Category: Press Releases

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

Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva discussed the security situation and implementation of Ukraine’s European integration strategy with Adviser to the Prime Minister of the Portuguese Republic Fernando Morgado.

Ihor Zhovkva expressed gratitude for the strong political support of our state, as well as for providing assistance to Ukrainian citizens temporarily staying in Portugal.

The parties also discussed the possible participation of the Portuguese Republic in the reconstruction of the regions of Ukraine after the war.

“Portugal’s active participation in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine will be a significant contribution to the rapprochement of our nations and bring our country even closer to the European community,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President thanked the interlocutor for Portugal’s strict compliance with the EU sanctions imposed on Russia, and expressed hope that they would be further strengthened in order to stop aggression and restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

During the conversation, special attention was paid to the implementation of the European integration strategy of our state.

Ihor Zhovkva stressed the importance of the European Union’s adoption in the near future of a political decision to grant our country the status of a candidate for EU membership.

“This would be an important symbolic step of European partners towards the Ukrainian people who today protect the security of the whole of Europe,” he said.

The interlocutors also discussed further measures of political dialogue at the highest level.

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

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a meeting with Damon Wilson, an American expert on foreign policy and President of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Kyiv. Andriy Yermak noted the partnership cooperation between Ukraine and the United States.

“In this difficult time, we understand who our friends and strategic partners are. And, of course, the United States plays an extremely important role in supporting Ukraine,” he said.

The Head of the President’s Office noted the successful visit to Ukraine of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, as well as the visit of Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.

“And, of course, we are waiting for President Biden,” Andriy Yermak added.

The Head of the Office of the President stressed that despite significant support from the United States, Ukraine needs more weapons, as the war continues and the whole world sees the situation in the southeast of our country, including Mariupol. According to him, negotiations with Ukraine’s partners take place daily at all levels.

“People’s lives in Mariupol depend on how quickly we get help. We ask everyone: please save our people, children, wives,” he said, adding that the time is running out and it’s a matter of days already.

In addition, special attention is paid to the sanctions policy. The Head of the President’s Office stressed that it is important for sanctions to be effective. A special international expert group has been set up for this purpose.

Andriy Yermak also noted the work with partners on security guarantees for Ukraine, which should not be a repetition of the Budapest Memorandum.

“Ukraine wants to be sure after the war that this will not happen again. The second Budapest Memorandum is completely inadmissible. We hold daily consultations with our partners on the security future of Ukraine… These should be clear, legally fixed commitments, guarantees,” he said.

According to the Head of the Office of the President, if there is no effective mechanism in the world to stop the war and prevent its beginning, it is the verdict for the entire world security system, so we need to build a new one.

The Head of the President’s Office stressed that it is important for Ukraine that this war does not become protracted, because by exhausting Russia, it will at the same time take the lives of Ukrainians and destroy our cities and infrastructure.

“For us, the protection of our people, Ukrainians, comes first. It is very important for us that our heroes stay alive. That their families stay alive and that our cities are not completely destroyed,” Andriy Yermak emphasized.

Therefore, according to him, this war should end as soon as possible, but on Ukrainian terms. It is important for the Ukrainian economy to begin to recover and for the citizens of our country, who went abroad to flee the Russian bombing, to return home, because they strive for that return.

Damon Wilson noted the struggle of Ukrainians and the support of the United States for Ukraine’s efforts in this struggle.

“Ukraine is creating history, its democratic future right now. The American people support Ukrainians in their struggle for freedom and democracy. And the whole Congress, our people, the whole American politicum stands together with Ukraine. We will do everything possible to support the Ukrainian people so that Ukraine wins this war, de-occupies its territories and restores peace,” he said.

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

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Smyrnov met with a delegation of the international non-governmental human rights organization Amnesty International led by Secretary General Agnès Callamard.

Agnès Callamard stressed that Amnesty International seeks to focus the attention of as many countries as possible on the problem of the war in Ukraine. In particular, the organization plans to interact with representatives of the media and civil society.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President noted that Ukraine needs strong support from the international community in documenting war crimes committed by Russia in our country. According to him, the International Criminal Court is already working on the cases in which evidence of Russian crimes during the war in Ukraine is being investigated, but the inevitability of punishment for top officials of the aggressor country must be inevitable.

Andriy Smyrnov stressed the importance of establishing a special international criminal tribunal, which will be able to quickly assess the evidence of crimes of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

“Active multi-level consultations are underway at various international platforms on the need to establish and launch a mechanism for such a tribunal,” said the Deputy Head of the Office of the President.

He noted that last week the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted two resolutions calling for the establishment of an international tribunal.

“Ukraine’s representation at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and the President’s Office is involved in the negotiation process with allied countries, with which the model and forms of operation of such a tribunal are being discussed,” Andriy Smyrnov said.

“Given the obvious signs of aggression, all the evidence that the civilized world has seen, the horrible crimes committed by the aggressor country – Russia, in my opinion, the assessment of this fact should be given as soon as possible. And the entire military-political leadership of the aggressor country must bear severe and unavoidable responsibility for this,” he stressed.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President noted that among the issues being discussed is also the location of such a tribunal.

“We are in favor of it being located in Ukraine. In Bucha, Irpin, Borodyanka or in Kyiv. Ukraine is ready to provide full technical and organizational support for the work of such a tribunal,” Andriy Smyrnov said.

He stressed that the new tribunal should not be overburdened with a large number of powers in order to avoid conflicts of jurisdiction with other international judicial institutions. However, time must show how quickly the existing international institutions will be able to assess the convincing evidence of Russia’s war crimes against Ukraine and its citizens.

“Ukrainian society, its citizens tortured by Russian war criminals, all those who have endured any form of suffering as a result of Russia’s war against Ukraine, destroyed Ukrainian business – all are waiting for answers to these questions. And this legal assessment must be given within a reasonable time. Both politically, in a global context, and legally – in the judiciary,” said the Deputy Head of the Office of the President.

Andriy Smyrnov also informed the Amnesty International delegation about the work of Ukraine’s judicial system in wartime.

During the meeting, Amnesty International representatives presented the President’s Office with a vine sapling. Human rights activists said the plant was brought from the Syrian region, which was completely destroyed by the Russian army. This is a gift from the Syrian people, which supports the democratic aspirations of Ukrainians.

Andriy Smyrnov noted that he would personally hand over the vine sapling to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy initiated the creation of the United24 global project, which aims to unite people all over the world in their desire to help our country.

The first component of United24 is the fundraising platform of the same name in support of Ukraine. The main goal is to increase the amount of donations for the benefit of our state, to ensure the efficiency and transparency of their distribution.

“Today, the world’s attention is focused on Ukraine. Our brave struggle against a much larger invader who invaded our land to destroy us, our European values, and in return is strongly repulsed, inspires people in many countries. Foreign governments are supporting Ukraine in this fight by providing military, humanitarian and political assistance. Ordinary citizens help our immigrants fleeing the war – open the doors of their homes to Ukrainians, share bread and clothes, teach our children. Citizens of different countries around the world come to the squares of their cities with blue and yellow flags to express support for Ukrainians and constantly ask: how else can we help?” the Head of State noted.

According to the President, the United24 project allows everyone to join in supporting Ukraine and provide real assistance to Ukrainian citizens affected by this unjust war.

“Everyone can make a donation in one click from any country. These can be individual conscious citizens, entrepreneurs, and large technology corporations. We are fighting the enemy every day, fighting for the values of freedom and democracy, and United24 will become the digital service that will unite the entire civilized world to support Ukraine,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

United24 aims to unite the world to support Ukraine, from governments to international foundations, from industrial giants to fashion brands, from movie and music stars to public and political figures, and citizens from around the world.

The task of the United24 fundraising platform is to become the main window for collecting charitable donations in support of our state. Assistance will be distributed in three areas: defense and demining, humanitarian and medical assistance, and reconstruction of Ukraine.

All funds will be directed to the accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine assigned to the relevant ministries. Fundraising reports will be provided by the NBU every 24 hours. The ministries will report on the allocation and distribution of funds once a week.

The Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Infrastructure are responsible for the effective use of donations. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov has been appointed responsible for United24’s activities by the government.

Deloitte Ukraine, a consulting and auditing company that is part of the international Deloitte network, is joining the United24 platform. One of the world leaders in the industry, one of the “big four” audit companies, will quarterly review the consolidated report of all ministries.

The initiative’s team will provide constant coverage of reporting both on the United24 platform and on the official pages of the initiative on social networks.

Other projects and programs will soon be added to the United24 fundraising platform.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 May 2022.

Dear friends!

Danish people!

Today you celebrate the anniversary of the day that was a dream. It has long been a dream of freedom and peace. This dream has become a reality.

Five years. It was on this day that the five long years of Nazi occupation of your country came to an end. They lost. And freedom won. Life won.

Denmark and the whole world then celebrated and hoped that such a brutal war would be the last and that no one would want to destroy peace anymore.

They hoped that there would be no more feeling of mortal danger. That people can get rid of military habits. They hoped to forget forever about the light masking that was required. They hoped that air-raid sirens would no longer sound to report the real threat. That they can be turned on only once a year to remember the war that took place.

But the war came again. It is here and now. It is in Ukraine. And it is not going to stop on our land.

And it has already become as brutal as that war, the victory in which we all remember every year in May.

I remember addressing you and the Folketing on the 34th day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

I said then that Russia used 1370 missiles against our country. Today – already 1993 missiles. Just imagine how many lives they took.

Most of them hit non-military targets.

Then, on March 29, I told you that the Russian occupiers had destroyed 773 educational facilities in our country. And today – twice as much. 1584. These are kindergartens, schools, universities. This is what the Russian army is fighting against in Ukraine.

The invaders have already killed 220 Ukrainian children. And we do not yet know for sure the situation in the occupied territories.

But when I spoke to you last time, there were 144 names on the list of children killed. You see these terrible numbers grow. There were 144. Now – 220 children killed! They did not even have time to feel what life is like.

The Russian state is not yet ready to stop the war. They still dream of capturing Ukraine and other European countries. They still dream that freedom in Europe must disappear. But their dreams must not come true.

The dream of peace must come true. Our and your dream. Just like it was 77 years ago.

Right now in Ukraine it is being decided how people will live on our continent. Whether there will be peace. Not only for us, but also for our neighbors, for you and us.

Evil does not know what state borders are. Tyranny never stops at capturing just one country.

You are already helping us fight. We are grateful to you. Fight with weapons, with your “yes” vote for our accession to the European Union, with honesty in the issue of sanctions and with sincerity towards our people.

The sea of Ukrainian flags here today, the sea of flags on the streets of your cities shows that you understand everything.

No one will now say how many more days this war, unleashed by the Russian Federation, will last. But I believe that our Liberation Day is approaching.

I believe that just as I am addressing your people now, when you celebrate the anniversary of the liberation of your country, your representatives will address the Ukrainian people as we celebrate the anniversary of our peace.

Now, as every year, you light candles across the country in memory of that war and victory over evil.

And I ask you, when you see the warm light of candles, remember, please, about Ukrainian children. About those 220 children whose lives were taken by this war.

Remember that Europe can do its best to keep this horrible list of children killed from growing. Never again.

I am grateful to each and every one of you!

Thank you, Denmark!

Glory to Ukraine!

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres.

The President thanked the Secretary-General personally for his efforts to evacuate Ukrainian citizens from Azovstal.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed António Guterres about the successful completion of the first stage, during which 121 people were evacuated from Azovstal, and expressed hope for a successful continuation of the ongoing evacuation operation.

The President of Ukraine thanked the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which demonstrated the possibility of making progress in the most difficult humanitarian crises.

“The whole world has learned about the role of the UN and the ICRC in this. This has shown that international organizations can be effective,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also appealed to the UN Secretary-General to assist in the evacuation of all the wounded from Azovstal.

“The lives of the people who remain there are in danger. Everyone is important to us. We ask for your help in saving them,” the President said.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 May 2022.

Today, the top priority is the maximum expulsion of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine, but the global goal is to restore the territorial integrity of our state within internationally recognized borders, because this is what all Ukrainians want. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his participation in the session of the Wall Street Journal CEO Council Summit.

“The goal of every Ukrainian is to restore our territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. I understand that everything at once is impossible. First, appropriate steps must be taken to stop the war, and then diplomacy will be in place,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the first stage in this war was to stop Russia’s advancement.

“The second stage is to make Russia withdraw troops from our territory as much as possible. The third stage is to restore territorial integrity as much as possible,” he explained.

According to the President, where it is possible to restore territorial integrity through dialogue, Ukraine will do everything possible, but only as an equal partner.

“We understand that it will be difficult to restore territorial integrity on the temporarily occupied Crimean peninsula. And yet, I believe that we will be able to move to the diplomatic path after showing our strength. Because any war ends with diplomacy,” the Head of State is convinced.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the main guarantee of victory is confidence in the Ukrainian people and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“And we are not retreating. That is, today is a new stage already. Somewhere, in some territories, we are blocked by the Russian military and equipment. There, we are waiting for the appropriate equipment to appear on our side, so that we can push and move forward. And in some areas we are moving forward already,” he said.

However, the President noted that he has not yet seen Russia’s desire to cease fire. “When both sides want a ceasefire, they do it. We’ve seen that for several years with the Russian Federation on the touch line in Donbas. They say that we are negotiating, then they violate (ceasefire agreements – ed.)” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Head of State pointed out that even when it comes to the regime of silence in the territory of Mariupol for the operation on the evacuation of civilians held jointly with the UN, shelling and bombing still take place.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that a ceasefire can be established only when he meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“If we have a meeting with President Putin, then there will be a ceasefire for the time of the meeting. Because otherwise there will be no meeting. And then, perhaps, we will agree with him personally. He must personally commit to a ceasefire. And preferably do it publicly,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

At the same time, the President of Ukraine noted that the ceasefire does not mean that Russian troops can stay where they are now and there will be some frozen conflict.

“We will not agree to a frozen conflict,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 May 2022.

The world’s effective response to Russian aggression is the most realistic possible safeguard against other wars in the future. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a speech at the session of the Wall Street Journal CEO Council Summit.

The Head of State stressed that Russia had launched a full-scale war against Ukraine, hoping that the democratic world would not dare to react in a consolidated way for peace. But the Russian leadership was wrong.

“Ukraine’s courage, the willingness of our friends and partners to help, the principled reaction of the nations of Western countries, as well as the willingness of many companies to care for their own reputation have led to Russia gradually becoming an increasingly isolated state. And business is increasingly isolated,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that after the victory of Ukraine, in which he has no doubts, the world must forever abandon the preservation of relations – both political and business – at any cost with those who do not respect international law and do not recognize treaties, which they sign.

“Russia is gradually approaching the understanding that it is profitable to respect international law. That to fulfill contracts is correct. Therefore, the effective reaction of the world to Russian aggression is the most realistic of the possible safeguards against other wars in the future,” said the President of Ukraine.

According to the Head of State, several important steps need to be taken to restore the rule of law in the world.

“The first is the complete isolation of the aggressor, first of all economic. The second is sufficient help for Ukraine to endure this war, the struggle for freedom and our rights. The third is the reconstruction of what was destroyed by the war. When these three things happen, both Russia and every other potential aggressor will see that war does not help achieve anything,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

He is convinced that working with a terrorist state inevitably results in tens of thousands of casualties, hundreds of billions of dollars in losses and destabilization of markets. Therefore, it is necessary to leave the Russian market.

The President stressed that only the food crisis alone provoked by Russia threatens political chaos in dozens of countries.

Ukraine has suffered about $ 600 billion of losses in damage and destruction since the full-scale Russian invasion. Today, the state budget needs support of up to $ 7 billion a month, the President said.

“So we need direct help both to the government and to the citizens. For example, through the instrument of military bonds. Or through an account in our National Bank, through which we make payments to our citizens. By helping us, you are helping yourself in the future. Because this help is for the sake of stability and freedom. Hence, for the sake of growth,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

At the same time, according to him, Ukraine’s victory will not be convincing if we do not rebuild what has been destroyed.

“The biggest contribution you can make to our reconstruction is the opening of your representative offices, divisions and your productions, companies, offices and branches in Ukraine. Exactly in Ukraine, it is important. In our country, you will have access not only to our market of 40 million people, but also to the entire EU market,” the President said, recalling the EU’s decision to abolish duties, quotas and anti-dumping tariffs on Ukrainian exports.

“We have already shown the greatest example of heroism in defending our common freedom and common values. And immediately after our victory, we will demonstrate the same example of creating the best conditions for doing business in Europe, so that you are comfortable with investing in our country,” said the President.

According to him, all this should become part of the new economic order in Europe and a new impetus for global economic growth.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 May 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a video conference with National Security Advisor to the President of the United States Jacob Sullivan, National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Stephen Lovegrove, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the German Chancellor Jens Plötner, Adviser to the President of the French Republic on relations with Ukraine and Russia Isabelle Dumont, other representatives of the French side.

Andriy Yermak informed his interlocutors about the course of events on the frontline noting that the most difficult situation remains in the south-east of Ukraine, where Russia has concentrated significant forces.

He also spoke about the evacuation mission from the Russian-occupied city of Mariupol in the Donetsk region. According to the Head of the President’s Office, on Tuesday 156 Ukrainian citizens who took refuge from the Russian bombing in the basement of the Azovstal plant finally reached Zaporizhzhia and are now safe.

At the same time, according to Andriy Yermak, Russian troops continue to shell Azovstal, which still shelters civilians and wounded soldiers in need of emergency medical care. The humanitarian situation in Mariupol remains catastrophic.

The Head of the President’s Office stressed the need to make every effort to unblock the people at the plant.

As part of the ongoing dialogue, the parties continued to discuss future security guarantees for Ukraine. Our state, which has faced Russian aggression, is interested in obtaining clear and concrete guarantees.

The parties also discussed preparations for the next sanctions package against Russia. The action plan to strengthen sanctions developed by the Yermak-McFaul international expert group was handed over to Ukraine’s partners.

The interlocutors agreed that sanctions pressure on Russia should increase until it ends the aggressive war and seeks peace.

 

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 3 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda.

The President of Ukraine congratulated the leader of Poland and all the fraternal Polish people on the 231st anniversary of the Constitution of May 3, which is celebrated today.

“Democratic values and traditions, the pursuit of justice unite our states and people. Today we feel the strong leadership support of Poland in the selfless struggle of the Ukrainian people for the protection of European values. We appreciate it!” the President of Ukraine emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed the President of Poland about the course of the resistance to the aggressor on the frontline, about the tragic situation in Mariupol.

The interlocutors discussed further defense assistance to Ukraine. The Ukrainian Head of State especially noted Poland’s significant contribution in this direction.

The leaders paid special attention to further sanctions pressure on Russia, which should be intensified and expanded.

“Russia has already started an energy war against Poland and the whole of Europe. EU states must get rid of energy dependence on Russia,” the President of Ukraine stressed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed his Polish counterpart about the beginning of the work on the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. In this regard, he thanked Poland for the initiative to hold a high-level International Donors’ Conference for Ukraine together with the Government of Sweden and the leadership of the European Commission, which will be attended by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

The President of Ukraine noted the key role of Poland in supporting Ukraine’s movement towards EU membership and expressed confidence in the prompt adoption of all necessary decisions by Brussels.

During the conversation, the leaders touched upon the issue of comprehensive assistance provided by the government and the people of the Republic of Poland to millions of Ukrainians who have found temporary shelter from aggression in the neighboring country. Volodymyr Zelenskyy especially thanked Andrzej Duda and his wife Agata for their personal support.

The President of Ukraine also invited the President of Poland to address the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.