Category: Press Releases

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 29 July 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting devoted to the terrorist attack in Olenivka deliberately committed by the occupiers.

The meeting was attended by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov, acting Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Vasyl Maliuk and Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets.

They informed the Head of State in detail about the terrorist attack that took place today in Olenivka on the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region, the motives of the Russian side and the technical preparation of the crime. This morning, the enemy committed a terrorist attack on the territory of the former penal colony, which is now used as a place of detention of Ukrainian prisoners of war. A powerful explosion in the colony killed Ukrainian defenders.

The representatives of the mentioned security structures of Ukraine expressed a consolidated position regarding the events in Olenivka, which was enshrined in the Joint Statement regarding the mass murder of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

In particular, it is noted in their Joint Statement that during the explosion on the night of July 29, which occurred on the territory of the former penal colony of the village of Olenivka in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region, the building in which Ukrainian prisoners of war were kept was destroyed. According to the Russians, more than 50 Ukrainian defenders were killed, the number of wounded is unknown.

According to the Joint Statement, not a single employee of the colony, “DPR” soldier or Russian military man guarding the premises, according to the comments of the Russian side, was injured in the explosion. Immediately after the explosion, Russia accused Ukraine of shelling this facility with U.S. weapons and killing Ukrainian soldiers.

The leaders of the law enforcement agencies state that this explosion is a cynical terrorist act of the Russian Federation, a military provocation and a classic false flag operation, the purpose of which is to cover up war crimes, discredit the Armed Forces of Ukraine, disrupt the supply of Western weapons and increase social tension in Ukrainian society.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine attack solely Russian military facilities: warehouses with fuel, weapons and ammunition, command posts, and military infrastructure facilities. The Ukrainian army has enough means to identify targets, including space reconnaissance systems. Ukraine did not fire rockets and artillery at the village of Olenivka, the agencies said.

According to the Joint Statement, on May 16, with the mediation of the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the process of evacuating the defenders of Mariupol from the territory of the Azovstal plant, which was surrounded and which was under attack of Russian troops for a long time, began. The format of the evacuation provided for the establishment of a ceasefire and the surrender of the Ukrainian military as prisoners, with subsequent swap under the guarantees of the aforementioned organizations. This format was chosen and approved by the defenders of Mariupol, who participated in the negotiations.

The key condition of the chosen format was the obligations of the Russian side to international organizations regarding the preservation of the lives and health of Ukrainian defenders. This guarantee was cynically violated, the security forces said.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the acting head of the SBU, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Human Rights Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada state that many documented evidences prove the planned nature of this crime and its commission by the Russian side: in particular, the deliberate transfer of fighters to a new premises shortly before the explosion, analysis of the nature of injuries and the movement of the blast wave, interception of telephone conversations of militants, absence of shelling in the specified place and others. All this leaves no doubt: the explosion in Olenivka was a Russian terrorist act and a gross violation of international agreements.

Taking into account the above, the heads of the agencies require the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which acted as guarantors of the life and health of Ukrainian prisoners of war, to immediately react to the terrorist act committed by the Russian Federation.

They should immediately send their representatives, the Human Rights Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada and representatives of the Joint Center for Search and Release of Prisoners to the territory of the colony in Olenivka in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region with the purpose of an inspection mission.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 29 July 2022.

During a working trip to the Odesa region, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with servicemen of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Head of State congratulated the military on their holiday – the Day of Special Operations Forces.

“I want to thank you for your great work, for your heroism. I ask you to continue doing everything to make the enemy feel that they will never have peace here thanks to your service, thanks to the operations you conduct so that the ground under the enemy’s feet is on fire,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President introduced Viktor Khorenko as the Commander of the Special Operations Forces.

“I am sure that under his leadership there will be many achievements and many victories. And we will get closer to victory every day,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state awards to military personnel.

Those present honored the memory of the fallen warriors with a moment of silence.

The Head of State also heard a report on the operational situation in the region.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 29 July 2022.

During a working trip to the Odesa region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy observed the loading of Ukrainian grain onto a grain carrier for further export.

Loading took place in the Chornomorsk Sea Trade Port.

“The first vessel, the first ship is being loaded since the beginning of the war. This is a Turkish vessel. This shows that the port has started working,” the Head of State said.

According to the President, the export of grain will begin with the departure of several ships that were loaded but could not set sail due to the start of the war.

As Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted, Ukraine is waiting for appropriate signals from partners – representatives of the United Nations and Turkey – regarding the start of grain transportation. As the Head of State reported, exports may begin in the coming days.

“Our side is fully prepared. We sent all the signals to our partners – the UN and Turkey, and our military guarantees the security situation. The Minister of Infrastructure is in direct contact with the Turkish side and the UN, we are waiting for a signal from them that we can start,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that unblocking the export of Ukrainian grain will make it possible to avoid food shortages, as well as hunger and political chaos in countries that need food products.

“It is important for us that Ukraine remains the guarantor of global food security,” he emphasized.

Together with the Head of State, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Ukraine, including Ambassador of the United States of America Bridget Brink, Ambassador of Great Britain Melinda Simmons, Ambassador of Italy Pier Francesco Zazo, Ambassador of Canada Larisa Galadza, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Anka Feldhusen, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation Rémi Duflot, Coordinator of the UN system Osnat Lubrani, got acquainted with the process of grain loading.

The President also held a meeting with representatives of the diplomatic corps, during which the issue of grain export and international support for Ukraine was discussed.

In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid a visit to the Ukrainian defenders who are undergoing treatment in one of the medical institutions.

Among the hospital’s patients, in particular, is a Spanish citizen who defends our country in the ranks of the International Legion.

The Head of State spoke with the warriors and wished them a speedy recovery.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of implementing a prosthetics program for military personnel.

The President also asked the staff about the urgent needs of the medical facility.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 29 July 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda met on the occasion of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood in Kyiv.

The Presidents reiterated their unwavering support to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to President of Lithuania and the Lithuanian people for a standing political support, tangible defence assistance, and humanitarian aid being provided to Ukraine.

President Nausėda assured that Lithuania will actively promote the swift provision of all kind assistance to Ukraine by democratic international partners on a constant and long-term basis.

Ukraine and Lithuania strongly condemned Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, the ongoing temporary occupation of part of the sovereign territory of Ukraine in the Eastern and Southern regions of Ukraine, the blockade of the Black and Azov Seas and ongoing militarization of the Black Sea region.

Ukraine and Lithuania reaffirmed their intentions to cooperate at bilateral and international fora with regard to de-occupation of the Ukrainian territories, temporarily occupied by Russia, particularly by using the International Crimea Platform format.

Ukraine and Lithuania will actively cooperate in order to increase pressure on Russia as an aggressor and occupant country, including sanctions, further isolation, holding accountable, including within the framework of international judicial institutions or relevant bodies, for crime of aggression, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine.

Emphasizing the historical significance of the decision of the European Council of June 23rd, 2022 to grant Ukraine the candidate status for membership in the European Union, Ukraine and Lithuania confirm their full commitment to the European integration of Ukraine in order to gain its full-fledged membership in the EU.

Lithuania confirmed its readiness to provide Ukraine with all possible assistance in preparing for the forthcoming accession negotiations with the EU, according to the European Commission’s recommendations.

Building on NATO Madrid Summit decisions and looking forward to the next NATO Summit in Vilnius in 2023, Ukraine and Lithuania will actively cooperate in implementing strengthened package of NATO support to Ukraine and seeking the most ambitious deliverables at the upcoming NATO Summit, with a view to strengthening Ukraine’s capability to defend itself and assisting Ukraine on its path to Euro-Atlantic integration.

Welcoming the Ukraine’s Recovery and Development Plan, presented during the Ukraine Recovery Conference (July 4th-5th, 2022, Lugano, Swiss Confederation), Lithuania confirms its readiness to actively participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

President of Ukraine expressed appreciation to Lithuania for standing assistance in sheltering the Ukrainian temporarily displaced persons, and praised the recent opening in Vilnius of the first Ukrainian Center in the European Union for citizens who were forced to leave Ukraine.

Expressing their deep satisfaction with the existing level of bilateral relations on the strategic partnership level, Ukraine and Lithuania will make every effort to further strengthen and deepen it.

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

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the Head of State’s “Cross of Combat Merit” to Ukrainian warriors who proved themselves in the defense of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The award ceremony took place in the session hall of the Verkhovna Rada during the solemn part of the plenary session on the occasion of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood.

“When today, on this Day of Ukrainian Statehood, here, in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, before the eyes of the entire Ukrainian people, I will honor strong people for strong deeds with the Cross of Combat Merit, I want all Ukrainians to feel: we are behind those who defend our country on the battlefield, and behind our backs – the backs of millions of Ukrainians living now – there are those who have been creating Ukrainian history, Ukrainian culture and Ukrainian character for centuries,” the President said.

“We must be worthy of the height of our people, all its generations, and the thousand-year weight of our statehood,” the President emphasized.

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

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes that sanctions against Russia are an important element of helping Ukraine in the fight against full-scale Russian aggression, but even tougher steps are needed, and the Yermak-McFaul International Working Group is working on relevant proposals. This was stated by the Ukrainian Head of State during a conversation with media representatives after talks with the President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda.

“Sanctions are a great help from all European countries, which, after all, followed the path when they do not balance between Ukraine and Russia, but fully recognized the aggression of the Russian Federation and started the path of sanctions pressure. And it really helps a lot. Even if Russia says everywhere in the media that they do not have problems due to sanctions, it is not true,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted, answering the journalist’s question.

According to him, sanctions against the Russian Federation are effective, but not as fast as Ukraine would like.

“There are some moments when this or that business of individual countries of the world, due to the economic interests, does not want to lose ties with the Russian Federation and finds ways to circumvent sanctions,” the President of Ukraine noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also emphasized the importance for all EU member states to adhere to a single position when introducing sanctions packages.

“Yes, we see weakening in the latest sanctions package. We want strengthening. But not all at once. The main thing is that the countries found a consensus, that most of the states managed to find an understanding with the minority of countries in Europe that did not want to apply the sanctions package or did not want to have such a tough package,” he said.

The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine expects tougher sanctions against Russia. This applies to the disconnection of the entire banking system of the Russian Federation from SWIFT and more decisive steps regarding energy, which Russia uses as a tool for blackmail. Proposals for sanctions against persons from the entourage of the President of the Russian Federation are also being developed.

“This is done by the Yermak-McFaul International Group. We pass it on through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to our partners, to all countries. We are constantly working on it. Many different sanctions are proposed, as well as an analysis of those sanctions that do or do not work. There are also details of how, through whom specifically Russia wants to circumvent or circumvents certain sanctions,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

For his part, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda noted that a powerful sanctions policy is the tool that can make Russia’s war against Ukraine shorter, and its consequences for our country less destructive.

“There are many opportunities to increase sanctions. Sometimes there is a lack of the courage to disconnect all Russian banks from the SWIFT system. We need solutions that can reduce Europe’s energy dependence,” he said.

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

On the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, which Ukraine celebrates today for the first time, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy handed out the first passports to citizens of Ukraine who turned 14 years old.

The ceremony took place in the Mariyinsky Palace. Among its participants are children of servicemen who defend the state, children of heroes who gave their lives in battles for Ukraine, and young citizens who were forced to leave their homes due to Russian aggression.

As the Head of State noted, he is particularly pleased to hand over Ukrainian passports to teenagers in the presence of one of our country’s greatest European friends – President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, who visited Ukraine on the occasion of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood.

“This passport – the passport of a citizen of Ukraine, which you are receiving today – symbolizes strength. It is known and respected in all countries of the world, even where they do not have the freedom to talk about it openly,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized during the presentation of the documents.

The President reminded that Ukraine experienced different periods in its more than thousand-year history – ups and downs, victories and losses, heroism and peace.

“But there was no period when we lost our national strength – our Ukrainian love for freedom, our special sense of independence and our firmness – all that is fully manifested right now, when we are fighting for the future for Ukraine, for the future for all of you,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that young Ukrainians will be able to feel respect for themselves and their passports many times more, and called on them to do everything to increase that respect.

“I am sure you will be able to feel this respect. And please do everything to ensure that Ukraine’s strength and respect for Ukraine only increase,” the Head of State summed up and wished all the children success.

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

On the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, who is on a visit to our country.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Gitanas Nausėda made a lot of efforts to protect European values and showed historical leadership in the defense of freedom on the eastern borders of Europe.

“A worthy representative of the great Lithuanian people, whom our children and grandchildren both in Ukraine and in Lithuania, I am sure, will recall in history lessons,” said the Ukrainian Head of State during a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with the President of Lithuania in Kyiv.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy reminded that Lithuania was one of the first to provide Ukraine with significant defense support during the full-scale invasion of Russia.

“I have already told this more than once and I am proud to repeat that Ukraine received the first Stingers from our Lithuanian friends,” he said.

The leaders discussed issues of security, defense and further protection of common interests of the two countries.

The Head of State noted that today the Russian occupiers increased the intensity of missile attacks on Ukraine.

“Against such a background, it was especially important for me to hear assurances from President Nausėda that defense assistance for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be further provided,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President stressed that Ukraine and Lithuania will continue cooperation to speed up the European integration of our country.

“All key elements of our negotiations, individual agreements that were reached, were recorded in a joint statement. This document will be made public soon,” said the Head of State.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Gitanas Nausėda and First Lady of the Republic of Lithuania Diana Nausėdienė for their help to forcibly displaced Ukrainians.

“At the initiative of the first ladies of our countries, the first Ukrainian center on the territory of the European Union was recently opened in Vilnius for the citizens who were forced to leave our country due to the Russian war,” the President noted.

The Ukrainian President emphasized that such humanitarian initiatives, along with another assistance that Ukraine received from Lithuania, testify to the closeness of our nations and prove the readiness to give a joint response to existing challenges for both countries.

President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, for his part, said that on the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, he wishes Ukraine victory, which will surely happen, because Ukrainians deserve it.

The President of the Republic of Lithuania thanked the President of Ukraine and all Ukrainians who are heroically resisting Russian aggression and are an example for everyone in Europe in protecting freedom.

“Lithuania has always been and will always be with you, because the freedom and independence of your state, its territorial integrity and the safety of your people are extremely important to us,” Gitanas Nausėda said.

According to him, Lithuania is one of the main allies of Ukraine, which provides financial, political and military assistance.

“I didn’t come empty-handed today either. The new aid package is ammunition and ten armored vehicles. Soon we will present anti-drone systems, which are manufactured in Lithuania and which I know you need,” said the President of the Republic of Lithuania.

He emphasized that Lithuania has united in helping Ukraine and will not allow anyone in the West to either forget about this cruel war or get tired of it.

Gitanas Nausėda noted that all those who committed war crimes on the territory of Ukraine must be punished.

The leader of Lithuania also highly evaluated the effectiveness of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s team, which is shown in the difficult conditions of war. This is evidenced by Ukraine’s obtaining a candidate status for EU membership and implementation of reforms.

“The key thing now is not to stop and move forward,” noted Gitanas Nausėda and added that Lithuania will help Ukraine on its way to the EU.

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

Creative director of the Balenciaga fashion house Demna became the ambassador of the United24 fundraising platform initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the “Ukraine Recovery” direction to help temporarily displaced persons.

The Head of State personally thanked Demna for the determination to support Ukraine, which the fashion house and he expressed during the Balenciaga Winter 22 show in March of this year, when the creative director shared with the guests his own experience as a refugee.

“Thank you for your support, it is very much appreciated. It is extremely important to keep the world’s attention on Ukraine in order to help rebuild our country,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

For Demna, the decision to become a United24 ambassador is related to a personal story, as he has experienced the trauma of being a refugee.

“I am honored to become a United24 ambassador. I know very well and feel the pain that Ukrainians are going through. I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can help Ukraine and all the refugees who want to return home. That is why I decided to focus on the humanitarian direction “Ukraine Recovery”. And the special sweatshirt that we created at Balenciaga will be a kind of message of support for Ukraine,” he said.

A special sweatshirt was created in support of the United24 platform. 100% of the profit from its sale will be transferred to the “Ukraine Recovery” direction. The charity sweatshirts will be available to order from July 28 exclusively at united24-demna.balenciaga.com.

The “Ukraine Recovery” direction is focused on raising funds for the restoration of critical infrastructure: roads, bridges, schools and hospitals, which will make it possible for Ukrainians to return to their homes, which they were forced to leave.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the establishment of the College of Europe within the Presidential University, which will train specialists to work with the institutions of the European Union. The Head of State said this during a speech at the ceremonial part of the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the occasion of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood.

“The European Union has the College of Europe in Bruges and Natolin, which are some of the most prestigious institutions of postgraduate education that prepare professionals to work in institutions of the EU and member states. We are establishing our College of Europe in Ukraine. A corresponding memorandum has already been signed between the Government of Ukraine and the College of Europe in Natolin,” the President informed.

According to him, at the first stage, a faculty of European integration will be established in one of the Ukrainian higher education institutions, and later, on its basis, the College of Europe within the Presidential University will be established.

“And although I have been told that this will not be resolved in months, as I have been told many times on other issues, I know that the creation of our College of Europe will not take long. I’m sure it will start working shortly,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Head of State emphasized that the institution will be not only a professional basis for the European policy of Ukraine as a member of the EU, but also a contribution of our country to the development of European institutions.

“This is what we, the citizens of Ukraine, are capable of. This is our statehood,” he noted.

As the President noted, Ukraine should move towards the start of negotiations on membership in the European Union with the same speed with which it gained candidacy.

“We will do everything we have to for this. We will synchronize the legislation of Ukraine with the law of the European Union. A plan for the implementation of all EU regulations and directives as part of the fulfillment of the Association Agreement with the European Union has also been formed. This is actually a joint task for us, for you, dear deputies, and for the Government of our country,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

According to him, today the process of European integration in Ukraine has been transferred from the sphere of foreign policy to the sphere of domestic policy, and this is where real European integration begins.

The Head of State expressed conviction that Ukraine has always been Europe, and the values of the Ukrainian people have always been European.

“Our state-building experience of different times is a European experience. And now we have come to the point where our state system is institutionally becoming Europe,” the President emphasized.

“We showed strength in battles and united the world with the best emotions that people have. We fight against the terror of the occupiers, we defend humanity for all nations. We guarantee that the borders of Europe will never again move further west than our eastern state border. And we make our state and public institutions advanced,” the President said.

President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda also took part in the solemn part of the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. He addressed the people’s deputies from the parliamentary rostrum. President of the European Parliament Mrs. Roberta Metsola took part in the event in the online mode.

In her address, Roberta Metsola noted that on the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, the bravery and determination of all Ukrainians who fight and give their lives for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine are honored. She emphasized that Ukrainians are fighting not only for their own state, but also for the whole of Europe.

“Ukrainians are a free European nation that makes its own choices, chooses its own destiny and defends our common values,” said the President of the European Parliament.

She emphasized that Europeans will never accept an aggressive invasion of a peaceful country.

“We will never close our eyes to the atrocities and crimes committed by the Russians on Ukrainian soil,” said Roberta Metsola.

The participants of the solemn part of the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada honored the memory of the defenders of Ukraine who died fighting for the freedom and independence of their country with a moment of silence.