Category: Press Releases

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

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska spoke online at the international conference WomenNOW, which is taking place for the fourth time in the Spanish capital Madrid. The event is dedicated to leadership in volatile times, the power of change and the need for women to lead it.

The President’s wife thanked Spain for sheltering more than 100,000 Ukrainian temporary migrants.

“Imagine: Spain actually saved an entire city. Such as Severodonetsk, which the Russians are bombing at the moment we are talking. Spain receives our soldiers and children with oncology for treatment. Yes, you save lives! Ukrainians will not forget this,” she said.

Olena Zelenska also appealed to the representatives of the European Union to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate for membership: “On June 23-24, the European Council will consider granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership. This is what is now awaited in every trench and in every bomb shelter. To be invited to Europe no longer as refugees, but as like-minded people and allies. People who are now fighting not only for themselves, but also for the aggressor not to come to Europe. Someone will ask: what do we have to join the EU? I will say: we have the main thing – we value human life.”

The conference was also attended by other female leaders, including Third Vice-President of the Government of Spain and Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge Teresa Ribera, Economist and Professor at University College London Mariana Mazzucato, Director of Business Development at Santander Bank Cristina Alvarez, Paralympic Games contestant Sara Andres (Spain), former Vice President of the National Assembly of Afghanistan Fawzia Koofi.

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

Another phone call took place between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the United States Joseph Biden.

The President of Ukraine thanked the President of the United States for the leadership position in supporting our country in countering the ongoing aggression by the Russian Federation, in our struggle for freedom and the right to determine our own future, and for consistent, unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.

The Head of State noted the importance and timeliness of the US provision of an additional package of assistance in the amount of USD 1 billion. “The security support from the United States is unprecedented. It brings us closer to a common victory over the Russian aggressor,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, thanking Joseph Biden for his leadership in mobilizing international security support for Ukraine.

During the conversation, Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed Joseph Biden of the latest developments on the frontline and informed about the priority needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to effectively counter Russian aggression. The importance of further coordination of the relevant efforts in the framework of the Rammstein format was emphasized.

The interlocutors also discussed the importance of further economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine. “We also appreciate the significant financial and macroeconomic support for Ukraine from the United States. It helps us endure this war,” the President said.

The President of Ukraine expressed special gratitude to Joseph Biden for the decision to allocate USD 225 million for the purpose of humanitarian aid to the population of our state affected by the Russian aggression.

“We must win this war and return our occupied territories. This will be our common victory,” the President of Ukraine stressed.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama and Prime Minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazović, who are on a visit to our country. Also during the event, Prime Minister of North Macedonia Dimitar Kovačevski expressed his support for Ukraine in a video address.

The President of Ukraine is convinced that the development of such a format of cooperation will strengthen our states, the region and Europe in general.

“This meeting of ours testifies to the support of the esteemed Prime Ministers and, consequently, the people of these states for Ukraine, our territorial integrity, sovereignty, our course for full membership in the European Union,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a conversation with media representatives following the negotiations in Kyiv.

The President of Ukraine thanked the Prime Ministers of Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia for the joint statement approved today following the talks in support of granting our country the status of a candidate for EU membership.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the meeting took place on the eve of historically important international events, the decisions of which, in particular on granting EU candidate status to Ukraine, determine the fate of the European project and Europe as a whole.

The Ukrainian President stressed that the strategic response to Russia’s anti-European policy should be the strengthening of unification processes in Europe, greater coordination of European states, overcoming differences between the so-called old and new EU members, and eliminating any “gray” zones in Europe.

“Our states – Ukraine, the Republic of Albania, Montenegro and the Republic of North Macedonia – must become full members of the EU. And we agree that our countries are not competitors on this European path, they complement and strengthen each other’s capabilities,” he said.

The parties also supported the need to bring to justice all Russian war criminals for what they had done against Ukraine and Europe. Prior to the meeting, the Prime Ministers of Albania and Montenegro visited the areas of the Kyiv region liberated from the Russian occupiers and saw for themselves the consequences of the actions of the Russian military in these territories.

“We agree that an effective tactical response to Russian aggression should be even greater assistance to Ukraine, timely assistance – this is very important. In particular, the assistance with weapons. Also – increasing pressure on Russia, increasing sanctions against Russia for this invasion. The seventh package of sanctions should be as tangible for the aggressor state as the previous six packages combined,” the President of Ukraine stressed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyiyy said that during the talks a lot of attention was paid to defense cooperation. He thanked for the practical assistance to Ukraine in the military-technical sphere, for the support of those Ukrainians who have found refuge in these countries. The Head of State also expressed hope that in the near future the four countries will be able to work together on a project of post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.

Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama stressed his support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people. He said that today he visited Irpin and Borodyanka affected by the occupation and offered his country’s assistance in rebuilding houses in Irpin.

“I know that the EU, represented by many countries and regions, has joined this process, but we want to do it without unnecessary bureaucracy. Let us be the first, maybe it will speed up the accession of the rest,” he added.

Edi Rama also assured of support for Ukraine’s aspirations to become a candidate for accession to the European Union.

“We do not want anyone to speculate on the fact that the EU is bypassing us and we are allegedly offended. This is not true. We believe that these are separate issues,” he said.

The Prime Minister of Albania also wished Ukraine an end to the war and establishment of peace.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Montenegro stressed that the visit to Kyiv is a sign of support for the Ukrainian people, who are fighting for common values of Europe and for the right to choose their own future.

He said that Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia unequivocally support the choice of the Ukrainian people and government in favor of democratic principles.

“The same applies to joining the EU. You have the support of Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia to unite with the European family,” said Dritan Abazović. He expressed hope that the position of the heads of the three Balkan countries in support of Ukraine would be heard by other European partners.

The Prime Minister of Montenegro also noted that the three countries are ready to contribute to the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, in particular, by providing equipment and funding.

“In our person you have a faithful friend. We will do everything we can to support you in all your endeavors. After all, we faced your experience 30 years ago and we know for sure what aggression, war, ruin and war crimes are. In the name of peace, friendship and solidarity of all European countries, I wish you well and happiness in the future,” said Dritan Abazović.

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

During a working visit to Denmark, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva met with senior political leadership and government officials.

During the negotiations with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Ihor Zhovkva expressed gratitude from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a strong support for our state in resisting full-scale armed aggression.

Emphasis was placed on the importance of Copenhagen’s support for granting Ukraine candidate status at the forthcoming European Council meeting at the level of EU member states leaders.

“We hope that next week, during the European Council meeting in Brussels, the Kingdom of Denmark will support granting our country the long cherished status of a candidate for EU membership. This is a decision that the citizens of Ukraine deserve, as they are now paying the highest price, defending European values,” Ihor Zhovkva stressed.

The issue of implementing our country’s European integration strategy was the focus of Ihor Zhovkva’s meeting with Chairman of the Danish Foreign Policy Committee Martin Lidegaard, members of the Foreign Policy Committee, as well as parliamentary committees on foreign policy and European policy.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President expressed hope that after the positive conclusion of the European Commission, the relevant decision on granting our country the status of a candidate country for EU accession will be made in June by the leaders of the member states.

“Giving Ukraine candidate status is only the first step on the path to full EU membership. Accordingly, we hope that the leaders of the European Union will make such an important political decision that will allow us to fix the strategic movement of our country towards the European Union,” he said.

During the meeting with Minister of Defence of Denmark Morten Bødskov, cooperation in the military-technical field was discussed. The Deputy Head of the President’s Office thanked the Danish side for important military assistance, especially the transfer of Harpoon-type missiles, and expressed hope that Denmark would continue its efforts to strengthen resistance to Russian military aggression.

During the meeting with Permanent Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen, the issues of practical implementation of Ukraine’s European integration strategy and the possibility of using Denmark’s advisory and other practical assistance were discussed.

Ihor Zhovkva and Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen also exchanged views on the prospects of deepening Ukraine’s integration into the EU internal market, which will allow for the gradual recovery of the domestic economy.

During the meeting with the Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark Simon Kollerup, the main focus was on the prospects of involving Denmark in the post-war reconstruction of destroyed facilities in the regions of our country.

Ihor Zhovkva thanked Denmark for sending free construction equipment to Ukraine – excavators, loaders, trucks, which are already working for the needs of our country: “I would like to express words of sincere gratitude to Denmark for the leadership in restoring and rebuilding the territories of Ukraine that suffered destruction as a result of Russia’s aggression. We appreciate that Denmark was one of the first to respond to the initiative of the President of Ukraine on patronage by international partners and will be involved in the restoration of the city of Mykolaiv.”

Issues of financial, humanitarian, expert and other practical assistance for the needs of Ukraine were discussed in detail during Ihor Zhovkva’s meetings with Danish State Secretary for Development Policy of Danish MFA Lotte Machon and Deputy Director General at The Confederation of Danish Industry Thomas Bustrup.

Together with Copenhagen’s Deputy Mayor for Employment and Integration Jens-Kristian Lütken, Ihor Zhovkva visited the Center for Ukrainian Displaced Persons in the Danish capital.

“I sincerely thank the Danish people, the Danish government and the Copenhagen city authorities for their support for the temporarily displaced citizens of Ukraine. This is a testament to your country’s solidarity with Ukrainians who have suffered from Russia’s war and war crimes,” said the Deputy Head of the President’s Office.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 11 June 2022.

The first Ukrainian center in the European Union for citizens who were forced to leave Ukraine was opened in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. Since the beginning of the Russian aggression, the Republic of Lithuania has sheltered more than 50,000 Ukrainian displaced persons.

The cultural center was established at the initiative of the first ladies of the two countries – Olena Zelenska and Diana Nausėdienė. The premises for it were provided by Vytautas Magnus University.

The symbolic ribbon was cut at the ceremony by the First Lady of Lithuania, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Lithuania Petro Beshta and Rector of the University Juozas Augutis.

Olena Zelenska joined the event via video call from Kyiv.

“When we conceived this center with a colleague, let me say, with my friend and a great friend of Ukraine Diana Nausėdienė, we wanted Ukrainians who were forced to come to Lithuania because of the war to have a truly native place. We wanted the center to be really the place where one can address any question – help or communication. We wanted people to be able to study here, to spend leisure time. Join a cultural event or educational course,” she said.

Former Lithuanian Ambassador to Ukraine Algirdas Kumža, signatory of the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania, became the Head of the Ukrainian Center in Vilnius.

According to the plan, the Ukrainian Center will become a place of education, career guidance, psychological assistance, recreation for children, youth and adults. Here you can leave your child for extracurricular activities, attend lectures, educational courses or spend time on hobbies.

The center will also be a platform for cultural diplomacy between countries, present Ukraine, its culture and identity in Lithuania, participate in academic activities, hold creative meetings, concerts and other events.

“Together with our partners, we promised to actively cooperate and do everything possible to ensure that Ukrainians feel safe in Lithuania, receive medical and social assistance, educational services and, most importantly, cherish their culture and preserve the nation’s vitality,” Diana Nausėdienė said.

 

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 11 June 2022.

During a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the preparation of the seventh package of sanctions against Russia, which should be even more powerful.

“I am grateful to the European Union for its sanctions policy against Russia, which is very helpful in our struggle. Six packages of EU sanctions have become a tangible instrument of pressure on Russia during the war. But the war continues. Therefore, the seventh package of sanctions is needed, and it should be even more powerful,” the President said during a meeting with media representatives following talks with Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv.

In particular, according to him, all Russian officials and judges working for war and repression should be subject to sanctions. The European Union must also completely block the activities of all Russian banks. First of all, this applies to Gazprombank, which finances Russia’s anti-European policy. In addition, sanctions are needed against all Russian companies that in one way or another help the state in the military sphere or in suppressing democracy and freedom of speech.

“And, of course, the European Union, for its own benefit, must work much faster to completely abandon Russia’s energy resources. This is a fundamental issue of security for all – both for Ukraine and for each EU state,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, adding that work is underway on other areas of sanctions policy as well.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 11 June 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who is on a visit to our country.

The President greeted the President of the European Commission in Ukraine, noting that this is her second visit in two months during a full-scale war, which testifies to the significant contribution of Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen to the support for our country and the common struggle for freedom in Europe.

“It is definitely a crucial time. And not only for Ukraine, but also for the European Union. It is now being determined what the future of a united Europe will be and whether this future will be at all. Russia wants to destroy European unity, it wants to leave Europe divided and weak. The whole of Europe is a target for Russia, and Ukraine is only the first stage in this aggression, in these plans. That is why the European Union’s positive response to Ukraine’s application for membership can be a positive response to the question of whether the European project has a future at all,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with media representatives after talks with the European Commission President in Kyiv.

The Head of State stressed that the Ukrainian people have already made an extremely great contribution to the protection of common freedom and European values and proved that state and public institutions in Ukraine remain stable and Ukrainians are fully integrated into the European space.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that the Ukrainian authorities have provided comprehensive answers to the questionnaire in a very short time and are waiting for the European Commission’s conclusion next week on Ukraine’s compliance with the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership.

“The vast majority of Europeans consider Ukraine part of the European family. And rightly so. We are very much looking forward to the recognition of such a reality at the political level on June 23-24, when the historic meeting of the European Council is to take place. Meeting, the logical decision of which should be to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate country. We really believe in that,” he said.

The President of Ukraine noted that the candidate status is only the beginning of the movement towards EU membership, and Ukraine will still have to cover the path from candidate to full membership.

“But everyone has already seen that the Ukrainian people value freedom so much and are so much ready to fight for their future that they will do everything necessary for Ukraine’s European integration. The European project certainly cannot be complete without us, without Ukraine, and this is absolutely obvious right now, when the Ukrainian people are bravely defending the future for themselves and all the nations of Europe,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The President also thanked Ursula von der Leyen for the European Commission’s proposal of a new program of assistance to Ukraine in the amount of 9 billion euros and efforts to prepare for the reconstruction of our country after the war.

“We are coordinating our steps in this direction to synchronize our internal Plan for the reconstruction of Ukraine and the European Platform for the reconstruction of our state. I believe that together with the European Commission and European countries we will be able to create all conditions for the most ambitious economic project of our time, namely – full and rapid recovery of Ukraine after this tragedy, after this war,” said the President.

The President noted that the decision to abolish tariffs and quotas on Ukrainian exports to the European Union has already entered into force. He also thanked for organizing “green corridors” to promote exports from Ukraine.

“We have already started negotiations in the field of transport to conclude an agreement on the liberalization of road freight transport. In the field of energy, the synchronization of our energy network with the European one has reached a new level – from now on, significant exports of our electricity to the countries of the European Union are possible. All this and many other lines of our cooperation strengthen both Ukraine and our neighbors in the EU, and, I believe, strengthen the entire European Union,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

For her part, Ursula von der Leyen noted that by the end of next week the European Commission should complete discussions on granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for accession to the European Union.

“On this path, we very much appreciate the efforts that Ukraine is making and the determination with which your country is moving. People have proven their motivation and determination. Therefore, I am convinced that together we will be able to overcome this terrible war. Together we will rebuild this beautiful country, modernize Ukraine,” said the President of the European Commission.

She noted that the European Commission is working on the Platform for Reconstruction of Ukraine and is very enthusiastic about this issue.

“EU member states, other partners of Ukraine, international financial institutions, civil society, people, business are very interested in supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine,” said Ursula von der Leyen.

According to her, this platform will allow synchronizing joint work on the restoration of Ukraine.

“We want to direct investments, ensure the implementation of reforms, so that it improves the lives of Ukrainians, so that we can rebuild Ukraine, make it attractive for investment, so that Ukraine creates attractive conditions for doing business and can move towards the European Union,” she said.

Ursula von der Leyen stressed that Ukraine has implemented important reforms in the areas of economy and the rule of law. According to her, our country must continue this path.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 11 June 2022.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva met with a delegation of the informal international network United for Ukraine, which included representatives of the national parliaments of Lithuania, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Sweden and Spain.

Ihor Zhovkva noted the efforts of the association, which now has more than 280 former and current deputies and high-ranking officials from more than 30 countries, to promote the Ukrainian agenda both within the authorities and societies of their countries and internationally.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President briefed European politicians on the current security situation in Ukraine. He expressed hope that foreign parliamentarians would continue to make every effort for their countries to promptly supply the weapons Ukraine needs, as well as to impose sanctions on Russia.

The issue of granting our country the status of a candidate for EU membership during the European Council meeting on June 23-24 this year was discussed separately.

“It is gratifying that all the deputies present here, even from Germany, support granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership already in June. The adoption of such a formal decision at the upcoming meeting of the European Council is the key to the victory of our country in the war against Russia,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President praised the network’s efforts to rebuild Ukraine, as well as its proactive role in bringing the Russian military to justice for crimes committed in Ukraine. In this context, Ihor Zhovkva called on the parliaments of the member states to call things by their names and recognize Russia’s crimes in Ukraine as genocide of the Ukrainian people, and Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.

“This is not only a question of historical justice, but also an important legal basis for the activities of the postwar international tribunal,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 11 June 2022.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Tymoshenko held a meeting with representatives of theUNICEF on the restoration of educational and children’s institutions that had been destroyed or damaged as a result of the Russian invasion.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko informed the UNICEF representatives about the plan to restore infrastructure in the affected regions of Ukraine. This plan consists of 16 clusters (houses, schools, kindergartens, sports facilities, roads).

“We need a rapid recovery plan that will help us rebuild homes, kindergartens and medical infrastructure. This is the infrastructure we want to rebuild now, without delay,” said the Deputy Head of the Office of the President.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko informed about the number of schools that were completely destroyed or damaged during the enemy shelling.

He stressed that the Ukrainian authorities are negotiating with representatives of private business and non-governmental organizations that may be involved in financing the restoration of educational infrastructure.

The Deputy Head of the President’s Office told about the projects to rebuild schools that are planned to be implemented with the participation of private investors.

For her part, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Special Coordinator for the Refugee and Migrant Response Afshan Khan said that the organization supports fundraising initiatives for new equipment and educational materials for Ukrainian schools, as well as training for teachers.

UNICEF representatives stressed the need to use new design decisions and build inclusive spaces when renovating schools and kindergartens.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President also informed about the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which provides for the patronage of Ukraine’s partner countries to restore the regions of our country affected as a result of the Russian invasion.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 10 June 2022.

The reconstruction of housing destroyed by the Russian occupiers should include not only the construction of new buildings, but also the construction of a new, modern Ukraine, which at a high price has gained its independence and the way to the future. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an online conversation with students of universities in the UK.

“I really want people to return to their native country, to their native streets, but to a slightly different Ukraine, which has already gained independence and a future for itself. I really want this future to be mentally not in Stalin’s apartments, but in the independent Ukrainian space. And at the physical level there will be large construction and restoration of our state,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that it is planned to restore all residential buildings that were destroyed as a result of the Russian invasion, and such reconstruction will depend on global financial support.

“Now is the moment of truth, now is the war. And when we win, we will build our new state, not forgetting our wonderful history and our traditions,” the President said.

The President stressed that building a new, modern state is impossible without the active participation of young people who will offer their vision of the future of Ukraine.

“I can’t build a comfortable state for you without you. I can build a state for all of us, for our generation, for the elderly. We can build a modern country, but it is impossible to build the future without the younger generation,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

He noted that despite the modernity and creativity, the Ukrainian authorities cannot see tomorrow as young people can.

“We cannot look ahead and see the future as transparently as you. Each generation is better than the previous one, more modern than the previous one. I can’t offer you anything. I can help you realize your dreams and your Ukraine, your vision of the future,” the President stressed.

Students and professors from leading British universities, including the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Birmingham, University of Cambridge, City, University of London, Coventry University, University of Glasgow, University of Manchester, University of Oxford, University College London, etc. took part in the meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Representatives of the British media were present at several universities.