Category: Press Releases

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

Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine’s borders, which will be an important signal of de-escalation. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the meeting with the media following the talks with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson in Kyiv.

“Nobody needs a war. But we do not invite anyone with weapons to our land. I can say for sure that the state has changed, society and the army have changed. And now there will be no occupation of any city or territory. And there will be, unfortunately, a tragedy if the escalation against our state begins. That is why I openly say: this will not be a war between Ukraine and Russia – this will be a war in Europe. Full-scale war, because no one will give up their territories and people anymore,” the President said, answering journalists’ questions.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that it is currently difficult to predict Russia’s further actions, so both the world community and Ukraine must prepare for any developments and take measures to reduce risks.

“Reducing risks is a powerful, armed army that is not advancing. We are defending ourselves. We are defending our state. I think this is fair, because this is our land and our sovereignty. We protect our history, language, traditions. And most importantly – we protect our people. And we will do it,” the Head of State stressed.

The President noted that he expects Russia to withdraw troops from Ukraine’s borders.

“Actually this is the only truthful answer from Russia to the question of whether they are going to continue the escalation. No words are needed, just such a powerful and important step. It is psychologically important not only for the people of Ukraine, but also for the Russians, many of whom definitely do not want to fight against Ukraine and die,” he said.

At the same time, according to the Head of State, today, despite some reduction in tension, it is too early to say that the Russian Federation has withdrawn troops.

“Now we see a certain force rotation, but I want to answer frankly: I will be able to say for sure that Russia has withdrawn its troops when it withdraws its troops,” the President concluded.

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

Ukraine invited the United Kingdom to join common mutually beneficial projects in the fields of infrastructure and energy. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with media representatives following talks with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson in Kyiv.

The President noted that the Agreement on Political Cooperation, Free Trade and Strategic Partnership signed the year before last is working successfully, which is proved by a 60% increase in bilateral trade between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

“We strive to expand partnership in all areas. We agreed to start negotiations on further trade liberalization. In addition to funds for the Ukrainian Navy, the United Kingdom is allocating almost 2 billion pounds for the implementation of joint specific and mutually beneficial projects with Ukraine in other areas,” said the President.

In particular, according to him, the United Kingdom was invited to join projects in the fields of infrastructure and energy.

The Head of State noted that 30 years ago Ukraine and Great Britain established diplomatic relations, which have always been full of friendship, respect and content.

“And today our nations are united for the sake of peace in Ukraine, Europe and the world, in order to prevent a new war,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing hope that this year the word of the year will be “peace.”

For his part, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom announced the allocation of an additional 88 million pounds of funding to support the stability and energy independence of Ukraine.

“This funding is to support the efforts of the President and the authorities to build a prosperous Ukrainian society free from malicious influence,” said Boris Johnson.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the key issues in the talks with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson were the existing historical challenges facing the two countries, Europe and the whole world. The Head of State made this statement during a meeting with media representatives following the talks in Kyiv with Boris Johnson, for whom this is the first visit to Ukraine as the head of the British government.

“Prime Minister Johnson assured me of full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, readiness for further cooperation to deoccupy our peninsula and return all our Ukrainian territories, including within the Crimea Platform,” he said.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during the meeting the parties discussed a set of steps to deter the Russian Federation.

“My opinion is well known. Any measures are effective before, not after. Prevention is better than resuscitation. This is evidenced by the recent decision of the British government to draft a law that will strengthen and expand sanctions for aggression against Ukraine,” the President stressed.

The President also thanked the United Kingdom for supporting Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

In the context of strengthening the defense capabilities of our state, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is building a strong, capable army. In particular, a decision has already been made to increase the number of the Armed Forces by another 100,000 servicemen.

“We appreciate the assistance and practical help from the UK on this path. This is 1.7 billion pounds for the Ukrainian Navy, the construction of modern Ukrainian naval bases, a package of security assistance and weapons, when Her Majesty’s Air Force transport planes delivered thousands of modern anti-tank missiles to Ukraine,” said the President.

According to him, at the meeting with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, an agreement was reached on joint actions to ensure peace, security and stability in the Black Sea region, as well as to intensify cooperation in the field of cyber defense and cyber security.

For his part, Boris Johnson said that the escalation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine would be a political, humanitarian and military catastrophe for Russia and the world. Therefore, he is convinced that the Russian Federation needs to take a step back and choose the path of diplomacy.

The Prime Minister stressed that the United Kingdom has in recent years provided and continues to provide assistance to Ukraine to strengthen its security and defense.

“Alongside other countries, we are also preparing a package of sanctions and other measures to be enacted the moment the first Russian toecap crosses further into Ukrainian territory. We have done all this as a demonstration that we will always stand up for freedom, democracy and Ukrainian sovereignty in the face of aggression,” the British Prime Minister said.

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

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Boris Johnson met President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on February 1, 2022 to discuss ongoing Russian hostile activity, including military build up.

The Prime Minister emphasised the United Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The United Kingdom stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression, which threatens regional peace and security and undermines the global order. The two leaders emphasised that it is the right of every Ukrainian to determine their own future.

The leaders warned that any further Russian incursion in Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake and have a stark humanitarian cost.

Ukraine and the United Kingdom agreed to work together to strengthen Ukraine’s security and the ability to defend itself. The leaders also expressed their commitment to strengthen Ukraine’s energy security and support its efforts towards the green transition. The Prime Minister announced £88 million of new funding to aid efforts to build Ukraine’s resilience and reduce reliance on Russian energy supplies.

The leaders reaffirmed their desire to deepen the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the UK in all areas of mutual interest, and to continue their engagement, particularly in the framework of the Ukraine-UK Strategic Dialogue.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with President of Romania Klaus Iohannis.

The heads of state exchanged congratulations on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Romania, which is being celebrated today. Mutual readiness for further comprehensive development of bilateral cooperation was confirmed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed the interlocutor about the current security situation in Donbas, in the temporarily occupied Crimea, as well as along the state border of Ukraine.

The Presidents discussed the security situation in the Black Sea and practical initiatives of our state aimed at strengthening cooperation with partner countries in the region.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Klaus Iohannis exchanged views on Ukraine’s implementation of the European integration strategy. The Ukrainian head of state stressed the importance of providing a European perspective to Ukraine and expressed hope that Romania would support this ambitious goal.

The Presidents also discussed the state of implementation of joint infrastructure projects, including the construction of a bridge over the Tisza River.

Special attention was paid to Ukrainian-Romanian cooperation in the field of education. The leaders praised the preparations for the conclusion of the Protocol on Cooperation in Education between the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of National Education of Romania.

In addition, they reaffirmed mutual commitment to promote the preservation of the cultural heritage of Ukraine and Romania, in particular through the implementation of relevant projects by both countries.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Klaus Iohannis to pay a visit to Ukraine at his convenience.

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

Today, diplomatic support for Ukraine and the amount of military-technical assistance provided by partners are the largest since 2014. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his speech at the opening ceremony of the seventh session of the Verkhovna Rada of the IX convocation.

The Head of State stressed that foreign support for Ukraine now unites almost the whole world, and Ukrainians must be united in domestic politics.

The President said that last week he had talks with the leaders of the European Council, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, France and the United States, ambassadors of the G7, representatives of the UN, NATO, the EU, the IMF and the OSCE.

“In total 80 representatives of foreign countries and international organizations. They are united in supporting our state,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Also, according to him, thanks to unity, the Normandy format was unblocked, which gave hope for de-escalation and peaceful settlement in Donbas.

“For the first time since 2019, all four parties have agreed on a joint final statement. We are actively working to agree on the date of the next meeting of advisers in Berlin in the coming days, where, I hope, there will be an agreement on a meeting of the leaders of the Normandy Four,” said the President.

He also reminded that with a view to continue the joint initiative with President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda, a meeting of ministers of the two countries was held in Kyiv recently, during which mutually beneficial agreements were reached in trade, investment, transportation and transit of goods.

The President added that the Prime Ministers of Great Britain, Poland, the Netherlands and the President of Turkey will arrive in Kyiv this week.

“Such an intensity of visits is a serious factor in stabilization… No one decides our fate behind our backs – everyone comes to us. Our partners are ready to lend us a shoulder. This is very important, and we are grateful to our partners for that,” the Head of State stressed.

According to him, Ukraine, Great Britain and Poland are creating a new format of political cooperation in Europe. The signing of a Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and Turkey is also being prepared.

“Diplomatic support for Ukraine since 2014 is the greatest, unconditional and ongoing. Military-technical assistance to Ukraine since 2014 is the largest, invaluable and ongoing,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.

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

At a solemn sitting on the occasion of the opening of the seventh session of the Verkhovna Rada of the ninth convocation, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed representatives of the three branches of government and society with a call for unity for the sake of the future of our country.

In his speech, the Head of State noted that we have often heard about unity, seldom achieved it and are in dire need of it.

“The unity of all, always and in everything. First of all, in the perception of our present, and most importantly – our future: the future of our state, the future of our generations,” said the President.

In particular, according to him, in the struggle for life and health, unity was demonstrated by 15 million Ukrainian citizens who received two vaccinations. As a result, the course of the disease is milder, fewer people are hospitalized and fewer people die.

“The unity of power yesterday during the adoption of the budget is twice the salary for doctors. The unity of power today is the normal passage of new waves (of coronavirus incidence – ed.), sufficient supply of beds, oxygen, billions of hryvnias of “eSupport” and millions of citizens who have used it,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy and thanked parliamentarians for supporting this program.

The Head of State stressed that today unity is needed both in deeds and in public statements – in the information field, in the “understanding of the media of its responsibility.”

“At a time when the media field is a new battlefield, news is a new weapon, and any messages, especially those based on anonymous sources, have a real and great impact on the mental health of our people, on our state, and especially the economy,” said the President.

In this context, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked citizens and business representatives who were united and did not give in to the “panic virus”.

“Our economy is stabilizing, everything is under control in the financial system, budget revenues in January were overachieved by 7 billion. The hryvnia is feeling better – yesterday it strengthened by 30 kopecks, we are gradually returning to a stable and planned exchange rate,” the President said.

In addition, as the President noted, the international financial markets have been experiencing positive dynamics on Ukrainian bonds for almost a week.

“Their quotations return to their previous level, so the financial world is optimistic about the future in Ukraine,” he said.

Also, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the country has sufficient reserves of gas and coal. For the first time in 30 years, all nuclear power units are operating, so our country is using the full potential of nuclear energy.

Ukraine’s gold and foreign exchange reserves remain at a record level, which protects the national currency from sharp fluctuations and strengthens economic immunity, the President said.

In addition, there are signals of readiness to provide financial support to Ukraine from international partners.

“For them, I thank the European Union, I thank the leaders of European countries, the United States, Canada and all those who will soon be ready to announce such decisions,” said the President.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with Executive Vice President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis.

The President thanked for the financial support to Ukraine from the European Union, in particular for the new macro-financial assistance program worth 1.2 billion euros. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the decision to allocate this aid was a timely signal for the financial markets, which already helps maintain the stability of the Ukrainian economy.

“Our strategy worked: to talk not about war, but about the economy. Today is the first day when we have not spent a single dollar of our reserves to support the hryvnia exchange rate,” the President stressed.

The parties agreed that the first tranche of macro-financial assistance in the amount of 600 million euros will be paid without additional conditions immediately after the completion of all necessary procedures.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy especially thanked for the funding for Ukraine provided by the Economic and Investment Plan for the Eastern Partnership, which, among other things, will be aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises.

During the discussion of trade relations between Ukraine and the EU, the Head of State raised the issue of starting official negotiations on granting additional trade preferences to Ukraine as soon as possible, which will include updating current tariffs and quotas for Ukrainian exporters.

The importance of ensuring proper progress in concluding an agreement on the so-called industrial visa-free regime, which will open additional markets for domestic industrial producers, was emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Executive Vice President of the European Commission for his personal active position in support of Ukraine in the current difficult conditions.

“Your visit in these difficult times is another sign of the EU’s unquestionable support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the President stressed.

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

On January 31, 2022, on the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda, the meeting between Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov and Minister of Infrastructure of Poland Andrzej Adamczyk was held in the presence of Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and Secretary of State in the Chancellery of the President of Poland, Head of the Bureau for International Policy Jakub Kumoch.

Following the meeting, the text of the Joint Statement was agreed as follows:

1.1. The parties agreed to lift restrictions on the transit of freight cars through Ukraine to Poland by rail as soon as possible. By February 4, 2022, the Ukrainian side will inform the Polish side about the specific dates for the resumption of transit of freight cars through the territory of Ukraine.

1.2. The parties agreed to significantly increase the number of permits for international freight transportation, taking into account the needs of Ukrainian and Polish road carriers. By February 5, 2022, the parties must agree on the date of the meeting of the Joint Commission on International Road Transport, which should agree on the timing of transfer and the number of additional permits for international freight transportation.

1.3. The parties agreed to develop a joint action plan aimed at significantly improving the efficiency of international road checkpoints of the Republic of Poland and Ukraine. The relevant action plan must be agreed with the participation of representatives of customs, border and other services of Poland and Ukraine no later than the end of February 2022.

1.4. The parties agreed to initiate a revision of the provisions of the 1992 Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Poland on International Road Transport.

The parties assume that all points of the Joint Statement are interrelated and should be fully implemented.

The parties also noted the interest of Polish oil and gas companies PGNiG and PKN Orlen in investing in the Ukrainian oil and gas sector and agreed to facilitate their cooperation with NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine in this direction. For its part, KGHM has expressed its readiness to start negotiations on the joint development of non-ferrous metal deposits.

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

Given the growing incidence of COVID-19 in Ukraine, it is important to continue an active campaign to vaccinate the population, as vaccinated citizens have a milder course of the disease. This was emphasized by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a conference call on combating the spread of coronavirus.

According to Health Minister Viktor Lyashko, 37.3 thousand new cases of COVID-19 were registered in Ukraine last week.

As the number of patients increases, so does the burden on primary care physicians. Currently, more than 24,000 beds for patients with coronavirus are occupied, which is 34.7% of the total number of allocated beds.

At the same time, compared to the previous wave of COVID-19, the level of oxygen consumption in health facilities is lower, i.e. fewer patients are in critical condition. Mortality from coronavirus disease is also lower than in the previous wave.

“The pressure is felt, but the medical system withstands it,” said Viktor Lyashko.

In this context, the President reiterated the importance of vaccination against COVID-19.

“In all communications at all levels of the Ministry of Health, we must remind citizens that it is vaccination that facilitates a milder course of the disease,” said the President.

In total, 30.3 million vaccinations against coronavirus have already been made in Ukraine. 15.3 million people were vaccinated, of which 14.6 million received two doses.

The Cabinet of Ministers also said that 7.8 million Ukrainians have already applied for cash benefits under the eSupport program initiated by the President. UAH 7.3 billion was transferred to accounts, of which almost UAH 2 billion was spent.

Also, from January 24, citizens over the age of 60 will be able to purchase medicines within the program. UAH 69 million was spent on medicines, which is 3.4% of the total amount.

In general, the book industry remains the leader in terms of funds spent. Ukrainians spent 34.4% of the funds received on the purchase of literature.

It was noted that in the near future the government will decide to expand the eSupport program to people aged 14-18.