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  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech to the Forbes 400 Summit on Philanthropy

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech to the Forbes 400 Summit on Philanthropy

    The speech made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 23 September 2022.

    Ladies and Gentlemen! Friends!

    Thank you for the invitation to participate in this summit.

    I am sure that today many wise words will be said about charity – about the experience of philanthropy and opportunities to help.

    Therefore, I do not want to waste your time now on what others may say.

    I want to draw your attention to one detail, which I think is very important – to the experience that Ukraine has acquired and that others can acquire – together with us, together with Ukraine.

    Ukraine is currently the only place on earth that very organically combines investment and philanthropy.

    In Ukraine, you can be an investor and, as a result, a de facto philanthropist in relation to others, you can even be just a businessman, and such quite ordinary economic activity is transformed into a real good help for hundreds of millions or even billions of people.

    Just look at how much the world depends on the supply of agricultural products from Ukraine to the global market. For subjects of the agricultural sector in Ukraine, for businessmen and farmers, this is business and this is work, this is the economy. But as a result, it is the right to food for hundreds of millions of people in the countries of Africa, Asia and Europe.

    We are currently sending agricultural products to Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen, Lebanon and other countries. This is a real lifesaver.

    But how much depends on logistics!

    When Russia blocked our seaports, exports decreased significantly. Because grain, sunflower and other agricultural raw materials are such a cargo, the supply logistics of which is very, very difficult to rebuild. Large volumes can now be delivered primarily by sea. We need more investment in the expansion of export technologies.

    For example, we are preparing the construction of a pipeline with Poland for the export of sunflower oil. This is a pilot. A specific project, which is the economy for us, and for the global food market, it is an element of stability, an element of security.

    By investing in agro-processing in Ukraine and in the construction of food storage facilities, it is possible to expand not only the logistical possibilities for the supply of agricultural products, but also the range of goods that can be supplied.

    The more added value Ukraine produces, the more added security the people of the world get.

    Look at what the production of electricity in Ukraine means. On the one hand, it is business. Quite a profitable business – in particular, in the field of green energy production. But given our ability to export electricity, this is not just business – this is a real tool to prevent energy poverty for tens of millions of people in the countries of Europe with which we border. This is the stabilization of the energy situation on the entire European continent.

    We are approached by Moldova, Romania, Poland, and other neighbors to help them with electricity in the winter. And we are ready to help. And that is why investments in the expansion of our energy capacities are a salvation from the cold for various peoples.

    Moreover! Ukraine’s ability to export tens of gigawatts of electricity is an important factor in European climate policy. Currently, Europe, unfortunately, is still heavily dependent on Russia’s dirty energy resources. They are dirty not only because their sale is Russia’s way of financing the war. Not only because their burning pollutes the atmosphere. But also because they are extracted so brutally and carelessly in relation to the environment that their extraction in Russia is synonymous with ecological disaster.

    Ukrainian electricity can help replace dirty Russian energy resources. And therefore, this is climate security.

    We also have tremendous opportunities in the development of hydrogen energy and transportation of green hydrogen to Europe. The sun, wind, nuclear energy, green hydrogen – all this is in Ukraine, and it’s not just billions of dollars that can be invested and earned, but billions of dollars that will work to help different countries and peoples – tens of millions of people.

    New green clean energy requires lithium, graphite and other rare earth metals. We have enough of them. Therefore, by investing in Ukraine, one can accelerate the development of green energy in other countries as well.

    We generate tens of millions of cubic meters of wood annually. At the same time, we ensure the restoration of forests. Investing in the production of ecological products from wood and cellulose in Ukraine is a way to reduce the world’s use of petroleum products and plastic, and it is part of the joint protection of our nature.

    Another example is that the whole world needs fertilizers for food production. Why make or buy them from Russian gas? It is possible to build facilities for the production of tens of millions of tons of pure green and cheap ammonia in Ukraine. You can make money from this and help not only food security, but also peace – peace on our planet.

    Ukraine has never waged illegal wars. We are not aggressors. We have never wished harm to other peoples. We have never made geopolitics a means of conquering someone else. Why is this important?

    When any economic player works with us, it means that the economic potential that he creates with his business helps realize only peace, only peaceful goals.

    For example, if any company now works in Russia, it indirectly helps evil – at least it pays taxes to the budget of the aggressor state, that is, it supports their economy, which serves terror. Or even supplies something to the Russian army, directly helping the killers.

    When any state gets carried away with geopolitics and becomes an aggressor, business can inevitably become an accomplice to this evil.

    Therefore, we are grateful to all companies and businessmen who left the Russian market.

    And that is why we offer all the companies and businesses of the world to come to us in Ukraine – to start a business here, to localize their production here, to work with Ukraine in order to have access to the huge markets of the European Union, Britain, Canada and other nations with which we are friends.

    We give priority to the development of our processing industry – its various directions. We have a special program for its development. And we offer all investors of the world to join in its implementation.

    This is the same process – when investments, when business, when the economy – simply by working – become philanthropy, because they can increase the potential of peace in the world and reduce the potential of aggressors.

    Look at the capabilities of our IT sector and industries such as drone production.

    Russia tried to destroy our digital resilience. But we did not allow that.

    Ukrainian digital potential has endured, it is very solid. Our digitization has a powerful social aspect – it is technology that really works for the welfare and protection of people. Our people have digital documents, access to digitized government services, and a high level of digitization of business.

    IT companies in Ukraine are profitable, and their business is both a boon for millions and an element of peace protection, if we take the context of cyber security and Russian cyber attacks.

    Just like, for example, the production of drones in Ukraine. For those who invest, this is the economy. And for those who then use drones – depending on their class – it’s safety, it’s comfort or work.

    Again: I don’t want to take up a lot of your time and I don’t want to repeat what you’ve probably already heard and know.

    But I want to emphasize this point – any significant human effort leads to a long chain of consequences. Any significant effort of a business or a businessman leads to such consequences that directly or indirectly can affect the lives of other people – can do good. And this is achieved not even simply by giving money somewhere.

    But also by the fact that you work morally, work consciously, conduct your business in such a way that your investments, which give you profit, simultaneously help others have a better life – safer, more satiated, more educated, healthier, wealthier.

    Business has this power. And I urge all of you to boldly use this power of business – to invest in such a way that it is at the same time an aid to the normal life of various peoples.

    I invite you all to Ukraine! Thank you for your interest and faith in Ukraine, which you definitely have, otherwise I would not have this address of mine now.

    I sincerely believe that we will be able to restore justice for our country and restore peace as soon as possible.

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak held a video call with members of the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee [September 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak held a video call with members of the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee [September 2022]

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

    Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a meeting in the format of a video conference with members of the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee.

    The event was also attended by Deputy Heads of the Office of the President Roman Mashovets, Andriy Smyrnov, Andriy Sybiha and Ihor Zhovkva, Head of the Servant of the People faction in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Davyd Arakhamia, Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine Oleksandr Lytvynenko.

    At first, Andriy Yermak expressed great gratitude for all the help that Ukraine has been receiving from the United States since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion.

    “We feel this support from the entire American people. And I want to thank you, as members of Congress, for making very important decisions that help us fight,” he emphasized.

    He also recalled that a very important and joyful event took place on September 21, when 215 defenders of Ukraine, including two Americans, were released from Russian captivity.

    “And I hope that the American citizens who fought for Ukraine will return to their families very soon,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

    Andriy Yermak informed the congressmen about the situation at the front and the recent success of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which was achieved thanks to the heroism and professionalism of the Ukrainian military, as well as the armed assistance of Ukraine’s partners.

    According to him, the decisions made yesterday by the leadership of the Russian Federation will not affect Ukraine’s plans in any way.

    “The mobilization announced in the Russian Federation is designed to add “cannon fodder” to the group of more than 170,000 troops on the territory of Ukraine,” said the Head of the Office of the President.

    Andriy Yermak emphasized that against the background of this decree of the Russian president, the urgency of continuing and strengthening aid from the US is only growing. He reminded that for the most effective coordination of these processes, a very close interaction has been established between the military and political leadership of Ukraine and the US, partners are constantly informed about the situation at the front and the use of the provided weapons.

    Deputy Head of the Office of the President Roman Mashovets informed the congressmen about the urgent needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in terms of weapons and military equipment.

    For his part, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Smyrnov spoke about the initiative of the Ukrainian side regarding the creation of a special tribunal regarding the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

    He believes that the support of this idea from the United States, as one of the leaders of the democratic world, and American congressmen in particular, is very important.

    “The creation of such a tribunal is no longer a matter of war in Ukraine, it is a matter of the existence of the entire civilized world, democracy and global security architecture. And we really need the voice of the United States in the matter of establishing such a mechanism,” Andriy Smyrnov noted.

    Chairman of the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee Adam Smith thanked the Ukrainian party for all the information provided. He also noted the importance of holding Russia to account for the crimes committed during this war.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief [September 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief [September 2022]

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

    President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief on Thursday.

    It was attended by Minister of Defense Oleksiy Reznikov, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny, Chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov, Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrskyi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov, heads of security and law enforcement bodies, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov, Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak etc.

    Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky, Commander of the West Operational Command Forces Serhiy Litvinov, Commander of the South Operational Command Forces Andriy Kovalchuk joined the meeting via videoconference.

    The heads of the defense forces and the commanders of the operational areas reported on the operational situation in the areas of the front. The likely nature of the enemy’s actions in the near future was considered.

    The members of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief also analyzed the state of providing the defense forces with weapons and ammunition.

    The participants of the meeting paid special attention to the steps in response to the new challenges related to the announcement of mobilization by the aggressor country and the preparation of sham referenda in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE: Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Minister of Defense of Italy [September 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE: Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Minister of Defense of Italy [September 2022]

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

    President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Minister of Defense of the Italian Republic Lorenzo Guerini who arrived in our country.

    At the beginning of the conversation, the Head of State expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi, his government and the entire Italian people for their constant support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, its struggle for its existence, as well as for the shelter and sensitive attitude towards the temporarily displaced Ukrainians. Italy’s leading role in granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership was noted.

    “Despite domestic political issues, the situation in Ukraine remains very important for Italy,” the President noted.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed the interlocutor about the state of affairs at the front and emphasized that strengthening the Armed Forces is a vital priority for Ukraine today.

    Separately, the parties focused on the need to continue sanction pressure on the Russian Federation.

    Lorenzo Guerini conveyed to Volodymyr Zelenskyy greetings from the President, the Prime Minister and the people of Italy.

    The Minister of Defense of the Italian Republic said that he visited Irpin and Hostomel and saw with his own eyes the destruction caused by the Russians.

    Lorenzo Guerini also expressed admiration for the heroism of Ukrainians with which they defended these and other cities of their country.

  • PRESS RELEASE : First Lady in New York talked about the situation of Ukrainian women during the war [September 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : First Lady in New York talked about the situation of Ukrainian women during the war [September 2022]

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

    During her visit to New York, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part in the HeForShe global summit and the Women in Conflict forum within the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. The President’s wife spoke about the situation of Ukrainian women in wartime conditions.

    The HeForShe Summit under the auspices of UN Women is a United Nations solidarity movement for gender equality that brings together prime ministers, presidents, CEOs, opinion leaders and celebrities from around the world to act jointly to achieve such equality. This year, Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida took part in the event.

    During her speech at the summit, Olena Zelenska emphasized the need to talk about equality between men and women even in the 21st century.

    “In times of upheaval, inequality is felt much more acutely. War exposes the nerves. So I ask the whole world, everyone: if you are an employer, what doors will you open for Ukrainian women who have been forced to leave their homes? Will you give them a decent paying job and a fair weekend? If you are a law enforcement officer, how will you respond to violence and exploitation of migrant women? Can you prevent them from becoming victims of human trafficking? Can you protect them like the citizens of your countries? If you are a local resident, would you have the strength to hear a refugee woman? A refugee child? Will your empathy and patience be enough until they can return to a peaceful Ukraine? Your answer, even if you don’t voice it, is very important. Because it is about equality here and now,” said Olena Zelenska.

    The First Lady also held a meeting with UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous. The interlocutors discussed the necessity and relevance of further development of the network of shelters, training of specialists to work in them.

    “The war will add to the problems caused by domestic and gender-based violence. I called on UN Women to join in solving the problem of crimes of sexual violence by the military and to keep it under their control. We have to create conditions so that our women feel safe, and then they will start testifying,” said the President’s wife.

    In addition, on the second day of her visit to New York, Olena Zelenska took part in the opening of the Women in Conflict forum.

    The event was also attended by: President of the European Council Charles Michel, UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth Jayathma Wickramanayake, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) Louise Mushikiwabo, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad and others.

    Olena Zelenska told what Ukrainian women need the most now.

    “Ukrainian women need victory the most. I am saying this after we found whole families killed by Russia in the recently liberated Izyum. Employees of the emergency service and police officers who exhume the bodies are crying because it is impossible to withstand. That’s why Ukrainian women do not need abstract “peace”, they need victory over the evil that has done it. So that it could no longer kill any child, any mother,” said Olena Zelenska.

    She also emphasized the importance of psychological support for Ukrainian women who have experienced violence from Russian soldiers: “According to psychologists, a woman who has experienced violence can testify only when she feels completely safe. So we need to create such security for our women. So that they feel that they can finally speak and be heard. That there is no threat or condemnation. Currently, the National Program of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support operates in Ukraine. Its goal is to work with the psychological consequences of war. To cover the whole country with psychological support. And my call is to involve the entire international experience in order to create a special program of support and rehabilitation for Ukrainian women.”

    The First Lady called on the world to support Ukrainian women.

    “Look: these are women just like you. Who had plans and a normal life. And now they are fighting for it. Yes, they are heroes, but do they have to be? Is it normal in the world where we want to live for a woman to die heroically, covering her children? Should Russian aggression continue, becoming a convenient TV show for the whole world? This is not a rhetorical question. I think everyone who has empathy knows the answer,” Olena Zelenska summed up.

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech at the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech at the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly

    The speech made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 22 September 2022.

    Greetings to all people of the world who value peace and unity between different and equal nations!

    I wish you all peace!

    I thank you that we are united in our striving to restore peace and to guarantee peace for any nation that has become a victim of the armed aggression.

    A crime has been committed against Ukraine, and we demand just punishment.

    The crime was committed against our state borders. The crime was committed against the lives of our people. The crime was committed against the dignity of our women and men.

    The crime was committed against the values that make you and me a community of the united nations.

    And Ukraine demands punishment for trying to steal our territory. Punishment for the murders of thousands of people. Punishment for tortures and humiliations of women and men.

    Punishment for the catastrophic turbulence that Russia provoked with its illegal war and not only for us, Ukrainians, but for the whole world. For every nation that is represented in this Hall of the UN General Assembly.

    I am speaking on behalf of the state, which is forced to defend itself, but has the formula for peace. I am speaking to everyone who wants to hear how to achieve peace.

    I will present a formula that can work not only for us, but for anyone who may find themselves in similar circumstances as we did. It is a formula that punishes crime, protects life, restores security and territorial integrity, guarantees security, and provides determination.

    There are five preconditions for peace.

    Dear Mr. President of the General Assembly!

    Dear Secretary-General of the United Nations!

    Dear heads of states and governments!

    Dear journalists! 

    Nations of the world!

    Ukraine wants peace. Europe wants peace. The world wants peace. And we have seen who is the only one who wants war.

    There is only one Entity among all UN Member States who would say now, if he could interrupt my speech, that he is happy with this war – with his war. But we will not let this Entity prevail over us, even though it is the largest state in the world.

    Ukraine showed strength on the battlefield, using its right to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. And no one will reproach us now or in the future with weakness or inability to fight for ourselves, for our independence.

    We are achieving a result in this fight and we see what the end of this war will be, and what will be the guarantees of a stable peace.

    The UN Charter proclaims the equality of nations – and we proved that Ukraine is equal among the equals.

    The UN Charter protects the inviolability of borders – and we confirm our state borderline by expelling the occupiers outside.

    The UN Charter stipulates the value of human rights, dignity and life, and we also stipulate them – with every Ukrainian city freed from Russian occupation.

    We did not provoke this war. We held 88 rounds of talks in various formats to prevent this war, just from the beginning of my presidency until February 24 this year.

    But Russia – instead of stopping the crime of aggression, which it started back in 2014 – turned it into a full-scale invasion. And we have no choice but to defend ourselves. We do it. We push the aggressor beyond the internationally recognized border of the Ukrainian state.

    And this is the first item of our peace formula. Comprehensive item. Punishment.

    Punishment for the crime of aggression. Punishment for violation of borders and territorial integrity. Punishment that must be in place until the internationally recognized border is restored. Until the aggression stops. And until the damages and losses for the war are fully compensated.

    Therefore, sanctions against the aggressor are part of the peace formula. Blocking the trade and relations with the aggressor is part of the peace formula. All this is a punishment.

    So long as the aggressor is a party to decision-making in the international organizations, he must be isolated from them – at least until aggression lasts. Reject the right to vote. Deprive delegation rights. Remove the right of veto – if it is a Member of the UN Security Council. In order to punish the aggressor within the institutions.

    We should not turn a blind eye to propagandists who justify aggression, but apply a full package of personal restrictions against them. That is a punishment for lying.

    Citizens of the aggressor state should not be allowed to enjoy tourism or shopping in the territory of those who value peace, but should be encouraged through visa restrictions to fight against the aggression of their own state. Punish for abetting the evil.

    A Special Tribunal should be created to punish Russia for the crime of aggression against our state. This will become signal to all “would-be” aggressors, that they must value peace or be brought to responsibility by the world.

    We have prepared precise steps to establish such Tribunal. They will be presented to all states.

    Ukraine will appeal to the UN General Assembly to support an international compensation mechanism.

    We count on your support.

    Russia should pay for this war with its assets. It is also a punishment. This is one of the most terrible punishments for Russian officials, who value money above everything else.

    The second item of the peace formula is the protection of life. The most concrete item.

    Now, while the sessions of the General Assembly continue, in the Ukrainian town of Izyum, Kharkiv region, the exhumation is under way… of bodies from a mass burial, which happened when the territory was controlled by Russian troops. The bodies of women and men, children and adults, civilians and soldiers were found there. 445 graves.

    There is a family that died under the rubble of a house after a Russian airstrike – father, mother, 6- and 8-year-old girls, grandparents. There is a man who was strangled with a rope. There is a woman with broken ribs and wounds on her body. There is a man who was castrated before the murder, and this is not the first case.

    Ask, please, the representatives of Russia why the Russian military are so obsessed with castration. What was done to them so that they want to do this to others?

    The only thing that differs the mass burial in Izyum from what the world saw in Bucha is, in fact, the burial. The Russian army was in Izyum for a longer time, and therefore the bodies of the killed people were buried, and not scattered on the streets.

    So, how can we allow the Russian army somewhere on Ukrainian soil, knowing that they are committing such mass murders everywhere? We cannot.

    We must protect life. The world must protect life. Every state suffering the armed aggression needs the opportunity to protect its citizens and liberate its territory.

    If it requires help with weapons or shells – they should be provided. If you need financial help for this, it should be given. If for this, it is necessary to help with the intelligence data – just do it. But what is not needed is lies.

    We can return the Ukrainian flag to our entire territory. We can do it with the force of arms.

    But we need time.

    We tried to speed it up. We tried to implement the basic provisions of the UN Charter for Ukraine through negotiations.

    But Russia is afraid of real negotiations and does not want to fulfill any fair international obligations. It lies to everyone. As it is typical for aggressors, for terrorists.

    Even now, when Russia talks about negotiations, it only wants to slow down its retreat. Russia wants to spend the winter on the occupied territory of Ukraine and prepare forces to attempt a new offensive. New Buchas, new Izyums… Or at least it wants to prepare fortifications on occupied land and carry out military mobilization at home.

    We cannot agree to a delayed war. Because it will be even hotter than the war now.

    For us, this is a war for life. That is why we need defense support – weapons, military equipment and shells. Offensive weapons, a long-range one is enough to liberate our land, and defensive systems, above all, air defense. And we need financial support – to keep internal stability and fulfill social obligations to our people.

    Physical and social protection are two elements of any nation’s life. So, the second item of our peace formula is the protection of life. By all available means – allowed by the UN Charter.

    The third item of our peace formula is restoring security and territorial integrity.

    Look at how many elements of global security Russia has undermined with its war – maritime safety, food safety, radiation safety, energy safety and safety from weapons of mass destruction.

    We are already restoring maritime safety and food security. And I thank Mr. António Guterres for his personal involvement. Algeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Libya, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Israel, India, Iran, Yemen, Cyprus, China, Korea, Lebanon, Türkiye, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Romania and France have already received Ukrainian agricultural products.

    And we have to increase the supply by sea. Both under market conditions and within the UN Food Program, for which Ukraine is always a reliable partner.

    By the way, despite all the difficulties caused by the war, we decided to provide humanitarian aid to Ethiopia and Somalia, so we will send them an additional amount of our wheat.

    But it is more difficult with other security elements.

    On the eve of the General Assembly meeting, Russia fired missiles at the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant. The explosion hit the station buildings – windows were broken, walls were damaged. The rockets exploded only three hundred meters from the walls of the reactors!

    And this is after the IAEA’s clear appeal to Russia to stop any hostile activity against any nuclear facilities of Ukraine and, in particular, against the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station – the largest one in Europe, which Russia has turned into a target.

    And that makes all of you a target.

    Russian radiation blackmailing is something that should concern each and every one of you, because none of you will find a vaccine against radiation sickness.

    The cost of living crisis continues in dozens of countries, it roots in the destabilization of the energy market. It is necessary to remove the main factor of global price turbulence, namely: Russian energy blackmailing.

    It is necessary to cap the prices at which Russia exports its energy resources. It is necessary to make Russian oil and gas – just ordinary goods again. Currently, oil and gas are Russia’s energy weapons. And that is why it manipulates the markets so that electricity, gas, petrol and diesel become the privilege of few instead of being a common good available to all.

    Limiting prices is safeguarding the world. This is the way to restore energy and price security.

    But will the world go for it? Or will it be scared? Will it be scared of Russian threats?

    It is necessary to take only one strong step, after which everything will become clear. The time has come for this.

    This step will put everything in place. After the Russian missile terror. After the massacres. After Mariupol. After the burning of Ukrainian prisoners in Olenivka by the Russian military. After blocking the ports. After the strikes of Russian tanks and missiles on nuclear power plants. And after threats to use nuclear weapons, which have become the rule, not the exception, for Russian propagandists…

    We must finally recognize Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. At all levels. In all countries that confess the values of peace and protection of human life. Legally. Politically.

    If you don’t have a legal mechanism, you can make a political decision – in the parliaments. This is the foundation for restoring global security. If this strong step is taken, doubts will disappear – whether to take other important steps.

    And what is very sensitive – is the border, the territorial integrity.

    When one country tries to steal the territory of another state, it puts all world nations under attack.

    Global security cannot be restored without restoring the territorial integrity of the nation which suffered the armed aggression.

    So, the third item of the Ukrainian peace formula is the restoration of security and territorial integrity. The fourth item is security guarantees.

    Every nation has the right to security guarantees. Not only the largest nations. Not only the most fortunate ones.

    We have proposals to upgrade the security architecture for Ukraine, and for Europe and the world, which will not allow any more aggression against us. We are already presenting them to partners.

    Proposals for legally binding multilateral and bilateral treaties. These are the conditions for the guarantors to act, and the timeline for their actions to bring results – results on land, at sea and in the air; in diplomacy and politics, in economy and finance, in providing weapons and intelligence. Each of you, who will receive the text of our peace formula will also see the details of what we offer as security guarantees.

    I do not want to compare our offers with the guarantees of any alliances that exist on the planet now. I want to stress that it is always much better to guarantee the security of a nation, preventively, rather than to stop a war after it has already begun.

    And the fifth item of the Ukrainian peace formula is determination. Something without which the other four items will not work.

    This is our determination to fight. This is the determination of the partners to help us, and also themselves. And this is the determination of the world to unite around the one who fights against armed aggression and to call to order the one who threatens all.

    So, all five items of our formula: 

    • punishment for aggression;
    • protection of life;
    • restoration of security and territorial integrity;
    • security guarantees;
    • and determination to defend oneself.

    This is the formula of crime and punishment, which is already well known to Russia. And this is the formula of justice and law and order that Russia has yet to learn. As well as any other potential aggressors.

    What is not in our formula? Neutrality.

    Those who speak of neutrality, when human values and peace are under attack, mean something else. They talk about indifference – everyone for themselves. Here’s what they say. They pretend to be interested in each other’s problems. They take care of each other formally. They sympathize only for protocol. And that is why they pretend to protect someone, but in reality they protect only their vested interests. This is what creates the conditions for war. This is what needs to be corrected in order to create conditions for peace.

    All you need is determination.

    There was a lot of talking about reforming the UN. How did it all end? No result.

    If you look carefully at our peace formula, you will see that its implementation is already becoming a de-facto reform of the United Nations. Our formula is universal, and unites the North and the South of the world. It calls for the world’s majority, and encourages to expand the representation of those who remained unheard.

    This is an imbalance when Africa, Latin America, most of Asia, Central and Eastern Europe comply with the right of veto, that they themselves never had.

    And this is what Ukraine is talking about. And have you ever heard such words from Russia? But it is a permanent member of the Security Council. For some reason. For what reason, not Japan or Brazil, not Türkiye or India, not Germany or Ukraine. The day will come when this will be resolved.

    As for the talks between Ukraine and Russia.

    Probably you have happened to hear different words from Russia about the talks – as if they were ready for them. But. They talk about the talks but announce military mobilization. They talk about the talks but announce pseudo referendums in the occupied territories of Ukraine.

    What is true then? The military mobilization in Russia is true. Sham referendums are also true. Russia wants war. It’s true. But Russia will not be able to stop the course of history. Mankind and the international law are stronger than one terrorist state. Russia will be forced to end this war. The war it has started.

    I rule out that the settlement can happen on a different basis than the Ukrainian peace formula. The further the Russian terror reaches, the less likely it is that anyone in the world will agree to sit at one table with them.

    And if my words will be followed by new Russian missiles and acts of terrorism it will only prove the weakness. Russia’s weakness. Its inability to prevail over us, its inability to prevail over the world.

    It will only prove that 5 items of the Ukrainian peace formula must be implemented as soon as possible.

    We are ready for peace. But true, honest and fair peace. That’s why the world is on our side.

    And finally.

    I want to thank one hundred and one countries that voted for my video address to take place. It was a vote not only about the format. It was the vote about principles.

    Only seven countries voted against: Belarus, Cuba, North Korea, Eritrea, Nicaragua, Russia and Syria.

    Seven. Seven who are afraid of the video address. Seven who respond to principles with a red button. Only seven.

    One hundred and one – and seven.

    Friends! If this coalition is against our determination, then I congratulate you all. Because this means that peace will prevail over any aggression, and that there is no obstacle for us to implement the peace formula.

    I thank you for your attention!

    Once again, I wish you all peace!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine returned 215 people from Russian captivity, including defenders of “Azovstal” [September 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine returned 215 people from Russian captivity, including defenders of “Azovstal” [September 2022]

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

    Ukraine returned 215 people, including 124 officers, from Russian captivity. Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak reported this to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an online call with the released defenders.

    In particular, 108 warriors of the “Azov” regiment and other formations of the National Guard of Ukraine, as well as servicemen of the Ground and Naval Forces, the territorial defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service, the National Police, employees of the Security Service, the State Special Transport Service and the State Customs Service were released.

    “Among those released are commander of “Azov”, Hero of Ukraine Denys Prokopenko (“Redis”), Serhiy Volynskyi (“Volyna”), acting commander of the 36th separate brigade of marines, Svyatoslav Palamar (“Azov”), Oleg Khomenko (“Azov”), Denys Shleha from the National Guard of Ukraine, Hero of Ukraine Yevheniy Bova, commander of the 1st separate marine battalion. Kateryna Polishchuk (“Ptashka”) also returns,” Andriy Yermak reported.

    Defenders Maryana Mamonova, Yana Shumovetska and Anastasiya Chernenka who were captured while pregnant were also released.

    “This is the most powerful result in the release of prisoners during the entire period of the full-scale invasion,” stated the Head of the President’s Office.

    Acting Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk, Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence Dmytro Usov and Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets met 200 released Ukrainians.

    “Today we directly exchanged 200 citizens of Ukraine for Mr. Medvedchuk. I would like to point out that Medvedchuk is not just Putin’s close friend, but a well-documented state traitor. His guilt is fully recorded in the relevant materials,” said Vasyl Maliuk.

    He noted that during the work on Viktor Medvedchuk’s cases, a number of subversive networks were neutralized, state traitors were detained and a large amount of information was obtained, which is used in counterintelligence activities.

    In addition, 5 more citizens were released in exchange for 55 Russian prisoners.

    Almost all of the released are already on the territory of Ukraine, except for the five Azov commanders, who, according to the agreements reached earlier with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, are in Türkiye under his personal guarantees of protection. Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov and Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrskyi are currently with five “Azov” warriors.

    “Congratulations, our men, our heroes, on your return. Glad to see everyone since we’ve been speaking only by phone earlier. We are extremely proud of what you have done for our country. We are proud of each of you,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a video call with the released defenders of Azovstal.

    The Head of State noted that they are now safe in Türkiye, and the next step is their return to their homeland.

    “Glory to Ukraine! Mr. President, everything is fine with us, the health conditions are acceptable. I’m thankful to you and the entire team,” said Denys Prokopenko, commander of the “Azov” regiment.

    The fighters expressed gratitude to the team and the Ukrainian people on behalf of all defenders of Azovstal.

    Kyrylo Budanov reported to the Head of State about the completion of another stage of the exchange of prisoners of war and assured that the work on the release of all Ukrainian citizens continues.

    In addition, at the request of international partners, Ukraine achieved the release of ten foreigners – defenders of Ukraine, citizens of five partner states. The released foreign defenders were sent to Saudi Arabia on September 21. Head of the State Property Fund Rustem Umerov is with them.

    “This is a tremendous success and I am grateful to everyone involved in this operation – everyone who has done this titanic work. I sincerely congratulate our heroes on their return home. We will provide them with all the necessary aid – medical, social and any other. We continue to work on the release of all our citizens who are being held captive by the occupiers,” Andriy Yermak said.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the preparation of this release operation was long and hard. He expressed gratitude to the President of Türkiye, as well as to all those who dealt with this issue from the Ukrainian side, in particular to Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk, Head of the State Property Fund Rustem Umerov, Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrskyi, as well as Dmytro Usov and Dmytro Lubinets.

    “Thank you guys. I believe that this is truly a great victory for our state, for our entire society. And most importantly – for the families of our defenders, who will be able to see their loved ones in safety,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

    The President noted that, according to the information available to him, many of the prisoners were sentenced to death, so the release saved their lives.

    The Head of State also emphasized that Ukraine remembers all its citizens and will try to save every Ukrainian.

    “We will do everything to save everyone who is in Russian captivity. We value every life! This is what distinguishes us from the enemy,” the President noted.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Olena Zelenska held a number of important international meetings on the margins of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly [September 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Olena Zelenska held a number of important international meetings on the margins of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly [September 2022]

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 21 September 2022.

    First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska arrived in New York for the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. The wife of the President of Ukraine began her visit with a series of meetings with the first ladies and gentlemen of the countries of the world. The meetings were dedicated to the expansion of cooperation between the states.

    In particular, she met with First Lady of Poland Agata Kornhauser-Duda and First Lady of Lithuania Diana Nausėdienė within the Lublin Triangle.

    The Lublin Triangle is a platform for tripartite cooperation between the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Poland and Ukraine aimed at deepening regional cooperation in the security, economic, social and humanitarian spheres. The decision to establish the format was made on July 28, 2020 by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Jacek Czaputowicz who signed a declaration on the launch of a new regional association.

    “Today, we are starting the format of dialogue of the first ladies within the Lublin Triangle,” the wife of the President of Ukraine emphasized.

    She also noted that this year’s session of the General Assembly is special, because the security situation in Ukraine as a result of Russia’s war against our country should not leave anyone indifferent.

    “The high-level segment of the UN General Assembly is a unique opportunity to draw additional attention to the threats caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine, to emphasize its global dimension,” said the First Lady.

    Olena Zelenska thanked Poland and Lithuania for their solidarity and invaluable support for temporarily displaced citizens of Ukraine who were forced to seek refuge abroad due to hostilities and received it from fraternal Poland and Lithuania.

    For her part, Diana Nausėdienė initiated the unification of the efforts of the first ladies and international non-governmental organizations for the joint development of projects and initiatives.

    The wives of the leaders of Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland also discussed the issue of helping children as a priority of tripartite cooperation, issues of health care, education, implementation of projects on social protection and children’s rehabilitation.

    “An important direction is the humanitarian projects implemented in Poland and Lithuania, for which I am especially grateful to you, dear first ladies. Together with Mrs. Agata, we patronize the “Books Without Borders” project. In its framework, 120,000 copies of books in the Ukrainian language have been published. I also observe with great pleasure the work of the Ukrainian Center, which has been operating in Vilnius for more than three months and has become a real corner of Ukraine in Lithuania,” said Olena Zelenska.

    She also appealed to her colleagues to introduce the Ukrainian language as a modern foreign language into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools in their countries.

    The wife of the President of Ukraine suggested that these and other joint projects be implemented in the framework of the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.

    “I am sure that the Summit shouldn’t function one day only. Therefore, I would be grateful for the opportunity to conduct, with your participation and assistance, appropriate measures to support not only Ukraine in different parts of the world,” said Olena Zelenska.

    The First Lady of Ukraine also held a meeting in the format of a brunch, which was joined by a wider circle of participants: First Lady of Latvia Andra Levite, First Lady of Poland Agata Kornhauser-Duda, First Lady of Lithuania Diana Nausėdienė, First Lady of Estonia Sirje Karis, First Lady of Suriname Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry, wife of the President of the European Council Amélie Derbaudrenghien, wife of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga Fiona Sovaleni, husband of the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Gauthier Destenay, wife of the Prime Minister of Malta Dr. Lydia Abela.

    The brunch was held at the initiative of Olena Zelenska in the framework of the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen and was intended to bring together the spouses of heads of state and government to discuss the global agenda. The first ladies and gentlemen talked about how their countries live today and what issues concern their peoples.

    “I sincerely believe that the power of first ladies and gentlemen can improve the world. It may not find a way out of crises, but it can facilitate and mitigate the processes that these crises cause. Or even more – prevent them. We can and do this thanks to our social, educational, humanitarian and cultural projects. We are able to do it softly, not with the strength of our muscles,” said the wife of the President of Ukraine.

    In addition, at the meeting, Olena Zelenska spoke about her plans to create a permanent online platform based on the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen. According to her, the platform will help unite to find joint solutions and create projects.

    “This year, in the framework of the Summit, 23 first ladies united around drawing the world’s attention to the events taking place in Ukraine and finding solutions that will positively affect our common future. In a format that will operate continuously, the first ladies and gentlemen will be able to discuss the current challenges of today, important for them and their countries, and share their own experience of implementing projects. The Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen is intended to become an international platform for sharing experience and implementing joint projects for the well-being of people in the world,” concluded the wife of the President of Ukraine.

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech at the Global Food Security Summit

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech at the Global Food Security Summit

    The speech made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 21 September 2022.

    Dear colleagues!

    Ladies and Gentlemen!

    I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this meeting.

    Given the meeting is taking place on the margins of the UN General Assembly, I will mention one of the fundamental documents of the modern international legal system.

    This is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 30 articles about the most urgent things for every person out of the billions of people who have lived, live and will live on our planet. I will now quote Article 25:

    “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.”

    This is a very important definition – the definition of the right, not the privilege, the right, not the fortune, the right, not the vagaries of climate. The right to food. The right to protection against hunger. The right!

    Ukraine considers this right inalienable for all people, for all countries. Every person in the world should be free from hunger and even the threat of it. Every country in the world should be reliably protected from famine.

    And any state that provokes famine, that tries to make access to food a privilege, that tries to make the protection of nations from famine dependent on the smile of fortune or the mercy of some dictator – such a state must get the toughest reaction from the world. Reaction as for the use of weapons of mass destruction – chemical, biological or nuclear. Because the spread of famine is the same immoral and inhumane weapon of mass destruction as the spread of deadly bacteria or radiation.

    This is Ukraine’s position. This is the position of a nation that has lost millions of people to Holodomors. Therefore, we particularly feel what the words “food security” really mean. What the right to protection against hunger is. What the right to food is.

    We feel why this is not a privilege, why it should not be an accident and why anyone who destroys this right should face a tough response.

    That is why we are making so much effort to restore our agricultural exports. This is not only an economic issue for us. This is a question of basic values and respect for life as such.

    In 8 months of last year, Ukraine exported almost 38 million tons of agricultural products. In 8 months of this year, the world market has received almost 10 million tons less already.

    Minus 10 million tons of our agricultural exports is plus tens of millions of people who found themselves on the brink of starvation or are starving. And these are only the initial consequences of the Russian blockade of our ports, Russian attempts with missile strikes to prevent us from building new export logistics, and the immoral political game with fluctuations in food prices.

    Russia must bear responsibility for this.

    Why did it need all this? To supposedly graciously give food in exchange for sovereignty. In exchange for political submission. In exchange for vulnerability. Vulnerability of many African, Asian and European countries.

    That is why Russia wants to make protection from hunger not a right, but a privilege, and wants to make food – not an inalienable right, but something to beg for.

    We categorically do not accept that. We consistently fight against that. Even in the conditions of a full-scale war, we help those who cannot provide agricultural products for themselves with our agricultural products. And I want to assure the UN that Ukraine will continue to be a guarantor of the UN World Food Programme.

    In particular, we are already helping Somalia and Ethiopia. Africa, Asia, Europe, the American continent… Wherever food is needed, we are ready to export and help.

    And we call for your solidarity.

    Stand in solidarity with us in holding Russia to account. Stand in solidarity with us in guaranteeing the right of any person and any country to protection from hunger, the right to food.

    This is a right, not a privilege. It should be so. I believe that we will be able to guarantee it.

    I am grateful to UN Secretary-General Guterres. I am grateful to Türkiye and President Erdoğan. Our grain export initiative is working steadily. And I am grateful to all Ukrainians – each and every one who turns our ability to guarantee global food security into an objective reality.

    I thank all of you for your support and attention!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak and Members of the US House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence discussed further support for Ukraine in the war with the Russian Federation [September 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak and Members of the US House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence discussed further support for Ukraine in the war with the Russian Federation [September 2022]

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 20 September 2022.

    Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a video conference meeting with the Members of the US House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

    The event was also attended by: Deputy Heads of the Office of the President Roman Mashovets and Andriy Smyrnov, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine Oleksandr Lytvynenko.

    Andriy Yermak informed the congressmen about the situation at the front. He emphasized that in more than six months of a full-scale war against Ukraine, Russia was unable to achieve its goal of conquering our country and suffered heavy losses. And this happened thanks to the courage of the Ukrainian nation and the help of international partners.

    The Head of the President’s Office emphasized that Ukraine not only repelled the onslaught of the aggressor, but also began to conduct successful counteroffensive operations, which made it possible to liberate almost 8.5 thousand square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in the east of the country.

    “And I want to sincerely thank the American people, members of Congress, the White House Administration and President Biden for helping Ukraine from the first day of the war. This success is our common victory, a victory of freedom and democracy. And our goal is and always will be the complete liberation of the entire Ukrainian territory from the occupiers as soon as possible and the restoration of the full sovereignty of Ukraine within internationally recognized borders,” he emphasized.

    At the same time, Andriy Yermak noted that the war continues, the Russian army still has large forces, so Ukraine needs further support and strengthening. He noted that the list of needs of our country and the Armed Forces is well known to the military-political leadership of the United States, fruitful cooperation and coordination on these issues has been established.

    Deputy Head of the Office of the President Roman Mashovets informed the congressmen about the urgent needs of Ukraine.

    For his part, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Andriy Smyrnov focused on the initiative of the Ukrainian side regarding the establishment of a special tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. In his opinion, this is no longer an issue of war in our country, but an issue for the entire civilized world, and the support for this process by the US as a key democracy is extremely important.

    “It’s a matter of courage to call a spade a spade, to call international criminals international criminals,” noted Andriy Smyrnov.

    Chairman of the US House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Adam Schiff expressed support for the President of Ukraine and all Ukrainians who bravely defend their country, and congratulated them on a significant success in certain areas of the front. He noted the importance of the received information regarding the situation on the battlefield and the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.