its functional and territorial subsystems ready for the fulfillment of tasks in a special period.

Also, regional, Kyiv city state administrations and local self-government bodies must establish defense councils and provide assistance to the military command in introducing and implementing measures of the martial law regime.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine must ensure that the UN Secretary General and foreign officials are duly informed about the imposition of martial law in Ukraine, restrictions on human and civil rights and freedoms, which is a deviation from the obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the extent of these deviations and the reasons for such a decision.