Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Baroness Bull CBE appointed Chair of the Expert Advisory Panel for the Cultural Education Plan

    PRESS RELEASE : Baroness Bull CBE appointed Chair of the Expert Advisory Panel for the Cultural Education Plan

    The press release issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on 29 August 2022.

    • Baroness Bull to draw on her long and successful career in the arts and higher education to convene and chair expert panel which will oversee the development of the new plan
    • She brings a wide range of expertise, first as a dancer in The Royal Ballet, then as a creative leader at the Royal Opera House and also having served on the boards of the South Bank Centre and Arts Council England

    Schools Minister Will Quince and Arts Minster Lord Parkinson have jointly appointed crossbench peer Baroness Bull as the Chair of the Expert Advisory Panel for the upcoming Cultural Education Plan.

    The plan was announced in the Schools White Paper, Opportunity for All, in March 2022 and will be published next year. The full panel membership will be announced later this year, and will include school and cultural sector leaders, and other experts in cultural education.

    The plan aims to articulate and highlight the importance of high-quality cultural education in schools, promote the social value of cultural and creative education, outline and support career progression pathways, address skills gaps and tackle disparities in opportunity and outcome.

    The Government will work closely with Arts Council England, the British Film Institute, Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund on the project.

    Baroness Bull has had extensive expertise in the arts, both as a performer in the Royal Ballet, within creative leadership at the Royal Opera House and in governance roles on the boards of the South Bank Centre and Arts Council England. Over the last decade she has also worked in higher education, developing partnerships between the university sector and arts and cultural organisations. She co-chairs the APPG on Creative Diversity.

    In addition, Baroness Bull has served on the boards of the South Bank Centre and Arts Council England, was a governor of the BBC, a judge for the 2010 Booker Prize and a member of the governing body of the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

    The Cultural Education Plan Expert Panel members will be appointed in Autumn 2022.

    Chair of the Expert Advisory Panel Baroness Bull said:

    “Every child should have the opportunity to explore their individual and creative potential through high-quality cultural education.

    I’m delighted to be appointed to the role and look forward to working with the panel to develop a rich and diverse Cultural Education Plan that will deliver for children right across the country.”

    Notes

    • This is a voluntary position and there will be no remuneration for the role.
    • The expert advisory panel for the Cultural Education Plan will be appointed by the Minister for School Standards and the Minister for Arts.
    • Baroness Bull is a crossbench peer in the House of Lords, so serves in a non-party political capacity.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Fuelling a greener future – E10 petrol rolling out in Northern Ireland on 1 November 2022

    PRESS RELEASE : Fuelling a greener future – E10 petrol rolling out in Northern Ireland on 1 November 2022

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 29 August 2022.

    • greener E10 petrol to be rolled out across Northern Ireland from November, with a government campaign launched today to raise awareness
    • move will align Northern Ireland with Great Britain and could help cut carbon emissions across the UK – equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off UK roads every year
    • 95% of petrol cars are already compatible with E10 petrol, but campaign promotes tool to enable drivers to check if their car can use it

    Drivers across Northern Ireland will soon be able to fill up with greener fuel when E10 petrol is rolled out as the new standard grade of petrol from 1 November 2022.

    The rollout of E10, which is petrol blended with up to 10% renewable ethanol, will help Northern Ireland to decarbonise transport, as it is greener than existing petrol. Its use across the UK could contribute to cutting transport CO2 emissions in the UK by potentially 750,000 tonnes a year – equivalent to a forest the size of the Isle of Wight capturing carbon every year.

    To help raise awareness of the upcoming switch, the UK government is today (29 August 2022) launching an information campaign for motorists in Northern Ireland that will see new fuel pump labels as well as targeted digital, radio and social media advertising.

    While 95% of petrol cars will be compatible, the campaign will encourage those who are unsure to check their vehicle can use the fuel using our online compatibility checker tool. This will ask you for information about your car before checking a database highlighting your car’s compatibility.

    As well as playing a part in the UK’s ambitions to decarbonise transport and reach its net zero goals, according to industry, the rollout of E10 petrol could support thousands of jobs throughout the supply chain and boost job opportunities across the country.

    This is something that Vivergo, a British ethanol producer, has already seen, with 100 new jobs since E10’s introduction in Great Britain and as we work towards decarbonisation, this will hopefully be a sign of more opportunities.

    Decarbonisation Minister Trudy Harrison said:

    “We’re determined to cut emissions from all our roads and clean up our air, as we accelerate towards a zero-emission transport future.

    Although more and more motorists are driving electric vehicles, there are steps we can take to reduce emissions from the millions of vehicles already on our roads. The small switch to E10 petrol will not only help drivers across the country reduce their environmental impact, but also could create thousands of jobs across the UK.”

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Shailesh Vara said:

    “The government is committed to supporting the growth of green energy across the UK and the introduction of E10 petrol will help reduce emissions of carbon dioxide on Northern Ireland roads.

    The decarbonisation of transport methods has an important part to play in achieving the UK’s net zero goals as well as creating opportunities for growth in our economy.”

    Gaynor Hartnell, Chief Executive of the Renewable Transport Fuel Association (RTFA) said:

    “Most petrol cars on the road are optimised to run on E10, and it’s very welcome that motorists in Northern Ireland will soon benefit from having access to this greener fuel.”

    The introduction of E10 will see renewable ethanol in petrol double, from the current petrol blend E5 containing no more than 5% ethanol, further reducing emissions from millions of cars in line with our climate targets.

    A small number of older vehicles, including classic cars and some from the early 2000s, will continue to need E5 fuel, which is why supplies of E5 petrol will be maintained in the ‘super’ petrol grade. Motorists are advised to use the E10 compatibility checker to see if their vehicle is compatible.

  • PRESS RELEASE : FCDO Ministerial statement on violence in Tripoli, Libya

    PRESS RELEASE : FCDO Ministerial statement on violence in Tripoli, Libya

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2022.

    Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, FCDO Minister of State said:

    “The United Kingdom condemns the violence perpetrated by armed groups in Tripoli on Saturday 27 August. The UK calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for all parties to engage in a UN brokered dialogue. The protection of civilians is critical and access must be provided for humanitarian personnel.

    There can be no military solution to the ongoing crisis of legitimacy in Libya. It is imperative that all Libyan parties engage with the UN to agree a path towards free, fair and inclusive elections, with support from all international actors. The wishes of the Libyan people must be prioritised ahead of narrow self-interests. The UK stands ready to work with Libyans, the UN and international partners to achieve sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in Libya.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ihor Zhovkva discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation with the Federal Minister for the EU and the Austrian Constitution

    PRESS RELEASE : Ihor Zhovkva discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation with the Federal Minister for the EU and the Austrian Constitution

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 28 April 2022.

    Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a video conference with Federal Minister for the EU and Constitution at the Federal Chancellery of Austria Karoline Edtstadler.

    Ihor Zhovkva thanked Austria for the warm welcome of about 50,000 Ukrainians who were forced to flee their homes, and praised the initiative of the Federal Chancellery to double the funds raised through the charity event “Neighbor in Need.”

    During the conversation, the parties discussed the need for the European Union to strengthen sanctions on Russia.

    “We count on Austria’s support for the soonest possible approval of the sixth sanctions package, which should definitely include an oil embargo and disconnection of all Russian banks from the SWIFT system. It is necessary to put an end to the financing of Russia’s aggression through the purchase of Russian energy resources,” Ihor Zhovkva stressed.

    Austria’s clear position on maintaining European unity on the refusal to pay for gas supplies with Russian rubles was noted.

    The interlocutors paid special attention to Ukraine’s priorities in the field of European integration. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President briefed Karoline Edtstadler on the latest achievements in this area. Ihor Zhovkva expressed disappointment with the recent statements by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria Alexander Schallenberg, which do not contribute to the achievement of our country’s main goals of European integration. Ihor Zhovkva is convinced that the expected positive recommendation by the European Commission based on the results of the review of Ukraine’s answers to the questionnaire will allow EU member states to support Ukraine’s acquisition of EU candidate status in June this year.

    The Deputy Head of the Office of the President called on the Austrian side to support the European Commission’s proposal to abolish customs tariffs and quotas on Ukrainian industrial and agricultural products.

    Also expectations were expressed that an agreement between Ukraine and the EU on the liberalization of road transport would be signed as soon as possible.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Possible pseudo-referendum in the occupied territories will complicate possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia – President

    PRESS RELEASE : Possible pseudo-referendum in the occupied territories will complicate possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia – President

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 28 April 2022.

    President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes that in the event of any pseudo-referendums in the occupied territories they will not be recognized by Ukraine and the world and will complicate possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. The President made this statement during a meeting with media representatives following talks with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Kyiv.

    “I believe that it is impossible and will not be possible to annex one or another part of our territories by force,” the President stressed.

    He reminded that in the occupied cities Ukrainians protested against the armed Russian occupiers.

    “This (pseudo-referendum – ed.) will not bring anything, except that this is another complication of probable, at least some kind of probable negotiations between Ukraine and Russia… It seems to me that this is a complication of any negotiations,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    According to him, today there are questions of humanitarian aspects to Russia – to unblock people, as well as economic questions related to food security and unblocking sea routes.

    “Many questions. If they want to complicate all this for the whole of Europe and the world, they can continue to play with these referendums, which will not yield any results – either current or historical,” the President concluded.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the UN Secretary-General in Kyiv

    PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the UN Secretary-General in Kyiv

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 28 April 2022.

    President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres who arrived in Kyiv.

    The President noted the importance of the UN Secretary-General’s visit to Ukraine, as today it is our country that defends the principles of the United Nations Charter.

    Before the meeting with the President of Ukraine, António Guterres visited the suburbs of Kyiv and saw with his own eyes the horrible war crimes of Russia in our country.

    “I am grateful to Mr. Guterres for the clear and unequivocal position on the war against Ukraine. We appreciate your efforts to use the “good offices” mechanisms to de-escalate the situation. Every opportunity must be used to achieve peace,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with media representatives following talks with the UN Secretary-General.

    According to him, during the conversation the parties touched upon the issue of establishing a special international tribunal on Russia’s crimes.

    “For its part, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission must continue to document all crimes committed by the Russian Federation and the Russian military,” the President said.

    The President of Ukraine and the UN Secretary-General also discussed the support for Ukrainians through cash payments, increasing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, as well as the importance of involving the UN in the post-war reconstruction of our state.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy and António Guterres also paid attention to the food crisis provoked by the war.

    “Ukraine is literally giving bread to almost 400 million people on the planet. And now the UN recognizes that rising food prices this year will cause famine for at least 47 million people in 81 countries,” said the President.

    The interlocutors discussed how to do everything possible for Russia to unblock Ukrainian ports for food exports.

    For his part, António Guterres stressed that the UN considers the Russian invasion of Ukraine a violation of the territorial integrity of our state and the Charter of the United Nations.

    The UN Secretary-General noted that he is determined to enhance the support for Ukrainian citizens, help save lives and minimize suffering, and find a way to peace.

    António Guterres informed about the work of the UN together with the Ukrainian government and organizations to provide assistance to Ukrainians. According to him, the UN has already provided humanitarian aid to 3.4 million people in Ukraine, and intends to support 8.7 million people by the end of August. The United Nations is also ready to provide financial assistance.

    In addition, the UN supports the countries that have sheltered Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war and internally displaced persons in Ukraine.

    According to António Guterres, the WHO provides medical supplies for emergency care, treatment of injuries for more than 7 million people. Efforts are being made to support the first aid system and so on.

    António Guterres also stressed the importance of the work of the International Criminal Court.

    “Now we are at ground zero as regards the world we need to build. A world of respect for international law, the UN Charter, and the power of multilateralism. A world where civilians have protection. Where human rights are a priority. Where leaders live up to the declared values they have committed to. It is also a struggle, but we must win it for the sake of every country, community and person around the world,” said the Secretary-General.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine is ready for urgent talks to evacuate people from Mariupol and counts on UN support – Volodymyr Zelenskyy

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine is ready for urgent talks to evacuate people from Mariupol and counts on UN support – Volodymyr Zelenskyy

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 28 April 2022.

    During the negotiations in Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UN Secretary-General António Guterres discussed the evacuation of Ukrainian citizens from the Russian-besieged city of Mariupol in the Donetsk region, including the Azovstal plant.

    The Ukrainian Head of State noted that António Guterres discussed this issue during his recent visit to Russia.

    “We see that despite the words of the Russian President about the alleged cessation of hostilities in Mariupol, the territory of the Azovstal plant is under barbaric bombing by the Russian army. And this continued even during the talks of the Secretary-General in Moscow,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with António Guterres.

    He stressed that Ukraine is ready for urgent talks to evacuate people from Mariupol and hopes that the participation of the UN Secretary-General in this mission will be effective.

    The Head of State also called on António Guterres to make efforts to stop the deportation of Ukrainian citizens to Russia, gain access to the forcibly deported and return them to their homeland as soon as possible.

    Answering journalists’ questions, the President expressed hope that with the participation of the UN Secretary-General he would be able to bring people back alive from Mariupol.

    For his part, António Guterres assured that he is doing everything possible to save people in Mariupol.

    “I want to tell you, Mr. President, and the people of Ukraine: we do not give up. We will continue to call for a complete ceasefire, as well as for immediate practical measures to save lives and minimize human suffering. Effective humanitarian corridors, local cessation of hostilities, safe routes for civilians and victims. Today, the residents of Mariupol need just such a step,” he said.

    The UN Secretary-General stressed that thousands of civilians in the city – the elderly, the sick and persons with reduced mobility – need vital assistance.

    “They need a rescue route to leave this hell,” said António Guterres.

    The UN Secretary-General said that during his recent visit to Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed in general to involve the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross in the evacuation of civilians from Azovstal. “Today, Mr. Zelenskyy and I had the opportunity to discuss this issue. Intensive discussions are currently underway to implement this proposal,” said António Guterres.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy – We seek to elaborate an agreement that will provide real guarantees for Ukraine’s security

    PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy – We seek to elaborate an agreement that will provide real guarantees for Ukraine’s security

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 28 April 2022.

    Ukraine seeks to elaborate a document on guarantees of our security, which would provide maximum and real protection for our country, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    “We want to get the maximum for our country and our people. Maximum. And there will be such guarantees,” the Head of State said, answering questions from the media representatives after a meeting with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Kiril Petkov in Kyiv.

    According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after the Budapest Memorandum proved its ineffectiveness, Ukraine is not interested in any new “patchwork umbrellas”.

    “Sometimes it’s better to have nothing and know that you are alone with the enemy than to have a large circle of friends, partners who in fact will not protect you,” he said.

    That is why, according to the President, Ukraine seeks to elaborate a thorough document that will really work.

    “This time we are very serious and balanced about the future document. And about the circle of partner countries, which should not let us down in case of any aggression in the future,” the Head of State stated.

    As Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted, after the end of the current war, Russia will not disappear from the eastern border of Ukraine, so we need a fundamental document that will allow our state to coexist with such a neighbor in the future.

    The Head of State said that the draft document is currently being prepared at the level of security advisers to the leaders of the countries, which will later join the circle of guarantors of Ukraine’s security.

    “When everything is ready, I think our society, our journalists will definitely see the details of future agreements,” the President concluded.

  • PRESS RELEASE : President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Bulgaria discussed the defensive, energy and logistical assistance and support for Ukraine on the way to the EU

    PRESS RELEASE : President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Bulgaria discussed the defensive, energy and logistical assistance and support for Ukraine on the way to the EU

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 28 April 2022.

    President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held negotiations with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Kiril Petkov who is on a visit to our country.

    “Today we held meaningful talks, discussed all the key issues that deserve attention right now in such difficult conditions,” the Ukrainian Head of State said during a meeting with media representatives following the talks.

    The President stressed that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been going on for 64 days already. The aggressor attacks both military and civilians, destroys infrastructure. But our state is fighting back, and Russia will achieve nothing but “contempt and condemnation from all decent people in the world.”

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Kiril Petkov for the fact that Bulgaria, like the whole civilized world, stands in solidarity with Ukraine today.

    “Our state now needs the support of our reliable friends more than ever to defend the right to life, to our own state, to the European future for our people. But this struggle is not only for Ukraine. Now in Ukraine we defend the values of the whole of Europe, the whole world. And right now, in Ukraine, it is being decided whether other nations of Europe will be able to live freely, to live democratically,” the President is convinced.

    According to him, during today’s meeting with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, cooperation was initiated to repair Ukrainian military equipment at Bulgarian production facilities.

    “It is very important for Ukraine. I am sure that such cooperation will be beneficial for both Bulgarian companies and Bulgarian economy. And for us, quality and time are very important, because we fight every day,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

    The issue of cooperation in the energy sphere was also raised. According to the President, Ukraine is ready to supply electricity to Bulgaria and is also interested in diversifying gas supplies in the region, in particular by using the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline together with the Bulgarian side.

    In addition, according to the President, an agreement was reached to establish the transportation of agricultural products from Ukraine through the Bulgarian port of Varna on the Black Sea coast. For its part, the Ukrainian side will provide the necessary assistance to resolve as soon as possible the issue with the Bulgarian ship blocked in the Chornomorsk sea port.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Kiril Petkov for the government’s position in support of the European Union’s sanctions policy.

    “I want to emphasize that sanctions against Russia are needed only to force Russia to seek peace. For this to happen, sanctions must be effective, strong and not allow Russia to circumvent the restrictions. I hope that Bulgaria will continue to support the strengthening of sanctions for this war,” he said.

    During the meeting, the interlocutors paid special attention to Ukraine’s movement towards EU membership. The President thanked the Prime Minister of Bulgaria for the clear and consistent support for Ukraine’s European future.

    “In February, at our meeting in Munich, we signed a joint declaration on Ukraine’s European perspective. Today, I received assurances that Bulgaria will support the decision to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate country for accession to the European Union at the next meeting of the European Council. I am very glad that our partners recognize that Ukraine has deserved an accelerated procedure for joining the EU,” the President said.

    The President also thanked Kiril Petkov for his personal initiative to raise funds in Bulgaria in support of Ukraine.

    “By your own example, you inspire thousands of your fellow citizens to continue to show solidarity with our Ukrainian people. More than 90,000 Ukrainians, mostly women and children fleeing the horrors of war, have found shelter in Bulgaria. We are grateful to the Bulgarian people for their hospitality, support and really touching attitude,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    The President of Ukraine noted Bulgaria’s readiness to take part in the post-war reconstruction of our country, in particular one of the southern regions. He stressed that the high level of cooperation between Ukraine and Bulgaria and sincere mutual understanding prove that we are one European family united by a common past and, most importantly, a common future.

    Prime Minister of Bulgaria Kiril Petkov, for his part, expressed support for our state. He noted that his country is ready to promote the export of electricity from Ukraine, can offer the port of Varna as a logistics hub, in particular for flour, and help use the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline.

    According to him, Bulgaria will be happy to help and join the reconstruction of Ukraine. The Prime Minister also responded positively to Ukraine’s request to repair and restore military equipment.

    “It is important for Bulgaria that Ukraine moves to the European Union. It is time to say that Ukraine belongs to the EU and the European family. We must give a clear signal and show a clear path. You have the support of Bulgaria,” Kiril Petkov summed up.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Head of state holds first meeting of Congress of Local and Regional Authorities during Russian invasion

    PRESS RELEASE : Head of state holds first meeting of Congress of Local and Regional Authorities during Russian invasion

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 27 April 2022.

    With the participation of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities was held to discuss the functioning of the state during the war. The event was held as a video conference.

    The President said that the first meeting of the Congress during Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine took place today.

    The audience observed a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of all citizens who gave their lives for the homeland.

    The participants of the event discussed the Plan of postwar reconstruction of Ukraine, as well as the creation of comfortable living conditions for all those who were forced to leave their homes due to the war. In particular, it was a question of providing migrants with housing.

    Kyrylo Tymoshenko, Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Executive Secretary of the Presidium of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, spoke about the task of creating a database of needs of all settlements of Ukraine and developing a concept for them, taking into account the needs of communities. To this end, 14 infrastructure clusters have been created that need to be rebuilt or upgraded. Cities and regions are invited to provide comprehensive information on relevant needs by early May.

    According to Tymoshenko, today the state has to give almost 600,000 apartments to provide housing for displaced persons. Given the scale of the needs, the approach of building from scratch was chosen, as well as the purchase of ready-made apartments from developers.

    The President said that IDPs should be provided with comfortable temporary housing for the period they need. He also called for all necessary amendments to the regulations so that new housing in Ukraine must be built with comfortable bomb shelters, and the old housing stock should be equipped in accordance with the needs of public safety.

    Zelenskyy also set a task to prepare plans for the reconstruction of cities, towns and communities affected by the Russian invasion.

    “There will be a combination of finance, specialists and technology, which will simply be passed on to us by our partners. We need a clear ambitious plan to engage them in this project, so that they give us their architects, and we connect them with our specialists,” the President said, urging not to wait for the end of the war.

    Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov told the meeting participants that the damage caused to the infrastructure as a result of the war reached almost $90 billion. First of all, this is railway, road and bridge infrastructure. He informed about the pace of road rehabilitation and reconstruction of bridges in the liberated territories and said that the ambitious goal is to rebuild the infrastructure in one or two years.

    According to Minister of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov, a new regional development strategy is already being shaped in the country. He said that during the reconstruction of the country, all the best world practices of urban development will be applied, taking into account the needs of energy efficiency, the availability of modern supply systems, security and inclusiveness.

    In addition, the Congress considered the assistance that the central government of Ukraine can provide to the temporarily occupied communities.

    In particular, Mayor of Melitopol Ivan Fedorov spoke about the experience in providing all necessary payments and preventing the humanitarian crisis in the city.

    Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko briefed on measures for stable and continuous functioning of the budget sphere and implementation of the government’s commitments, financial support of the population. He also spoke about raising funds from international partners and selling war bonds.

    In addition, the participants discussed the interaction of law enforcement agencies and local authorities during martial law.

    Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Denys Monastyrsky reported on measures to ensure compliance with curfew conditions, evacuation of the population, demining of territories and dismantling of the debris appeared due to hostilities.

    Members of the Congress also heard information on the development of the territorial defense system, the systematization of the activities of voluntary formations of territorial communities.

    Following the discussion, the President instructed the Interior Minister together with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny and Commander of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces Yuriy Halushkin to hold a meeting to regulate weapons handling in non-combat areas.