Category: Press Releases

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

Ukraine has been moving towards NATO membership for a long time, but, as in many other issues of sovereign choice, our country is being opposed on the path to Euro-Atlantic integration. The Head of State said this during a conversation with media representatives in Mariupol, Donetsk region.

“NATO is one of the issues that puts pressure on Ukraine. The main issue is Ukraine’s independence and its independent choice in all issues, and Ukraine has been fighting for its right to this for many years,” the President stressed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has chosen the course of NATO membership for its own security, and has been moving in this direction for a long time, but the distance to the Alliance for our country is not reduced.

“And this is not a philosophical question, there are specific reasons – opposition from Russia, which does not want Ukraine to be a member of NATO, and from some countries – members of the Alliance. And there are no secrets in this,” he said.

At the same time, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Russia is now using the NATO issue as an excuse for the deployment of their troops on Ukraine’s borders, and some European countries “are playing along in this”.

“But you shouldn’t distort the facts. Our territories have been occupied, the army is on our borders,” the Head of State stressed.

The President noted that the geopolitical course of Ukraine is enshrined in our Constitution, and this is indeed the choice of the Ukrainian people.

“But it is not the choice of the Ukrainian people when we will be there, as it depends not only on us – 30 countries must unanimously agree on this decision,” said the President, adding that the possibility of putting the NATO issue to a referendum is not being considered.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the Ukrainian servicemen control the situation on the borders of our state, but at the moment it cannot be stated that the Russian Federation is fully withdrawing its troops. The Head of State said this during the Marathon of Unity “#UArazom” while being in Mariupol, Donetsk region.

“The situation on our borders, on the touch line with the temporarily occupied territories, on the borders with Russia and Belarus is controlled by our military. We do not see any changes yet. We see a large concentration of troops, it has not changed in recent weeks. We see these or those small rotations. I would not call these rotations today the withdrawal of troops by the Russian Federation. We can’t state that,” he said.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, it is too early to draw conclusions.

According to the President, the Ukrainian state continues to be active in the political and diplomatic sphere. After all, it is through diplomatic channels that signals are coming about the possible risks of Russian groups’ buildup at the borders and escalation.

“Diplomacy has worked very well in terms of strengthening the Ukrainian army. This is also an important result. After all, thanks to our people, we have such an army, but we shouldn’t forget about the equipment,” the President said.

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

In Mariupol, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with servicemen and law enforcement officers who defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The event was also attended by diplomatic representatives of foreign countries.

“Dear defenders of our Ukrainian borders and peace on our land. You are real heroes! Dear ambassadors, diplomats, leaders of international organizations who remain with us today on Ukrainian land despite the situation near our borders. You are real friends! Dear soldiers who are now looking at us from the sky, as they gave lives for their native land. You are with us. You are real legends! Dear doctors, volunteers, chaplains who treat, help and pray for our soldiers! Dear journalists who saved their faces and did not spread panic! Dear citizens who have kept a cool head! Dear politicians who, for the sake of national security, were able to become statesmen, not runaways. Dear great Ukrainian people! I congratulate everyone on the holiday – Unity Day! I am grateful to everyone who defends the Homeland! Who stands and will stand for it! Who is faithful to the oath and faithful to Ukraine,” the President said.

The President stressed that there is nothing to be afraid of with such people, and the country is ready to overcome any threats, political and military pressure.

“We are not afraid of any predictions, we are not afraid of any people, any enemies. We are not afraid of any dates, because we will defend ourselves on February 16, 17, March and April, September and December – days and months are not important. The year is important: this is 2022, not 2014. This is an important difference. The war has been going on for eight years. We have become just as many times stronger. Without you there would be no state! Without you, this land would not exist. There will be no freedom on this land! The future is not interesting without you,” he stressed.

The President noted the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrainian diplomats, volunteers and the national resistance forces of the whole country, which inspire to defend their land, not to give in to provocations and “overcome the path to a peaceful and united Ukraine.”

“We are paving the way together. And only together we will build a peaceful and happy Ukraine! It is a great honor to be the President of such people, of such a state on such a day – the Day of Unity of the Great People of Great Ukraine,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

He also presented state awards to servicemen.

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

During a working trip to the Donetsk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on the security situation and the readiness of the security and defense forces to repel the armed aggression of the Russian Federation.

The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Ukraine.

The participants of the meeting heard a report by Commander of the Joint Forces Oleksandr Pavliuk on the situation in the JFO area.

Head of the Donetsk regional state administration Pavlo Kyrylenko and Head of the Luhansk regional state administration Serhiy Haidai reported on the process of formation of territorial defense units and the security situation in the regions.

The President asked about the mood of citizens in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of countering Russian propaganda, paying special attention to strengthening the influence of the Ukrainian media among the residents of Donbas.

“We must spread the broadcast of Ukrainian television and the influence of our other media,” said the President.

The President asked about the course of vaccination against COVID-19 in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

“We need to speed up vaccination so that our citizens are protected,” he said.

In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked about the popularity of services provided through the Diia portal of public services.

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

During a working trip to the Rivne region, President of Ukraine, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy observed the tactical exercises of the Armed Forces and other security and defense forces within the command and staff exercises “Snowstorm-2022”.

The Head of State inspected samples of weapons handed over to Ukraine by foreign partners. In particular, Javelin and NLAW anti-tank missile systems, Stinger missile system and more.

The security and defense forces practiced fighting in the border zone to disrupt the organized advance of the conventional enemy and its destruction. Units fired on enemy equipment and personnel during its advance, deployment and offensive.

In the training battle, military units actively used, in particular, combat aircraft, domestic and foreign unmanned aerial vehicles, including Bayraktar TB2, conventional artillery, MLRS, air defense systems, “Stugna-P”, “Corsair” modern anti-tank guided missiles of domestic production and NLAW, FGM-148 Javelin, SMAW M-141 provided by our partners.

The servicemen demonstrated a high level of coherence and interaction during the maneuver of units and counterattacks to inflict maximum fire damage on a conventional enemy.

The Head of State also observed the work of the operational staff at the command post of the mechanized brigade, where he noted the high level of training of servicemen in managing brigade units, forces and assets of units of other security and defense forces during the performance of the tasks in the area.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the personnel participating in the exercises for the high level of professionalism, skills, coordinated actions demonstrated during the fulfillment of training and combat missions.

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

On the Day of Unity, February 16, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a solemn ceremony of raising the State Flag of Ukraine.

In his presence, the orchestra performed the National Anthem. Warriors of honor guard raised a blue and yellow flag.

“Together we mark the Day of Unity! Unity of a great people of great Ukraine! This day is ours. Of those who live on the right and left banks of the Dnieper. In cities and villages. Near the Carpathians and spoil tips. On the coast of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Who speaks Ukrainian, Crimean Tatar, Russian, Hungarian or sign language, and together – create Ukraine not in words but in deeds!” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to the President’s decree, today, on the Day of Unity, at 10:00 the National Flag was hoisted on houses and buildings, and the National Anthem was played in all settlements of Ukraine.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 February 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Mario Draghi.

The President thanked the Italian Prime Minister for his personal diplomatic efforts to resolve the security crisis around Ukraine peacefully.

The parties discussed the current situation in the region, the development of the peace process and the intensification of all existing negotiation formats, including Normandy.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of further coordination of international efforts to de-escalate the situation.

“Ukraine stands for the political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict. We rely on Italy’s support for Ukraine’s approaches to a peaceful settlement within the EU, NATO and the OSCE,” the President stressed.

Particular attention was paid to further practical cooperation, in particular to the increase of Ukraine’s defense and financial stability in the face of current challenges.

“Italy’s support in strengthening the defense capabilities of our state is important for us,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The interlocutors also discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation.

The President invited the Prime Minister to visit Ukraine at his convenience.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 February 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida.

The President thanked Fumio Kishida for Japan’s firm and unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Your call is very important. It is taking place against the background of acute security challenges facing Ukraine and the world in general,” the President said.

The President briefed on the security situation in the region and the development of the peace process. He noted that Ukraine stands for the political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict in all available negotiation formats, including the Normandy one. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of further coordination of international efforts for de-escalation and peaceful settlement.

Particular attention was paid to increasing Ukraine’s defense and financial stability in the face of current challenges.

“Not just words, but actions matter today. Ukraine needs concrete support from our partners in strengthening the defense capability and resilience of our state,” the President said.

The parties discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation and noted the positive dynamics of trade between the two countries despite the challenges of the pandemic.

The President of Ukraine reaffirmed commitment to strengthening and developing a mutually beneficial partnership with Japan, as well as his interest in implementing important infrastructure projects – reconstruction of the Bortnychi aeration station and construction of a bridge over the Pivdennyi Buh River in Mykolaiv.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed special gratitude for the decision made by Japan to provide our country with financial support in the amount of $ 100 million, as well as to allocate additional $ 3 million for the development of the medical sphere.

The President invited the Prime Minister to pay a visit to Ukraine during the current symbolic 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 February 2022.

On the Day of Honoring the participants in hostilities on the territory of other states, a basket of flowers from the President was laid at the Memorial Complex to the citizens of Ukraine perished in Afghanistan.

“Time cannot erase from our memory the heroic deeds, examples of courage and fraternity of tens of thousands of sons and daughters of Ukraine,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President stressed that soldiers with experience in armed conflicts in hot spots of the planet were among the first to defend the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine, joining the ranks of our army.

“We bow our heads in memory of the heroes – participants in hostilities in other countries who gave their lives fulfilling their military duty. Eternal glory to them,” the President said.

On behalf of the Ukrainian people, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked all veterans for their courage in fighting the Russian aggressor, helping the army and participating in the organization of national resistance.

“I am confident that you will continue to be an example of high professionalism, chivalry and nobility for the current defenders of Ukraine,” the President said.

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

Great people of a great country!

I am addressing you at this tense moment.

Our state is facing serious external and internal challenges that require responsibility, confidence and concrete actions from me and each of us.

We are being intimidated by the great war and the date of the military invasion is being set again. This is not the first time.

The war against us is being systematically waged on all fronts. On the military one, they increase the contingent around the border. On the diplomatic one, they are trying to deprive us of the right to determine our own foreign policy course. On the energy one, they limit the supply of gas, electricity and coal. On the information one, they seek to spread panic among citizens and investors through the media.

But our state today is stronger than ever.

This is not the first threat that the strong Ukrainian people have faced. Two years ago, we, like the rest of the world, looked confused in the eyes of the pandemic. However, we united and with clear systemic steps practically defeated it. In this difficult time, the strong Ukrainian people have shown their best qualities – unity and the will to win.

Unlike the pandemic two years ago, today we clearly understand all the challenges we face and what to do about them. We are confident, but not self-confident. We understand all the risks. We are constantly monitoring the situation, working out different scenarios, preparing decent responses to all possible aggressive actions.

We know exactly where the foreign army is near our borders, its numbers, its locations, its equipment and its plans.

We have something to respond with. We have a great army. Our guys have unique combat experience and modern weapons. This is an army many times stronger than eight years ago.

Along with the army, Ukrainian diplomacy is at the forefront of defending our interests. We have managed to gain diplomatic support from almost all leaders of the civilized world. Most of them have either already visited and supported Ukraine, or will do so in the near future. Today, everyone recognizes that the security of Europe and the entire continent depends on Ukraine and its army.

We want peace and we want to resolve all issues exclusively through negotiations. Both Donbas and Crimea will return to Ukraine. Exclusively through diplomacy. We do not encroach on what’s not ours, but we will not give up our land.

We are confident in our Armed Forces, but our military must also feel our support, our cohesion and our unity. The foothold of our army is the confidence of their own people and a strong economy.

We have formed sufficient reserves to repel attacks on the hryvnia exchange rate and our financial system. We will not ignore any industry that will need government support. As it happened the other day with airlines. And evidence of this is a stable hryvnia exchange rate and open skies.

An important front of defense is the objective coverage of the situation by the domestic media. And now I want to address our Ukrainian journalists. Some of you sometimes have to perform the tasks of media owners. Most of them have already fled their own country.

Work for Ukraine, not for those who fled. The fate of the country today depends on your honest position.

And now I want to address not those who stayed with Ukraine and in Ukraine, but those who left it at the most crucial moment. Your strength is not in your money and planes, but in the civic position you can show. Return to your people and the country due to which you got your factories and wealth. Today, everyone passes a real test for a citizen of Ukraine. Pass it with dignity. Let everyone understand for whom Ukraine is really the Homeland, and for whom it is just a platform for money making.

I address separately all representatives of the state: civil servants, people’s deputies of all levels who have fled the country or plan to do so. The people of Ukraine have entrusted you not only to govern the state, but also to protect it. It is your direct duty in this situation to be with us, with the Ukrainian people. I urge you to return to your homeland within 24 hours and stand side by side with the Ukrainian army, diplomacy and people!

We are told that February 16 will be the day of the attack. We will make it the Day of Unity. The relevant decree has already been signed. On this day, we will hoist national flags, put on blue and yellow ribbons and show the world our unity.

We have one great European aspiration. We want freedom and are ready to fight for it. 14,000 defenders and civilians killed in this war are watching us from the sky. And we will not betray their memory.

We all want to live happily, and happiness loves the strong ones. We have never known what it is to give up and we are not going to learn that.

Today is not just Valentine’s Day. It is the day of those in love with Ukraine. We believe in our own strength and continue to build our future together. Because we are united by love for Ukraine, united and unique. And love will win. Yes, now you may think it’s darkness all around. But tomorrow the sun will rise again over our peaceful sky.

Love Ukraine!

We are calm! We are strong! We are together!

Great people of a great country.