Category: Press Releases

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

During an online conversation with the US university community, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited academics to join a program to rebuild schools and universities in Ukraine, as Russia destroyed thousands of Ukrainian educational institutions during the full-scale invasion.

According to the Head of State, a major plan for the reconstruction of Ukraine is being worked out, which will include, in particular, the reconstruction of schools, universities, institutes and other educational institutions.

“Thousands of educational institutions were destroyed. This is a great tragedy for us. Therefore, we will only be grateful to you if we have such projects for restoration at the level of ministries of education, at the level of educational programs, at the level of universities,” said the President.

“When we talk about restoration, it is a question of not only money, but also specialists. Because we can build an institution, a university, but it is very important that there are people who are carriers of knowledge and specialists. That is why we are ready for such joint work and we will be very grateful if you help us develop new educational programs,” he added.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine’s reconstruction plan envisages programs to rebuild various sectors of the economy and public life.

“We form partnerships with one or another institution, with one or another state. We even have patronage. We already have several such examples. I know that the United States, Canada, European countries will choose the appropriate region for the reconstruction of our country,” said the President.

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

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a meeting with Secretary of State, Head of the International Policy Bureau at the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland Jakub Kumoch.

“We discussed Poland’s security and economic support for Ukraine. Together we oppose the aggression of the Russian Federation, because today Ukraine protects from Russian aggression not only itself, but also the whole of Europe – common values, freedom and democracy,” Andriy Yermak said.

He praised the solidarity of the Polish government and the Polish people with the Ukrainian people.

“I am grateful for the unprecedented support for Ukraine by the Republic of Poland from the first hours of the full-scale invasion of Russia,” said the Head of the Office of the President.

The interlocutors also discussed the strengthening of security cooperation now and the future architecture of security guarantees after achieving peace.

Andriy Yermak noted that the Ukrainian side is currently actively working with Poland to build new logistics routes, speed up cargo clearance procedures and increase capacity at the common border.

“I am grateful to our Polish friends for the leadership in the issue of Ukraine’s EU membership. I expect the decision of the European Union to grant our state the status of a candidate country to be adopted as soon as possible,” the Head of the President’s Office stressed.

“I am convinced that the current unprecedented mutual support between Kyiv and Warsaw creates a unique opportunity for a new stage in bilateral relations, for overcoming historical barriers and making significant progress in all issues of bilateral cooperation,” he added.

Andriy Yermak also invited Poland to take an active part in the reconstruction of settlements and infrastructure facilities in those Ukrainian regions that have suffered significant damage as a result of Russian aggression.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a video conference with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva on the eve of her participation in the meeting of the G7 finance ministers.

The President thanked the IMF for supporting Ukraine’s economy during the difficult times of the war.

“Thank you for being a leader in the issues of assistance and overcoming this situation,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to the President, the monthly deficit of the state budget of Ukraine is about 5 billion US dollars. So he called on the IMF to speed up support for our country.

In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of financial support to Ukraine from partner countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan and the European Union.

He called on the IMF to actively participate in the development of Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction program.

The Head of State noted that our country is willing to continue implementing important reforms.

“Where we can show the results of reforms, we must not stop and move forward. Because of the war, not everything is yet possible. But we are ready to show the world that we are moving forward,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

For her part, the IMF Managing Director said she would inform the G7 about the need to speed up the provision of the necessary financial support.

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

The European Union’s embargo on Russian oil imports must take effect immediately, as Ukraine cannot wait another six months while Russia continues killing our citizens. This was stated by Adviser to the President of Ukraine Oleg Ustenko in an interview with the international media organization Project Syndicate.

He noted that Ukraine commends the proposal of the European Commission to stop the import of Russian crude oil, but believes that postponing the implementation of this decision for six months is unacceptable. After all, the Russian Federation uses the revenues from the sale of energy to finance its military machine.

“Russia is receiving $1 billion per day for its energy exports. You can imagine how many missiles, weapons, and bombs they can buy in the six months before the embargo is fully implemented. Our position is straightforward. We want this embargo to go into effect at once. We don’t have an extra six months to wait while Russia continues to kill our citizens. Under the circumstances, we believe that Europe must act immediately,” the Adviser to the President emphasized.

According to him, after the introduction of a full embargo on Russian oil in the short term, world oil prices will rise, which could cause losses for Europe. But in the medium term, prices will adjust, as oil producing countries will increase production not only in the Middle East, but also in Africa, and this should lower prices.

“Second, the Chinese economy is slowing, which means it will consume less oil. That, too, will move markets toward a new equilibrium and reduce prices,” Oleg Ustenko said.

In the long-term perspective, it would be a win-win situation for the whole world, because it is going to be more predictable, stable and secure. Hence, business income will grow.

To mitigate the short-term negative effects of the embargo, the Adviser to the President of Ukraine proposes, for example, to limit the price of Russian oil for a transitional period.

“The marginal cost of production for Russian oil is around $10 per barrel. Russia should be allowed to keep $10 per barrel sold, and any amount above that should be seized through sanctions. This money should go into a special fund for rebuilding Ukraine,” he said.

As for natural gas, here, according to Oleg Ustenko, Europe can continue to buy Russian gas, but the proceeds should go into an escrow account, which is administered by a special board.

“With the board’s approval, some of the funds could go to Russia for critical imports such as pharmaceuticals. This would leave Russia with some incentive to continue selling natural gas to Europe, even in the face of the new sanctions. And the board could approve greater disbursements to Russia if it withdraws from Ukraine and stops the war,” the Adviser to the President noted.

According to him, this escrow account should be administered by a board formed by Ukraine’s allies – the United States and the European Union or the European Commission. Our state must also be represented on the board.

In addition, as Oleg Ustenko noted, along with tightening restrictions on oil and natural gas imports, the Ukrainian side would welcome the imposition of new sanctions on the individuals in power in Russia.

“There have been some sanctions for top-level individuals, but not yet for their family members. All members of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s party, United Russia, should be cut off from Europe. They and their family members are still spending their time in Europe, rather than enduring life in Russia. They should be stopped from doing that, so that they have a greater incentive to put pressure on Putin to end the war,” the Adviser to the President emphasized.

He also said that any trade with Russia must be stopped. Insurance companies must be prohibited from providing coverage for ships departing from Russian ports, and all Russian banks must be excluded from the international payment system.

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

Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak emphasizes that today Ukraine needs the unity of Europe in supporting our country, in particular on its path to membership in the European Union, and imposing more effective sanctions on Russia, especially the oil embargo. He said this during an online conversation with representatives of the European Policy Centre.

Andriy Yermak reminded that on the initiative of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy he had gathered leading international experts (Yermak-McFaul group) to work out recommendations on effective long-term sanctions on Russia. They have developed an Action Plan to strengthen sanctions. Its main point is a complete embargo on Russian energy – the main source of funding for the Russian army.

On May 9, the expert group presented a Roadmap, a step-by-step strategy with detailed recommendations for the EU on energy sanctions, which contains clear proposals to minimize Russia’s oil revenues during the transition period and ensure a managed phased embargo on Russian gas imports.

The Head of the President’s Office stressed that Ukraine and the Yermak-McFaul group commend the European Commission’s decision to impose a total ban on Russian oil imports. He noted that Europe should be united in the issue of the oil embargo.

According to Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian authorities are constantly in contact with European partners, the EU leadership, and all proposals of the Ukrainian side are taken into account, and their effect will be seen in the results.

The Head of the President’s Office is also convinced that both a strong sanctions policy and Ukraine’s accession to the EU are a matter of mutual security – for our country and the whole of Europe, although not all European capitals are aware of this.

“For us, the proposal on “alternatives to European integration” is unacceptable. We believe that it creates the same illusion of an open door as in the case of NATO,” he said.

According to Andriy Yermak, Ukraine today deserves special unprecedented mechanisms for EU membership. The Head of the President’s Office believes that in June our country must receive the status of a candidate for EU membership, because otherwise it will be an extremely negative and incorrect signal.

“Today, our country, being neither a member of NATO nor a member of the EU, has been repelling one of the world’s most powerful armies for so many days. And today, the European Union and NATO must finally understand that as much as Ukraine needs the EU and NATO, so much does NATO and the EU need Ukraine. I believe that without Ukraine today, neither the European Union nor NATO will be strong,” he said.

Andriy Yermak is convinced that Ukraine will become one of the founders and leaders of the new security system to be created after this war.

“And we want to do it together with our European friends,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 13 May 2022.

The Ukrainian people have shown that you can have no fear and fight with one of the largest armies in the world, so Ukraine’s membership in NATO would strengthen this organization. This was stated by Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak in an interview with CNN.

He noted that the situation on the frontline is still difficult, but the Ukrainian military is succeeding in a counteroffensive in the Kharkiv direction.

“Our troops have pushed the enemy back, but fighting continues in the south-eastern part of Ukraine. And the situation in Mariupol remains catastrophic, where thousands of people are blocked, including Azovstal,” said Andriy Yermak.

“Our servicemen at Azovstal are blocked and are under constant massive bombardment by Russian forces. We use all our opportunities, we negotiate with many world leaders to save our people. This is very important for us. And President Zelenskyy is personally working 24/7 on this issue,” he said.

The Head of the President’s Office thanked the UN for its efforts to evacuate civilians from the Azovstal plant.

Andriy Yermak also stressed the need to increase sanctions on Russia in order to encourage it to reach a peaceful settlement.

“If this terrible war continues and every day Russia kills Ukrainians and destroys cities, it will show that the existing sanctions are not enough,” he said.

The Head of the President’s Office reminded that the international expert group headed by him and former US National Security Adviser Michael McFaul is actively working to assess the current sanctions and propose new ones.

According to Andriy Yermak, the experts have prepared a document containing recommendations on actions in the energy sector. This is a complete embargo on Russia’s energy resources, especially oil. He noted that since the beginning of the full-scale war, Russia, according to official figures, has received more than $ 65 billion from energy sales.

“It feeds Russia’s military machine and allows the war against Ukraine to be continued,” he added.

Answering the question about Finland’s plans to join NATO under the fast-track procedure, while Ukraine has been trying unsuccessfully for a long time to join the Alliance, Andriy Yermak said: “We believe that this situation is a test for the Alliance. We are very happy for our friends in Finland – in fact, it is a logical step. At the same time, it demonstrates NATO’s double standards, as the whole world has seen that Ukraine has long ago decided to join the Alliance, but we still do not have any concrete answer. Now our courageous and heroic nation has shown that Ukraine’s participation and membership in NATO would strengthen this organization.”

The Head of the Office of the President stressed that Ukrainians have shown that one can have no fear and fight against one of the largest armies in the world.

Commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statements that Russian troops have been sent to Ukraine to fight the Nazis, Andriy Yermak said that the Russian-speaking cities of Kharkiv and Mariupol had suffered the most damage from Russia. Russia also struck at Uman and Babyn Yar, which are important to the Jewish people.

“Everything it does (Russia – ed.) in Ukraine is directed against Ukrainians. We are grateful to the parliaments of the world who are already recognizing this war as genocide. The picture from Bucha, Irpin and Mariupol gives a clear answer as to who is continuing the Nazi practices of World War II and who is defending native land and country. And we will fight until we achieve victory,” Andriy Yermak stressed.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 12 May 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak emphasizes that Russia’s war against Ukraine is an aggression against the whole of Europe and an attack on generally accepted principles of international relations, and the aggressor must be stopped by joint efforts, including systemic long-term sanctions.

He noted this during an online meeting with influential European officials and diplomats.

“It would be naive to expect that the Russian leadership will abandon its plans due to lower living standards of Russian citizens. So we need to make sure that the financial system does not cope with this burden, that Russian industry does not have the technical capabilities, technology and materials to produce weapons of war. Therefore, sanctions must be long-term,” Andriy Yermak said.

The Head of the President’s Office reminded that a team of leading international and Ukrainian experts (Yermak-McFaul group), formed as a result of the initiative of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, had developed an Action Plan to strengthen sanctions on Russia.

First of all, it envisages a full embargo on Russia’s energy resources, the main source of funding for Russia’s military machine. It is proposed to maximize transport and insurance sanctions, disconnect all Russian financial institutions from the world system.

Recognition of Russia as a state – sponsor of terrorism and its exclusion from the FATF, the expansion of personal sanctions against the vast majority of Russian officials, oligarchs and propagandists are very important. Further sanctions against Russian state-owned enterprises are also needed.

Andriy Yermak stressed that it is also important to impose secondary sanctions on states, individuals or legal entities that facilitate Russia’s aggression or help it circumvent sanctions.

“I would like to emphasize that the Plan envisages strengthening transparency measures and deepening coordination. Synchronization of sanctions policies in time and legal limits is a very important factor in increasing their effectiveness,” he said.

In addition, Andriy Yermak informed about a new initiative of the group of sanction experts – the Roadmap presented on May 9, which contains a step-by-step strategy with detailed recommendations for the European Union on the implementation of energy sanctions.

“We are making clear proposals to minimize Russia’s oil revenues during the transition period and to ensure a managed phased embargo on Russian gas imports. Our proposals are aimed at reducing the shock to European economies from such steps. It is first of all about the regulated import tax or tariff and keeping funds for energy on a special escrow account,” he said.

The Head of the President’s Office noted that the Yermak-McFaul international expert group commends the decision of the European Commission to impose a total ban on imports of all Russian oil, which is very important.

Andriy Yermak stressed that such decisions should be made quickly today, as they will help save as many lives of Ukrainians as possible, reduce the destruction in our country due to the war, and reduce the food crisis in the world with all its consequences. Decisions to support Ukraine in the trade and economic sphere are also important.

According to him, Ukraine’s active cooperation with the EU during this difficult period proves that our country is already part of a single European team, and this is facing increasing support among citizens of European countries. And Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and deeper economic integration with the establishment of new high-tech enterprises will also benefit European corporations.

Andriy Yermak stated that Ukraine is determined to continue the integration process, and proposals on “alternatives to European integration” are unacceptable for our country.

“Ukraine must become part of a united Europe as soon as possible. This is a matter of mutual security,” he said.

Answering the questions of the participants of the meeting about how else Europe can support Ukraine, Andriy Yermak noted that our country still needs more weapons, and European capitals know exactly what kinds of weapons.

“If this war continues, it means that sanctions are not enough and weapons are not enough. And we will not stop talking about these topics,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

Andriy Yermak noted that Ukraine will never compromise on its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.

He also noted that with the start of this war, it became clear that there was no reliable security system in Europe and around the world. And now one of the main issues is future clear security guarantees for Ukraine. According to him, our state would like to see as many countries as possible among the guarantors.

The issue of reparations was also raised during the conversation, which is extremely important given the terrible destruction caused by the Russian army in our country. According to him, as in the case of sanctions, professional experts will propose clear mechanisms that would allow confiscated Russian assets, funds on escrow accounts, etc. to be directed to the needs of affected citizens and the reconstruction of Ukraine’s infrastructure.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 12 May 2022.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a video consultation with Foreign Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia Liis Lipre-Järma.

Ihor Zhovkva informed the interlocutor in detail about the security situation in our country and the resistance to Russian military aggression. He expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of Estonia and the Estonian people for their unwavering political support and the important practical assistance provided to Ukraine by official Tallinn.

“We highly appreciate the fact that Estonia became the first country whose parliament decided to recognize Russia’s war against Ukraine an act of genocide,” said the Deputy Head of the President’s Office.

During the conversation, special attention was paid to the importance of continuing sanctions pressure on Russia from the European Union in order to end the war as soon as possible and liberate the temporarily occupied territories of the Ukrainian state.

The interlocutors discussed in detail bilateral cooperation to implement Ukraine’s strategic course towards European integration. Ihor Zhovkva noted the importance of Estonia’s effective assistance in the issue of Ukraine’s European integration movement and our country’s intentions to obtain the status of a candidate country for accession to the European Union in the near future.

Ihor Zhovkva and Liis Lipre-Järma also coordinated the schedule of high-level bilateral events for the near future.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 12 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke at The Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Leadership Awards, which was won by the Ukrainian people. The prize was awarded to Ukrainians for their resilience and courage in resisting the Russian invasion. This is the first time The Atlantic Council has awarded an entire people or nation.

In a video address, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked for the award and noted that it is a fair and correct gesture to honor with this award all the people of Ukraine, because courage is a national trait of Ukrainian character.

“Today the whole world witnesses this and admires the heroism of Ukrainians. At the same time, I want it not to become something ordinary for everyone. And for this we must say and remember that behind the courage and wisdom of our people, there are thousands of real stories, names and heroic feats,” the Head of State said.

According to him, the world should know and hear about Ukrainians, and have a clear idea and understanding about the people of Ukraine.

“First of all, we are the nation of the best defenders. These are our ground forces, air and naval forces, airborne assault troops, special operations forces, the National Guard, intelligence, border guards, and territorial defense fighters,” the President emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the stories of Ukrainian heroes, including border guards from Zmiinyi Island, who were not afraid of the flagship of the Russian fleet – cruiser Moskva, as well as indomitable defenders of Mariupol and Azovstal, who have been holding the line there for several months already with extremely limited resources.

The President stressed that the Ukrainian people are people who do not spare themselves for the sake of others, these are brave children, elderly people who have gone through too many hardships, hundreds of thousands of those who are fighting, and millions of those who are volunteering and helping.

“This is a business that has shifted to the needs of the country. Clothing designers sew military uniforms, restaurateurs feed free lunches, bakeries bake bread for IDPs and lonely people. This is a university professor who continues to lecture to his students in the trenches. A violinist playing for people during an air alarm in a bomb shelter. These are civilians of Ukrainian cities and villages, who became a living wall on the way of the occupiers – stopping military machines and turning tanks in the opposite direction. These are inhabitants of Demydivka, who flooded their own village not to let the occupier into Kyiv,” the President told.

He also recalled the brave residents of the temporarily occupied Kherson, Melitopol, Berdyansk, Enerhodar, Mariupol, towns and villages, who, despite threats and shots from the invaders, went to peaceful rallies in support of Ukraine.

“These are millions of Ukrainians who are now defending their Homeland and the whole world. Do not be afraid and come to Ukraine. Hear thousands of similar stories about us, Ukrainians. Look into their brave eyes, shake their strong hands, and you will see that they are doing all this not for glory, that they need not only awards, but also concrete help and support,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

According to the President, the citizens of Ukraine need weapons, financial support and increased sanctions on Russia.

“And the most important: the feeling that in this difficult struggle they are not alone, that they are supported by you, by the whole world – free states and free nations of our planet,” the President concluded.

The award for the Ukrainian people was handed over to Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova.

The Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Leadership Awards is an annual live event in Washington. This year the ceremony was attended by about 500 people from more than 30 countries.