Category: Press Releases

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 8 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković who is on a visit to our country.

The President thanked the people and the Government of Croatia for their support of Ukraine during the difficult times of the war.

“Croatia is a principled member of our anti-war coalition. Together we defend the right not only of our citizens, not only of the citizens of Ukraine, but also of every European nation to an independent and democratic life. Together, we are defending the future of a united Europe and are doing everything we can to restore the power of international law,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during talks with media representatives following the negotiations with Andrej Plenković in Kyiv.

According to the President, the key topics of the meeting were security and steps needed to support Ukraine in the struggle for freedom.

“In particular, these are steps in the defense, economic and energy spheres, as well as cooperation at the level of the European Union,” the President said.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, among other things, the talks focused on increasing sanctions on Russia. He thanked Croatia for its readiness to support the EU’s sixth sanctions package.

“Until Russia stops this war against our state, against our people, until it liberates our land and begins to respect freedom in Europe, we need to raise the price of this aggression,” the President said.

The parties also discussed cooperation in restoring full life in the de-occupied areas of our country.

“Croatia has considerable experience in demining territories, and I asked to provide our state with the necessary assistance, especially in our program of Ukraine’s reconstruction,” he said, noting that during the retreat the Russian military left thousands of mines and tripwire mines on Ukrainian territory, which pose a threat to civilians.

In addition, during the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Andrej Plenković discussed Ukraine’s integration into the European Union.

“I am grateful to Croatia and personally to Prime Minister Plenković for his consistent and strong support for Ukraine on its path to the European Union. Last December, we signed a Declaration with the Prime Minister on the European perspective of our country. I want to thank you again for that,” the President said.

He expressed hope that at the European Council meeting in June this year, EU member states will support the decision on candidate status for our country.

In addition, the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Croatia have devoted a lot of time to the issue of ending the war on our land.

“I told Andrej Plenković in detail what is happening in Donbas, what are the difficulties there and where Croatia could help us, etc. I would like to thank you once again for this visit,” the President said.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Croatia noted that his country highly values the resilience and resistance of the Ukrainian people and respects the heroism of the Ukrainian servicemen, who defend their homes, families and Homeland. He assured of further support for our state.

“Croatia has consistently supported Ukraine in political, diplomatic, legal, financial, humanitarian and technical matters. And we will continue to provide this assistance, clearly understanding that we are doing this as a country that has always been convinced that we are on the right side of history, on the right side of ethics,” said Andrej Plenković.

He also said Croatia would support further restrictive measures against Russia at EU level.

Andrej Plenković noted that he personally and his country support the European aspirations of Ukraine and its people. He praised the completion of our country’s application form for the EU candidate status and assured that Croatia would provide assistance to Ukraine in further steps at the level of the European Council.

The Prime Minister also noted that his country is ready to share the experience of demining with Ukraine.

In addition, Andrej Plenković said that as of today, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Croatia to Ukraine is returning to Kyiv, which “is also a strong signal of support for Ukrainians.”

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 7 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy chaired a meeting on topical issues of the executive branch. It was attended by Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak and his deputies, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and members of the government.

The participants of the meeting first of all considered the issues of fuel security of the country. The President stressed the need to eliminate queues at Ukrainian gas stations.

According to First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko, work is underway in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide Ukraine with a green corridor in Eastern European ports, which is currently the main bottleneck in fuel supply logistics.

The parties also stressed the need to sign long-term contracts and accumulate state fuel reserves.

Minister of Finance of Ukraine Serhiy Marchenko reported on the execution of the state budget under martial law. Thus, the country ended April with a deficit of UAH 125 billion. At the same time, revenues from tax office and customs amounted to UAH 53 billion, which exceeded expectations. UAH 57 billion of revenues are planned for May.

According to the Minister, the monthly deficit is planned to be repaid due to international grants and loans. Negotiations on international grants in the amount of 11 billion dollars are underway, of which 5 billion dollars have already been received by our state.

The parties also discussed the preparation of a Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of Ukraine after the war.

In addition, the Heads of State heard a report on the process of granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for membership in the European Union.

Attention was also paid to the issue of cooperation between public authorities and international organizations in providing medical, psychological and social rehabilitation services to citizens affected by Russian aggression.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 6 May 2022.

When the world understands that the war in Ukraine is a common war, victory will become common as well. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a video meeting at the Royal Institute of International Affairs Chatham House (UK).

“In order for the world to hear, we need to constantly talk to the world and give concrete examples. Today, Europe and the world are united around Ukraine,” the President said.

At the same time, he noted that not all countries have joined the anti-war coalition, but Ukraine continues to explain the importance of global consolidation, in particular by addressing through the media, social networks and directly to the people.

“There are enough means in the world today to make our voice be heard. The world leaders do not have enough energy,” the President added.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the leader of each country should powerfully help Ukraine in the fight against the invader, thus helping his or her own country avoid war.

“By defending Ukraine, the leader will defend his or her state. Just like ordinary people who just take to the streets with our flags. And this victory will be common. Victory not over Putin, but over this terror and terrorism, because he and his troops are the face of it,” the President said.

“When every leader understands this, it will not be my solo – it will be a chorus of powerful leaders who will be able to convey this energy to those societies that are still in doubt and unsure of their choice,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed: it is important to unite the world around the truth. Events in Ukraine should not leave the front pages of the world media, so that people in every country know what is happening in Ukraine every day.

“Because there is a war in Ukraine. And this war is a common one. Therefore, the victory will be common as soon as we understand that this is a common war,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy added.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 6 May 2022.

The possible destruction of the Ukrainian military and civilians who currently remain on the territory of the Azovstal plant in Mariupol by the Russian occupiers can put an end to any diplomatic negotiations with the Russian side. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a video meeting at the Royal Institute of International Affairs Chatham House (UK).

“If they kill people who can now be exchanged if they are military, or released if they are civilians, or helped if they are wounded military or civilians, there will be nothing to talk about with them at the diplomatic level,” the Head of State emphasized.

According to him, today, thanks to the efforts of Ukraine, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations, we finally managed to find a format for the evacuation of civilians from the blocked Azovstal plant.

The President stated that Mariupol was completely destroyed.

According to him, the blockade of the city by the Russian occupiers is a deliberate step, a manifestation of hatred and terrorism. The information and propaganda machine of the Russian Federation is primarily responsible for such cruelty, and this problem still needs to be addressed.

“They nurtured such hatred before the full-scale war. They have been doing this for many years, and now it all results in such tortures,” the President of Ukraine summed up.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 6 May 2022.

If you continue to pay Russia for energy, it is only a matter of time before Russian troops cross the borders of the European Union, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a video meeting at the Royal Institute of International Affairs Chatham House (UK).

According to the Head of State, the most important thing in any step, including sanctions policy, is transparency and honesty.

“You shouldn’t be a little evil and a little good. It is inadmissible to impose sanctions, and with another hand to sign new contracts with Russia. This is definitely inadmissible in times of war. This is hypocrisy,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

According to the President of Ukraine, Russia earns a billion dollars a day on energy.

“Don’t play. If you understand that you cannot do without this energy, then say that you will be able to do without it in two months, reach an agreement. Do not make exceptions for individual countries, act together. This is the essence of a united EU, this is the essence of the phrase “European Union”,” the President emphasized.

According to him, the sanctions should be such that there is no need to renew them after implementation. If a decision is made to disconnect from the SWIFT system, it must be applied to the entire banking system of the Russian Federation.

The President of Ukraine thanked the European Union, the United States and the United Kingdom for their sanctions policy. At the same time, in his opinion, sanctions against Russia should have been applied preventively.

He expressed confidence that the European Union would eventually decide on a full embargo on Russian energy.

“It will be difficult for everyone, but all European families will be alive. Unlike ours. But if some European leaders do not do this, they will understand later when Russian troops will be on your borders. When the first missile flies, as it was with us, you will understand,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy added, emphasizing that no Nord Stream is worth people’s lives.

The President also drew attention to the fact that the Russian authorities are gradually implementing all their threats.

“When politicians say they will reach Germany, it is their thoughts, their dreams. When the EU is weakened and, God forbid, Ukraine falls, they will come to Germany. It is a matter of years. Their generations will be ready for this because of information policy. And, believe me, they will justify all their shameful steps,” the Ukrainian Head of State stressed.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 6 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Eva-Maria Liimets, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis.

The President thanked the Baltic states for their strong support of Ukraine during the Russian invasion.

“You are our closest and most reliable friends, because you were the first to support Ukraine from the very beginning of this war, from the very beginning of the threat from the Russian Federation. You supported us with both weapons and your actions in diplomacy. Your people, the population supported us in all aspects and in all directions,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President stressed that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are the best advocates of Ukraine both in the European Union and in the whole world.

“Thank you for this meeting, for the support of Ukraine, for this signal to our people,” the President said, addressing the ministers.

For their part, the Baltic Foreign Ministers underscored their support for our country’s European integration aspirations. They offered to help Ukraine rebuild the social infrastructure destroyed by the war, including schools and kindergartens.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to the importance of increasing sanctions on the Russian Federation on the part of the EU and the entire international community. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the leading role of the Baltic states in this direction and stressed: “It is extremely important not only to increase sanctions pressure, but also to maintain the integrity of sanctions. They must be as effective as possible. We must not allow the aggressor to circumvent them and continue to finance the criminal war against Ukraine.”

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 6 May 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a video conversation with the famous American actress, Special Envoy to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Angelina Jolie.

During the preliminary conversation, the Head of the President’s Office invited Angelina Jolie to Ukraine, after which she arrived in Lviv.

Andriy Yermak thanked the actress for her recent visit to Ukraine for humanitarian purposes, which inspired many Ukrainians and attracted the attention of Ukrainian and world media.

“Everyone you met was very happy. It is extremely valuable when an inspiring person like you communicates with those who are having a hard time now, shares energy and feelings with them,” he said.

For her part, Angelina Jolie thanked for the assistance in organizing and supporting her trip to Lviv. She noted that she was very touched by the communication with Ukrainians she met and volunteers who help others a lot.

“I am deeply committed to helping them in every way possible for me, especially the children. I will do my best for children in your country,” she said.

Andriy Yermak and Angelina Jolie discussed the need for practical steps to address the problems facing Ukrainian children due to the war, including forced relocation, parting with loved ones, physical and psychological trauma.

The actress spoke about her readiness to cooperate with responsible persons and structures that directly take care of children’s problems in order to properly organize all the necessary activities and provide practical assistance.

The Hollywood star said she is also very worried about the fate of children left without care, those who stay in the temporarily occupied territories or were deported.

Andriy Yermak reminded that the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska takes great care of children’s problems and barrier-free environment.

He also informed Angelina Jolie about the launch of the United24 project initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which should unite people from all over the world around the desire to help Ukraine. He asked her to consider joining the initiative.

The Head of the Office of the President invited Angelina Jolie to visit Ukraine again.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 5 May 2022.

Unbreakable people of the bravest country!

Usually I address Ukrainians at this time and in the same way every night, when I summarize the events of the passing day. Every night – from the first day of this full-scale war of Russia against our state of Ukraine.

Every night I report to the public on what has been done to protect the state. On what the Armed Forces of Ukraine managed to achieve. On how we help our people. And on what international negotiations took place.

For example, today one of the notable news was the news of my conversation with you, Boris. Every time such negotiations take place, it is important for my country, for Ukraine. And no less important, I’m sure, for Britain. Because it is about steadfastness, courage and about the leadership that we demonstrate together – the Ukrainian and British nations. In defense of freedom. Our common freedom.

Russian troops today, as every day during this war, have continued to bomb our cities and our people. For example, my traditional morning meeting with the military, with the leadership of the army, with government officials and diplomats was accompanied by the sound of an air-raid siren. This is our reality. Missile strikes every day.

The day before yesterday – on the day when you, Boris, addressed our parliament, the Russian army launched 15 missile strikes at Ukraine. And this can be called a certain “Russian compliment” to your brilliant speech and our fruitful interstate cooperation. Because yesterday there were only 7 such strikes.

Obviously, Russia is annoyed by our proximity – Ukraine and Britain. So this means that we are really strong in defending freedom in Europe.

In general, during this war, the Russian army has used 2014 missiles against Ukraine already. 2682 appearances of Russian fighter jets in our skies have been recorded. Each of these “arrivals” is the death of our people, the destruction of our infrastructure.

If we take only the medical infrastructure, to date, Russian troops have destroyed or damaged almost 400 health facilities. These are hospitals, maternity hospitals, outpatient clinics.

In the temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine – in the east and south – the situation with access to medical services and medicines is just catastrophic. Even the simplest medications are missing.

Russia has brought to Ukraine and Europe such problems that we could not have imagined a few months ago. This is in fact a complete lack of treatment for cancer patients. This is an extremely difficult or impossible access to insulin for diabetics. It’s the inability to perform surgery… It’s just a lack of antibiotics! These are the consequences of the Russian occupation for a part of our land, for a part of our people, which we must liberate from the invaders.

And we will definitely do it. In particular, due to your support.

Today the rescue operation from Mariupol was continued. With the assistance of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. People are on their way to safe territory.

More than 150 people from Azovstal and more than 300 people from Mariupol and its suburbs who were evacuated by the humanitarian corridor this week are already receiving all the help they need. Medical, document renewal, financial assistance, communication with relatives, friends and families.

Currently, Russian shelling and assault of Azovstal do not stop. But civilians still need to be taken out – women, children. Many children who are still there. Just imagine this hell! And there are children! More than two months of constant shelling, bombing, constant death nearby…

We expect an effective regime of silence. We are doing everything to find a solution to save our military. Heroes who defend Mariupol against the occupiers prevailing in the number of troops. There are different units there. They have many wounded. But they do not give up. They are holding positions.

We do not give up either. Every day, the whole team is looking for an option that will ensure the safety of these people. And I am grateful to everyone who helps. To all those who offered mediation and are making efforts to save Ukrainians.

Today I addressed the participants of the high-level donors’ conference held in Warsaw. It is also an element of our protection, an element of protection for the whole of Europe. Because it is not only on the battlefield that the fate of our state and the future of the continent is being decided now. But also in the economic field, in the field of readiness of world leaders to unite to rebuild Ukraine after this war and give stability and security to the center and east of Europe.

We have the result. It has been announced that $ 6.5 billion has been raised at this conference. And this is good. But this is only part of what is really needed to restore normal life throughout the territory where Russia has brought the war.

That is why we need a modern analogue of the Marshall Plan for Ukraine. Stronger participation of the free world and international institutions is needed. I spoke about this today at the conference.

However, we call for the cooperation and support of each and everyone. Everyone for whom freedom matters. That is why United24 was launched today – a global initiative that will unite people from all over the world around the desire to help Ukraine. And I invite you to join this initiative!

The initial component is a platform of the same name to raise funds to support our struggle. United24. Its main goal is to increase donations to Ukraine. Just a few clicks – and everyone can join the direction that they find most useful right now and for themselves.

Because Ukraine needs up to $ 7 billion a month to cover the state budget deficit. In total, it has been calculated that already more than $ 600 billion is needed to rebuild what the Russian army destroyed. Just imagine this scale!

That is why every manifestation of support, every sincere help to Ukraine is important. In particular, yours today.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Friends!

If everyone in the world – or at least the vast majority – were steadfast and courageous leaders as Ukraine, as Britain, I am sure we would have already ended this war and restored peace throughout our liberated territory for all our people.

But we still have to fight. Fight. As you, Boris, said, addressing our Verkhovna Rada the day before yesterday, we are still writing one of the most victorious chapters in our history.

And now we can assess the significance of this chapter, in particular, by the following fact: 11,672 of our defenders have already been awarded state awards for courage and effective defense of Ukraine. In a little over ten weeks. 11,672 people.

And a few minutes before this address, I signed a decree awarding another 286 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is on the shoulders of these brave warriors and their brothers-in-arms that Ukraine and, to be honest, the whole of Europe are now standing.

And I thank you for your really effective support of this struggle.

Bravery is rightly believed the first of human qualities as it guarantees all others.

Thank you, Britain!

Thank you, Boris!

Thank you all!

Glory to Ukraine!

 

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 5 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a video conference with the 43rd President of the United States of America George W. Bush.

“It is a great honor to meet you. I would like to thank the United States of America, the American people. I saw how people in the United States treat us on social networks, they take to the streets, support Ukraine with flags,” the President said.

The 43rd President of the United States expressed his support for Volodymyr Zelenskyy and all the Ukrainian people in the fight against the aggressor.

“Your courage is very important for further success. If you continue to do what you do, you will always have our support if you continue to fight as you do now,” said George W. Bush.

The President of Ukraine stressed that our state feels real help and sincere support from the United States.

“Americans are sincere, open-minded people, and I feel it. We have common values. I feel that it is from the heart,” the President said.

The 43rd President of the United States noted the resilience of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine in resisting the invaders.

“Your country has been invaded by forces that want to kill innocent people. And the fact that you stand firm inspires Americans,” said George W. Bush.

For his part, the President of Ukraine recalled the tragic events that took place in the United States on September 11, 2001. He noted that at that time many Ukrainians sympathized with the American people and shared the pain of relatives and friends of the victims of the terrorist act.

“Our conversation is important to me because you are an example of a strong leader,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President invited the 43rd President of the United States to visit Ukraine at his convenience.