Category: Press Releases

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

The Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Police and the Territorial Defense work well to maintain control over much of Ukraine’s territory, which has been attacked by the Russian Federation. This was stated by Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podoliak at a briefing in the Office of the Head of State.

“If we compare the military potentials of Ukraine and Russia, we are holding the line very effectively. Our enemies want to solve the key task – to capture Kyiv and the main cities of the east and south of the country. We know their plans, and the leadership of the Armed Forces especially understands them,” he said.

According to Mykhailo Podoliak, the tactics used by the Russian armed forces partly resembles terrorist methods when shelling of residential neighborhoods is carried out, and today even shelling of kindergartens took place.

“War crimes, which unfortunately took place as of today, must receive a strict legal assessment,” he said.

The Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office reiterated that the enemy will not be able to implement its plans to eliminate the leadership of the Ukrainian state and create chaos in the country. He confirmed that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Kyiv and is effectively managing the country and defense.

“Yesterday, the day before yesterday, today he works around the clock. He has regular meetings with other leaders of the country – the Cabinet of Ministers, deputies, as well as regular consultations with world leaders. The President is aware of everything that is happening in the country and makes operational decisions on governing the country,” Mykhailo Podoliak said.

He also said that the most difficult situation now is in the Kharkiv direction, in the Sumy region and in the south of the country, where quite heavy fighting continues between the Armed Forces and Russian troops.

The Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office noted that, according to preliminary data, more than a thousand servicemen of the aggressor country were killed today, which is quite a large number.

“Today he (President of Ukraine – ed.) is negotiating with world leaders in order to form the maximum fund of support for our Armed Forces by our partners,” Mykhailo Podoliak stressed.

During the briefing, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal informed about an extraordinary government meeting, which adopted a number of necessary decisions to equip and supply the army, ensure stable operation of hospitals and critical infrastructure during martial law.

In particular, the State Treasury of Ukraine together with the Ministry of Finance will redistribute funds to strengthen national security and defense, carry out the necessary priority measures and payments.

“The government has decided to carry out state domestic borrowing in the amount of up to 400 billion hryvnias through the gradual issuance of military bonds,” he said.

Additional funding was provided for the military, privates and commanders, and it was decided that the eSupport program, which accrues for the full vaccination course, could be used to help the army by transferring it to the International Charitable Foundation Return Alive or to a special account of the National Bank.

“Ports of Ukraine are under increased protection. The government has established the third level of protection in sea and river ports of Ukraine, in port facilities and on vessels that have the right to sail under the flag of Ukraine, for the period of martial law,” he added.

Also, according to the government’s decision, for the period of martial law, the leaders of the territorial defense zone have the right to decide for themselves what and how much humanitarian aid is needed. The State Customs Service and border guards must ensure the immediate passage of such assistance to hospitals, the Armed Forces and the Territorial Defense Forces.

In addition, a temporary cessation of exports of blood products has been introduced, and the Ministry of Health will approve the scope of mandatory provision of health care needs with donated blood and blood products.

Denys Shmyhal called on international partners to unite and stop the aggressor and its war against Ukraine.

“We call on all civilized countries to impose an embargo on Russian oil products, ban Russian citizens from entering your territory and disconnect Russia from SWIFT. We call on NATO, Europe, the United States to close the sky over Ukraine – this will not mean your military confrontation with Russia, this will mean that you have stopped the war, and your descendants will remember you as heroes. For our part, we will continue to defend our own land, we will not give up and we will destroy our enemies,” the head of government stressed.

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

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

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

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

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

According to him, the state banking sector works.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Citizens of Ukraine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

So please.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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