Category: Press Releases

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

The most pressing humanitarian issues for Ukraine today are the exchange of prisoners, the unblocking of Ukrainian ports and the export of grain, as well as the search for and establishment of the location of Ukrainians illegally deported by the aggressor country. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an online conversation at the Ukrainian House in Davos.

“The first is the exchange of people. Today, this is a humanitarian moment and a political decision that depends on the support of many states. You know, several thousand of our people are in captivity after the blockade of Mariupol, Azovstal. Besides, there were people from Donbas. They are in captivity today. These are absolutely brave people, I am immensely grateful to them. They did a great job. Heroic, historical. We must exchange them,” the Head of State stressed.

According to him, Ukraine has involved the UN, Switzerland, Israel and many other countries that are trying to talk to Russia in the exchange process.

However, according to the President, it is necessary not to persuade Russia, but to put pressure on it, demanding the necessary decision.

“In no case can you play with Russia. You should put pressure politically through business closures, oil embargo. Threats in terms of sanctions, business. And through these threats to achieve the possibility of exchange. To activate the exchange of our people for the Russian military,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The second humanitarian problem, according to the President, is the threat of global food crisis, as Ukrainian ports are blocked by Russia.

“There will be a shortage of food products due to the blockade of all ports in our country. Today, 22 million tons of grain are blocked by the Russian Federation, which completely controls the Black Sea and Azov coasts,” he said.

To prevent food shortages, the world’s political and business elites must take measures to ensure that this grain is unblocked and exported to Europe, Asia and Africa, the President is convinced.

“So that people have something to eat. That’s how some countries will face this question – that there is nothing to eat. And we have to help with that,” he added.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the illegal deportation of Ukrainian citizens to the territory of the Russian Federation the third important humanitarian problem for which there is no practical solution yet.

“About 500,000 people were forcibly deported to Russia or the occupied parts of Donbas. The children were taken away by force, separated from their parents. There are many such cases. We appealed to both the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations. Where they have access, they are looking for these people, we are looking for them,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

According to him, it is difficult to establish the location of illegally deported Ukrainians, as their passports, other documents and phones are often confiscated.

“Personally, I can’t find a solution to this problem yet. I would like to draw the attention of the international community to this issue. And I would like to bring people home or at least get information about their whereabouts, about whether they are alive or not,” the President said.

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

Today, Ukraine is fighting for freedom and independence, for the values of all mankind, so the countries of the free world must support our state so that their citizens do not have to face the horrors of war. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an online conversation at the Ukrainian House in Davos.

“Our task is to ensure that the world doesn’t get tired of war and keeps supporting Ukraine, because we are fighting for the values that people live by, the values they breathe like oxygen,” the President said.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine expects support from the West, including the necessary defense and financial assistance, as well as strengthening sanctions against Russia.

“There is no notion of distance for the occupation, the most important thing is to stop any aggressor from the very beginning,” the President said.

“Ukraine is the first. It is on the border with Russia, which is going on the offensive today. If we fall, if Ukraine does not endure – Russia will move on. And then it will go to the Baltic states – Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia. These are small states that, even if the three of them unite, will not be able to protect those values. And then the military of NATO member states will have to come here. And in order for the military of NATO countries, your families, not to see what we see, you need to help Ukraine,” he explained.

The Head of State noted that almost 100 Ukrainian servicemen die every day in battles with the Russian aggressor, but the Russian authorities do not care how many of their soldiers died in this war, and they do not even think about burying them.

“We have tens of thousands of black packages with people who are not taken away by Russia. These are their soldiers,” the President of Ukraine said.

He told how he presented orders to the families of servicemen who were posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. According to him, there wasn’t happiness from receiving the award, but the tragedy and tears brought by the war in the eyes of the relatives of the Heroes.

“But we have no choice, because we did not start a war. We are on our own land, we have nowhere to go. And that’s why we are strong. And that’s why we’re united. That is why we are fighting for freedom. No one wants to lose their life, but people give their lives for the future. This banal phrase – they give their life for the sake of others – contains great pain, great suffering of the Ukrainian people and any people going through the war. That’s how wars end. And it is impossible to assess this pain,” the President is convinced.

According to him, this is not a war to the last Ukrainian, but “we simply do not have the right to give away the land and the people who live on this land.”

“Therefore, there will be a victory. Because this is our land, our people, we fight for them and pay a high price. There will definitely be a victory, because there is simply no other way out,” the Head of State is convinced.

The President stressed that without the wars for independence there can be no freedom and independence, and this should be remembered by the citizens of other free democracies, whose ancestors also fought bravely for the independence of their states.

“We need weapons and sanctions, and we give you freedom and independence for that. It seems to me that this is fair,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 23 May 2022.

Ukraine plans to set up a psychological assistance service to support war survivors. This was stated by First Lady Olena Zelenska during a speech at the 75th World Health Assembly, the highest governing body of the WHO.

“Yes, war is a tragedy. But we must find an opportunity to do good even in the midst of the horrors of war. Let us use this period as an opportunity to integrate psychological support into all areas of our peaceful life. I hope for your support. Let’s gain this victory together!” Olena Zelenska urged the attendees.

The President’s wife reminded that the WHO is committed to protecting the most crucial human rights – to life and health. These rights are currently being violated in Ukraine due to an armed attack by Russia.

“None of the Ukrainians, neither an adult nor a child, can be sure that they will wake up tomorrow. That the missile will not fly into his house. The doctor cannot be sure that his ambulance will not be bombed on the way to the patient. Today, there are health ministers from different countries. This is especially important because we cannot now ensure the life and health of Ukrainians on our own. And your countries are coming to our aid,” she said.

Olena Zelenska noted that the battles will end, every displaced Ukrainian will return, every family will be reunited, wounds will heal, and destroyed schools, orphanages and hospitals in Ukraine will be rebuilt. But the consequences of this war, unfortunately, will remain for years and decades. So today there is another task – the battle for the mental health of Ukrainian citizens.

After the things Ukrainians experienced in the occupation, at the front, in bomb shelters, under shelling, abroad, they need rehabilitation just as the physically wounded, the President’s wife is convinced.

That is why the Office of the First Lady, together with representatives of the Ukrainian government in cooperation with civil society and international partners, is already launching a nationwide initiative to enhance mental health and psychosocial support.

“We want to do it with you. Based on your best experience. We count on your expert support to build a truly efficient psychological care service in the world,” the President’s wife noted.

The First Lady expressed her sincere hopes that Ukraine would set an example of strengthening global support for the mental health and psychosocial well-being of war survivors. And it will do it quickly, so that “along with the victory in the war, we also gain this victory – over the grief, shock and stress of our citizens.”

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 23 May 2022.

After winning the war against Russia, Ukraine will become a powerful and safe state that will get rid of corruption and oligarchic influence and will be able to defend its territory and people. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy while participating in the online format in the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Answering the question of the moderator – founder of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab about the vision of the future of Ukraine, the Head of State stressed that today, as the leader of a country at war, he thinks more about the present and losses in the war. He added that Ukraine pays dearly for freedom, independence and struggle.

At the same time, the President expressed conviction that our state will definitely win, as the Ukrainian people and army have already shown their strength and courage.

“It will be a strong state with concrete security priorities. We understand that anything can happen at any moment with such a neighbor, and, unfortunately, there can be war. The war may be repeated. I am convinced that we must create conditions so that people and businesses are not afraid to develop in our country,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President stressed that the territory of Ukraine is large, so a solid system of defense must be created.

“Our task is to establish the most advanced air defense system, the most advanced multisystem of security. Our goal is to have a security treaty with other countries that we trust and consider partners. This treaty must be full-fledged, preferably ratified by the parliaments of the strategic partner countries. So that any chances of the aggressor for the future invasion will be eliminated before entering our land,” the Head of State emphasized.

According to the Head of State, the security of both people and business must be guaranteed in Ukraine.

“We do not intend to revive certain corruption steps, corrupt institutions, oligarchic influence. All this will not be the case in Ukraine. And none of this is there now. Exactly such a state – powerful, popular, technological and safe, ready to defend its land and people at any moment,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 23 May 2022.

Ukraine proposes to create an organization of food-exporting states which would serve as a tool to combat hunger on the planet. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

“Any response to the mass famine is overdue by definition. The famine should be stopped only preventively – when it has not yet begun. But now there is no such tool in the world. We propose to create an organization of responsible and democratic food-exporting states that can act with respect for human rights and global trade rules,” he said.

According to the Head of State, no matter what the turning points in history, humanity must have insurance against hunger.

“And Ukraine is ready to provide a platform for the activities of such a new organization – a definitely needed one,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

Answering the questions of the moderator – founder of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab, the President called on the international community to help Ukraine unblock ports to avoid the global food crisis.

“You should know that grain is partly stolen every day by the Russian military, and then exported by ship to certain countries. We need to react very quickly. We at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs work with the embassies of such countries, because if you understand where this grain comes from, where the Russian Federation transports it from, how can you buy it illegitimately just because it is sold to you almost for free,” said the President.

He called on other democracies to help Ukraine fight such actions by the Russian Federation at the diplomatic level, as it will be difficult for our state to do so on its own.

During his speech, Volodymyr Zelenskyy also called for increased sanctions on Russia, without waiting for its next shot – the use of chemical, biological and, God forbid, nuclear weapons.

“Do not give the aggressor the impression that the world will not show enough resistance. Protect freedom and normal, useful for all peaceful order in the world immediately and in full! That’s what sanctions should be. Maximum. So that Russia and every other potential aggressor who wants to wage a brutal war against a neighbor knows exactly what this is leading to. And I think there are no such sanctions against Russia yet. And they must be imposed,” the President said.

In particular, according to him, there should be an embargo on Russian oil, a complete blockade of all Russian banks, abandonment of the Russian IT sector and the cessation of any trade with the aggressor.

The Head of State called on international companies to fully withdraw from the Russian market so that their brands, offices, accounts and commodities are not used by war criminals in their interests.

“Values must matter. Especially since everyone suffers losses when a full-scale war begins and global markets are destabilized due to someone’s neglect of values. For our part, we offer every company that leaves the Russian market to continue operating in Ukraine. You will get access not only to our market of 40 million consumers, but also to the common market of Europe. And at the same time, your brands, positions will only be enhanced due to the fact that you really support the protection of freedom,” the President noted.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the representatives of Ukraine in Davos are ready to inform about the details of the prospects that our country opens for business.

The Head of State also stressed that his proposals were aimed against hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos.

“We must not be afraid to set new precedents. This is exactly what the world has long had to learn at various turning points, for which it paid a high price. This was the price for the fact that the world only reacted, not acted preventively. So, now we can do it differently. Finally in the right way,” the President concluded.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 23 May 2022.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear guests.

Thanks for having me here. I think today’s event is very important. The world should know the truth.

Home. Home is comfort. A place where you are well and safe. Home is a worldview. A place where your wishes come true. Home is the future. A place where your children grow. Home is the universe. The place where the journey begins.

At our home, in my country, in Ukraine, there is a war. Hordes of butchers, rapists and murderers in Russian uniforms brought it. They look like human beings. But what they do on our land deprives them of the right to be called human.

Their home is really the residence of evil. This should be said directly and clearly. Because that’s the way the truth is told. From now on, war crime is Russia’s second name. And amending the name of once the Russian House in Davos is not just symbolic. It’s honest. It’s fair. For it’s exposing both Russia’s worldview and Russia’s universe.

Anybody can see it’s truth by themselves. Anyone can learn the names of those whom the so-called Russian liberators liberated from everything. From peace. From freedom. From life itself. Very often for fun and pleasure.

Still, I’m going to tell you a couple of life stories, real stories of our people. These are stories of Ukrainian children. Victims of war. Victims of genocide against the Ukrainian people.

On April 9, Russian troops shelled Vuhledar. It’s a city in Ukraine. Ten-year-old Veronica’s hometown. They had shelled it on the eighth. And on the seventh. And the day before. All the time, the girl and her family were hiding in the basement. The tank shell flew right into the ventilation window. In a moment, Veronica lost her father, her grandmother, her uncle, and his wife. The girl has been in a coma for several days. Doctors say, she’s got severe spinal cord and brain injuries. Veronica can walk already. She is working hard to exercise her paralyzed right arm.

And here is the story of ten-year-old Illya. His native city of Mariupol, the name of this city is now famous in the whole world, became a war zone from the very beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. He and his mother Natalia stayed in the city. At first, they had been hiding in their house basement. And then they lived there. One day they came under enemy fire. They ran to their neighbors for shelter. But luck betrayed them. The woman was wounded in the head. And the boy’s foot was crushed. Somehow, Natalia brought her son to safety.

Wounded and exhausted, they lay on the couch. Natalia was hugging Illya while her heart was beating. She was gone that night. The next day, the Russian military forcibly took the boy to occupied Novoazovsk. Then he was brought to Donetsk. Local doctors thought of amputating Illya’s foot. But he was lucky this time.

Meanwhile, Illya’s grandmother in Ukraine was looking for a way to get her grandson back. She quickly obtained custody. Then, she crossed the borders of the four countries to take him home. But first, the boy had to get a long-term inpatient treatment.

One day Ukrainian doctors said Illya’s leg was fully functional and he would be able to walk. He considers the day his second birthday. Ilyusha can already move his toes. He is very determined to recover. He gets very joyful when guests come to him. But sadness remains in his eyes. It is impossible to imagine what this boy had to survive. His pain cannot be forgiven.

These are just two stories. As of May 21, there were 660 more stories of wounded and killed children that we knew for sure. But it is impossible to say the exact number of kids who lost their health and lives to the Russian invasion. The war is still going on in Ukraine.

None of these stories are about the collateral damage. They are all about genocide. Russian soldiers kill Ukrainians because they are Ukrainians. The Russian army is destroying Ukraine because it is Ukraine. This is the purpose and the goal of the invasion.

Russian thugs in uniform seem to use the December 1948 UN Convention definitions of genocide as a source of their inspiration. Not a punishment warning.

In addition to murders, torture, and mutilation because of belonging to a certain group, reduction and prevention of childbirth are also on the list. You might have seen footage of the maternity hospital bombed in Mariupol. But it’s not the only one. Dozens of them were destroyed all over Ukraine. And there are thousands of damaged hospitals, schools and kindergartens.

Forcible transfer of children to other groups is also the sign of genocide. Well. According to Russian sources, as of May 21, the state sponsor of terrorism had deported over two hundred and thirty-two thousand children to its territory. Over 2,000 of them are either orphaned or separated from their parents. Meanwhile, the Russian parliament is preparing to simplify the Ukrainian children adoption by the Russian nationals. It’s not about humanism. It’s about a frenzy of hatred and destruction under the slogans of humanism.

Genocide is one of the vilest crimes known to mankind. It employs pathological sadists, gullible fools, and greatness-thirsty duffers. But the worst thing is that silent people endorse it. The people who lose their humanity because of fear of their own tyrant.

Davos is a place of strength. For half a century, a new world has been created here. If I were honored to create the Davos Forum slogan, I think, I would suggest “Respect. Synergy. Concord.”

But today a new world is being born in my country, Ukraine. We are defending from the brutal and ruthless force. We are resisting an empire that sees genocide and crimes against humanity as routine, not taboo. But we are fighting not just for ourselves. The fate of Europe and the world is at stake. Evil has to be stopped for the future’s sake. It always comes back if unpunished.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed support for the initiative of Polish President Andrzej Duda to conclude a new good-neighborly agreement that would help maintain warm relations between the nations of the two countries. He said this during a meeting with media representatives following talks with Andrzej Duda in Kyiv.

“I do not want our nations to risk our relations Relations with Poland today are one of the highest priorities for Ukraine. I am sure that they are now the most powerful in the history of our nations. And I really want us to have agreements not for the sake of agreements, but concrete, substantive ones that can only improve our lives, enhance the relations of our societies,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President of Ukraine is convinced that such a document should first be worked on by specialists, after which the presidents of the two states will move to the political part, in particular to the coordination of certain issues.

For his part, Andrzej Duda noted that it would be symbolic to sign such an agreement between Ukraine and Poland by January 2023, marking the 160th anniversary of the January Uprising, during which Poles and Ukrainians fought against the domination of the Russian Empire.

“It is difficult for me to say now whether we will be able to work out new decisions by this time, but I am sure of one thing: today we are in a completely different situation, and this situation creates a new picture. First of all, it creates a new perspective,” he stressed.

The President of Poland suggested that the leaders of the two countries, together with experts, prepare an agreement that would accelerate the implementation of new prospects and opportunities.

“It would be a big mistake if we did not use this chance,” said Andrzej Duda.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda who is on a visit to Ukraine.

The heads of state talked in a vis-a-vis format. Then, talks between the Ukrainian and Polish delegations chaired by the presidents took place.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that today Poland is showing a historical level of support for Ukraine, our Armed Forces and citizens who were forced to leave their homes due to the Russian invasion.

“And today the President of Poland also said: Ukraine protects the rights and freedoms not only of its own, but also of every European country. Our friendly Poland and the whole European Union,” the President said during a meeting with media representatives following talks with Andrzej Duda in Kyiv.

According to the President of Ukraine, during the Russian aggression, the Ukrainian and Polish nations show strong ties at various levels.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure that we do not lose this friendship, this warm and strategic partnership,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

According to the Head of State, during the meeting with Andrzej Duda, in particular, the issue of strengthening the Armed Forces of Ukraine was discussed.

“We are grateful to Poland – they worked constantly, every day. And I want to note the special personal role of the President of the Republic of Poland in strengthening (the Armed Forces of Ukraine – ed.) and in the supply of weapons,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Also, according to the President of Ukraine, the current situation on the food market was discussed, in particular, the shortage of food products.

“Now we are thinking about unblocking the supply of our grain, etc. to European countries, Asia and Africa. Here we also work together with our Polish partners,” the President said.

In addition, the parties discussed topical issues of economic relations between Ukraine and Poland. Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the representatives of the governments of the two states to hold a meeting in the near future to discuss the mentioned issues.

“It is important today to talk about the reconstruction of Ukraine. This is a signal that we will definitely win, I’m sure of it. And to rebuild Ukraine, we need the unity of the countries of the European Union, the United States, and all our friends. And we see Poland among the leading countries that will be in the program of reconstruction of Ukraine,” the President said.

Also, according to him, Poland today plays an important role in Ukraine’s movement towards membership in the European Union, because it understands as no one that our country has actually been part of Europe for a long time already.

“We think alike, we believe alike and we defend our freedom and independence. But there are bureaucratic, technical things, and on this path we need powerful ambassadors. And Poland is one of such countries,” the President said, adding that Ukraine expects to receive EU candidate status in June this year.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked all Poles for their help to Ukrainians who had to flee the war, and noted that after the victory he would be happy to visit those Polish cities that stood out in support of Ukraine and our citizens in these difficult times.

For his part, Polish President Andrzej Duda stressed that Russia’s war against Ukraine is not over, it is a given, people are still dying.

“Everything that is happening today in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions – a normal person cannot imagine it. Hundreds of people give their lives every day. This is the scale of the war, which Europe and the world have not seen for a long time,” he said.

Andrzej Duda is convinced that the end of the war requires support for Ukraine by the international community, not only humanitarian, but also military assistance.

“Ukraine needs weapons. Ukrainians have great morale and determination, but they need modern equipment to defeat such an enemy,” said the President of Poland.

He also stressed the importance of coordinated, strong sanctions pressure on Russia. It is necessary to isolate it at the international level and stop doing “business as usual”. In addition, according to Andrzej Duda, sanctions are needed that will affect Russia’s image, including expulsions from international organizations, sports associations, etc.

“We must find a way to create a situation where the war will completely cease to be beneficial to Russia, and will be a threat to Russia itself,” he said.

The Polish leader also stressed the need to already think about rebuilding Ukraine after the war.

At the end of the meeting, the President of Ukraine presented Ukrainian vyshyvankas to Andrzej Duda and the First Lady of Poland Agata Kornhauser-Duda.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the signing of Decree № 355/2022 on the establishment of the honorary title “Rescuer City”, and the first to receive this title was the Polish city of Rzeszów. The Head of State said this in a speech in the framework of joint participation with President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda in the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

“Before this speech, I signed a decree noting the special role of the Polish city of Rzeszów. I have introduced a special honorary title of “rescuer city” for the partner cities of our state, which today do the impossible to help us, to help our people, to help our army. On behalf of the entire Ukrainian people, I would like to express great gratitude to the city of Rzeszów, the first rescuer city,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President noted that almost all Ukrainian cities are sister cities of those in Poland. Our nations are also brothers, and our countries are sisters.

“We are relatives. And there should be no borders or barriers between us. The Ukrainian and Polish nations have not been mentally separated for a long time. So we agreed to implement this in the near future in the relevant bilateral agreement. First on joint border and customs control, and later on the conditional border when Ukraine becomes a member of the European Union,” the Head of State stressed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked Andrzej Duda for his readiness to visit the European capitals together with President of Slovakia Zuzana Čaputová in order to lobby for Ukraine’s membership in the EU.

The Head of State also thanked Polish cultural figures, sportsmen, clergy and ordinary people who support Ukrainians: organize big concerts, take part in competitions with the Ukrainian ribbon, or come from Poznań to Bucha just to bake bread.

The President noted the decision of the Polish Sejm, which grants Ukrainian citizens, who were forced to move temporarily to Poland due to the aggression of the Russian Federation, almost the same rights and opportunities as Polish citizens have: legal residence, employment, education, medical care, social guarantees.

“This is a great step, a great gesture of a great soul, which only a great friend of Ukraine is capable of. And this step will not remain unilateral. I believe that in the near future we must submit to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine a similar – mirror – bill. God forbid that Polish citizens will ever need all these advantages in such conditions, in conditions of war. But these laws are of great symbolic significance. They show that Ukrainians and Poles are native and equal. And I am sure that the parliamentary corps of Ukraine will support this law – quickly and, I am sure, by a majority of votes,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

“The unity of our nations must remain constant. Neither now nor in the future does anyone have the right to break this unity. Neither our politicians, nor hostile agents, nor even members of the jury at Eurovision. The Ukrainian and Polish nations gave each other 12 points – today and forever,” he added.

For his part, Andrzej Duda assured in his speech that Poland will never leave Ukraine alone. He stressed that the free world today has the face of Ukraine.

“I believe that this new friendship between millions of Ukrainians and Poles will lead to the fact that we will be good neighbors forever. This is a great historical chance,” said the President of Poland.

He also thanked the Ukrainian people for their courage, love of freedom, heroic resistance and protection of their Homeland and the whole of Europe from Russian barbarism and imperialism.

Andrzej Duda expressed confidence that Ukraine will receive the status of a candidate for EU membership, and later will definitely become a member of the European Union.