Category: Press Releases

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 19 February 2022.

Today, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy will pay a visit to Munich (Germany) to take part in the annual security conference and hold talks scheduled for this venue.

The Head of State will, inter alia, meet with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson, Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz, Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris, representatives of international financial institutions and other partners and friends of Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects concrete agreements on providing our country with additional military and financial support to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience.

The visit is planned to be pretty dynamic, the return to Kyiv is today.

Naturally, the discussions at the Munich Security Conference this year will focus on current threats in Eastern Europe and the situation around Ukraine. Therefore, the position of our state must be presented enough for the issues of Ukraine to be resolved with the participation of Ukraine.

The situation on the touch line in Donbas, in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and near the borders of Ukraine is being analyzed by special services of our state. There is a constant analysis of intelligence and exchange of information with partners. Ukraine regularly receives additional up-to-date intelligence on the activity of Russian forces.

The situation in the east of the country is completely controlled by the Ukrainian security and defense forces.

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

What is happening now in Donbas is an attempt by Russia to provoke our Armed Forces to take certain action, but Ukraine wants peace and does not intend to move to the occupied territories by force. This was stated by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov at a briefing held at the President’s Office.

He stressed that there were no orders to liberate these territories by force, as this would lead to heavy casualties among the civilian population.

“There can be no such order in our country,” Oleksiy Danilov assured.

The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council noted that the Russian Federation is deliberately escalating the situation in occupied Donetsk and Luhansk using its representatives in these territories.

“This is an attempt to provoke our Armed Forces, our troops, to the answers they would very much like us to give. We can say that troops can open fire only if there is a threat to the lives of our military,” he said.

Oleksiy Danilov stressed that there is a great threat of provocations by representatives of the Russian Federation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

“They can do things that have nothing to do with our military, our services,” said the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.

At the same time, according to Oleksiy Danilov, today there is no full-scale invasion of Ukraine – “selective provocations by the Russian Federation are possible”.

“To this end, we have an appropriate response by our Armed Forces, the security and defense sector. We are aware of the threats that exist today,” he said.

In the context of the risks of further escalation on Ukrainian territory, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council reminded that all leading countries of the world have clearly stated that in case of further invasion, they must respond immediately.

“Whether it happens or not does not depend on us. Once again, we want peace and tranquility in our country,” Oleksiy Danilov stressed.

According to him, pursuant to the instruction of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Verkhovna Rada and the National Security and Defense Council will visit the affected areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions to get themselves acquainted with the situation and help solve the problems of local residents.

“Tomorrow we will be in those places that were directly affected, where our infrastructure, schools and kindergartens were damaged,” he said.

Oleksiy Danilov stressed that Ukraine is ready to negotiate with the Russian Federation with a view to de-escalation, but not with the formations it supports in the occupied territories. After all, “negotiating with people who do not decide anything is a waste of time.”

“We cannot negotiate with people who do not make any independent decisions – all decisions are made only in Moscow. You know that Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he is ready to meet with Putin at any time in order to hold these talks. Today, unfortunately, they refuse to negotiate,” said the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.

He also stressed that Ukraine stands for the implementation of the Minsk agreements according to the defined logic, and not in the way Russia wants.

For her part, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk stressed that Ukraine is not an enemy for the civilians of the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

“Our enemy is the Russian invader. We clearly distinguish what is happening today in the temporarily occupied territories, we see how the Russian invaders escalate the situation, creating an information background, which leads to panic,” she said.

Iryna Vereshchuk is convinced that Russia’s actions regarding the announced evacuation, which is accompanied by disinformation in the Russian media, are aimed at causing unrest and panic among the population and, as a result, destabilizing the situation.

The Minister said she had a working meeting with USAID representatives today. The parties discussed humanitarian response plans already approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Iryna Vereshchuk called on citizens, who are currently in the temporarily occupied territories and are thinking about what to do in the current situation, to evacuate to the territory controlled by Ukraine.

“Come to us. Find an opportunity to cross the checkpoint. Or in another way. We are waiting for you, we will create all possible conditions for you to have a place to live, for you to have something to eat, for you to feel that you are not alone,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

She also thanked Ukraine’s international partners, including UNICEF and the Red Cross, for their assistance.

Iryna Vereshchuk said that Ukraine had submitted a request for an urgent meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group. According to her, today the security group from the Ukrainian side was ready for talks. However, unfortunately, Russia refused to meet. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed hope that such a meeting would take place tomorrow.

In addition, as Iryna Vereshchuk noted, Ukraine appealed to its Normandy Four partners Germany and France to strengthen the OSCE monitoring mission.

“We need independent verification. That is why we have addressed the Normandy participants and ask Germany and France to resolve the issue as soon as possible by providing representatives to the OSCE SMM who will independently assess the situation. We are ready and allow the mission to all the locations that are needed,” she said.

The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that Ukraine is ready to involve representatives of the Red Cross, international journalists – all those who have the opportunity and can be involved in the process and provide objective information about the situation.

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

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Roman Mashovets met with Ambassador of Japan Kuninori Matsuda and discussed the security situation around Ukraine and ways to develop Ukrainian-Japanese cooperation on a wide range of security and defense issues.

Roman Mashovets informed the Ambassador of Japan about the situation in eastern Ukraine, gross violations of the ceasefire by Russia, further concentration of Russian troops along the Ukrainian border and in the temporarily occupied territories, aggravation of the situation in the Black Sea region and Russia’s efforts to destabilize the internal situation. He assured Kuninori Matsuda that Ukraine’s security and defense forces are ready to resist Russian aggression and defend the country.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President thanked the Ambassador of Japan for the continued support to Ukraine in countering Russian aggression both at the international level, in particular within the UN and the G7, and bilaterally.

Kuninori Matsuda said that the Embassy of Japan continues to work in Kyiv despite the possibility of aggravation, which is a demonstration of genuine partnership support for Ukraine and faith in the ability of the country’s leadership to withstand growing threats from Russia.

The Japanese diplomat noted the high level of awareness of Japanese society about the events in Ukraine and the corresponding public support of our state in Japan.

Roman Mashovets thanked the Japanese side for providing assistance to Ukraine, especially in the financial, economic and medical spheres. Kuninori Matsuda announced the intention of Japanese companies to continue investing in Ukraine, in particular in the food industry, education and information technology.

In the context of further development of bilateral relations in the field of security and defense, an agreement was reached on deepening cooperation in cybersecurity and the defense industry.

Roman Mashovets proposed to include these issues in the agenda of the next Ukrainian-Japanese military-political consultations scheduled for spring this year. Kuninori Matsuda supported these proposals and assured of Japan’s intentions to fill them with practical initiatives.

The parties agreed to continue coordination of joint efforts to ensure security in the region and the development of Ukraine’s security and defense sector.

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

As long as Ukraine is not a full member of NATO, it is necessary to conclude a global document between the world’s leading states, which would put security guarantees for our country on paper. This was emphasized by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview for RBC-Ukraine.

“We are on the path to the Alliance. NATO is, in fact, the only security alliance available today that Ukraine could join. For us, there is an “open door” position. But there is a long way to go – years and months, especially if there is an escalation. Going this way, we must get a system of guarantees. And at least in theory, it should be equal to the system offered to NATO countries,” the President said.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this issue is being discussed with all world leaders, especially those who have contacts with the Russian Federation.

According to the President, this is in fact the only alternative in a situation where Ukraine is forced to defend itself, maintain a strong army during the ongoing aggression, while ensuring the viability of the state and implementing reforms.

“So if you, our partners, say that these are our common values, then let’s spend money on them together. And no, it’s not altruism, it’s about you being next. They will go further, after which there will be a migration crisis and so on,” he said.

The Head of State assured that such a position was understood by the leading countries.

“We have raised this issue to the level of those leaders who we believe should be at this table. Who will give us guarantees, including a clause on a strong, equipped, well-financed army. These should still be the countries that would bear responsibility in case something happens – the strong ones of this world,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to the President, it is primarily about supporting the Ukrainian army – its funding, training, rehabilitation of the military and more.

The Head of State called energy security no less important, in particular in the context of threats from the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

“We need a global document. We will not get off with the Normandy format. The powerful ones of this world, including the United States and Russia, will sit down and sign that this is the way to go. But there should be three, four or five points about the security of our country. Then that’s the talk,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.

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

Ukraine not only defends its territory, but also deters further encroachments in Eastern Europe. Therefore, the weapons provided to our country by international partners are an aid to them as well, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview for RBC-Ukraine.

“Army funding is top priority. Training, rehabilitation, etc. A powerful independent army on the territory of Eastern Europe, on the territory of Ukraine, which protects not only Ukraine because it restrains any further encroachments. But today all this is the expenditure of the budget of Ukraine. Except for some of the weapons our partners supply. But I say again: they help themselves. And we are grateful to them. Without their help, the situation would be clearly worse,” the Head of State said.

The President stressed that Ukraine does not live “in the illusion that everyone will be willing to die for it,” and if the aggression begins, it will be ready to defend itself.

“We definitely do not want this. We emphasize: we do not need military people with foreign flags on our territory. We do not ask for this. Otherwise there will be destabilization all over the world. We do not want to give an extra reason for the Russian Federation to say that we have bases here and that they need to “protect” themselves. But we want everything else,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

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

During a working trip to the Donetsk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Avdiivka and honored the memory of Ukrainian defenders perished in the battles for the city.

The Head of State laid flowers at the Memorial to the Fallen Soldiers of the JFO/ATO.

Together with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the ceremony was attended by Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov, and Head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration Pavlo Kyrylenko.

During a working trip to the Donetsk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the positions of Ukrainian servicemen on the front line of defense, where intense shelling continues.

The Head of State observed the samples of modern weapons and military equipment transferred to the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including FGM-148 Javelin and NLAW portable anti-tank missile systems, as well as M141 grenade launcher.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also observed the frontline positions and got himself acquainted with the operational and tactical situation in the area of responsibility of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The President spoke with the servicemen and presented gifts to them.

“I am proud of your heroism. You defend Ukraine’s independence and decently rebuff the enemy. We feel constant pride in our defenders,” he said.

In addition, the Head of State had dinner with the military.

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President of Ukraine visited the frontline positions of the military in the Donetsk region

17 February 2022 – 20:11

 

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had an urgent phone conversation with President of the European Council Charles Michel.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed his interlocutor about the current security situation around our country, emphasizing that currently Ukraine sees no evidence of withdrawal of Russian troops from our borders.

The Head of State paid special attention to the aggravation of the situation in the area of the Joint Forces Operation observed this morning. In particular, he reported a significant number of violations of the ceasefire by illegal armed groups.

The President put emphasis upon the shelling of a kindergarten in Stanytsia Luhanska by illegal armed groups this morning and called it a big provocation.

“This situation has once again proven that the evacuation of OSCE representatives and diplomats from Ukraine is not appropriate. It is important that diplomats and the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission stay in Ukraine. Monitoring activities are extremely important. This is an additional deterrent,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

According to the President, today the OSCE does not have enough resources to objectively record all the ceasefire violations that are taking place, including the current morning escalation.

The President of Ukraine and the President of the European Council mutually supported the position on the need to keep the missions in Ukraine and reaffirmed their commitment to political and diplomatic efforts aimed to unblock the peace process and restore stability.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked Charles Michel for the initiative to hold a donors’ conference in support of Ukraine.

The conversation took place before the beginning of a meeting of European Union leaders in Brussels chaired by the President of the European Council. In particular, Charles Michel will discuss with European leaders the information provided by the President of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the President of the European Council for the constant dialogue and his efforts to consolidate the international support of our state.

Charles Michel reaffirmed the EU’s strong and unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

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

While on a working trip to the Donetsk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy observed the procedure of service of the Marine Guard of the State Border Guard Service in the waters of the Sea of Azov.

The Head of State put to sea aboard the Captain Chusov search and rescue ship. Volodymyr Zelenskyy heard information on the implementation of tasks by Marine Guard units in the Ukrainian part of the Sea of Azov.

During the passage through the waters, the Captain Chusov ship approached the vessels on combat duty – the Donbas ship of the Marine Guard of the State Border Guard Service and the Lubny small armored boat of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As their personnel lined up on the upper deck, the President greeted the servicemen and thanked them for their service.

Head of the regional department of the Marine Guard of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Oleh Kostur presented a souvenir to the President – a memorial sign of the Marine Guard.

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

Ukraine is ready for any format of talks with Russia to establish peace, but despite public statements, the Russian side does not show willingness for a real conversation. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with media representatives in Mariupol, Donetsk region.

“As soon as Russia says publicly that it is ready to talk about de-escalation, ready to talk about bilateral relations, every time after that we request Russia to hold a meeting in this or that format. But, apart from the public position, in reality they are not willing to communicate with us, they do not want to,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine is ready for talks. “I am ready for any format,” he said.

The Head of State also said that Ukraine, as a responsible country, submitted official requests and tried to contact Russian President Vladimir Putin when the risks of escalation on Ukraine’s borders increased due to the buildup of Russian troops.

“Ukraine is not left without an answer, but this answer does not lead to a meeting. Nobody approves the phone conversation either,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is also interested in initiatives of other countries that offer assistance in organizing a meeting with the Russian side.

“We are interested. I did not refuse any of the countries that offered this to us. Moreover, we ourselves have offered this to certain countries. We were interested in various formats of talks with the Russian Federation,” the President said.