An apology made by Rupa Huq, the Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton, on 27 September 2022.
I have today contacted Kwasi Kwarteng to offer my sincere and heartfelt apologies for the comments I made at yesterday’s Labour conference fringe meeting. My comments were ill-judged and I wholeheartedly apologise to anyone affected.
![PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy commissioned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to respond to the facts of the use of Iranian-made weapons by Russian troops in Ukraine [September 2022]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/presidentukraine.png)
The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 23 September 2022.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy commissioned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to respond to the facts of the use of Iranian-made weapons by the troops of the Russian Federation on the Ukrainian territory.
Despite the fact that the leadership of Iran has repeatedly publicly declared its neutrality and readiness to mediate in stopping Russian aggression against Ukraine, samples collected on the battlefield confirmed that Russia is using Iranian-made weapons in Ukraine.
“Such actions of Iran are considered as a step against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as against the life and health of Ukrainian citizens,” spokesman of the President Serhiy Nykyforov emphasized.
The speech made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 23 September 2022.
Dear Friends!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Dear Olena!
Even if I am not with you now, I know that our unity does not stop for a minute. This unity is our most powerful force that help us make anything possible. And the most important that we made possible to provide reliable protection of freedom.
You know… Every short question “What is freedom?” does not have a universal short answer. It is one of those questions, which will bring up many new answers as long as humankind lives. But there is one element which makes incomplete any answer to the question about freedom. This element is respect for a person. For a person of any age, property status, religion, race, gender.
Respect is what free society is based on.
Respect is the source of democracy.
Respect is what every wise father, every wise mother teach their children.
Respect is clearly displayed in the life of any country. Respect is education. It is medicine. It is help for those, who find themselves in a difficult life situation, and for those, who cannot support themselves and their children. Respect is institutions that provide justice. It is cultural institutions that keep the heritage of every community, every nation and whole humanity. When all this works, when there is respect, then any person can really enjoy freedom.
So it’s no surprise, when the enemy of freedom destroys infrastructure of respect – everything that provides humanitarian welfare.
Twenty five hundred educational facilities in Ukraine were destroyed by Russian strikes – schools, universities, educational clubs and others. More than thousand medical facilities were destroyed by Russian missiles and shelling. Tens of thousands of houses were simply burned down. Millions of people became displaced persons.
Russia has caused a humanitarian disaster in Ukraine because it hates freedom. And that is why the world supported our call for unity. The world sees what Russia attacks and what Ukraine defends. We protect freedom, we protect people and do everything, so that as many friends of freedom around the world as possible can contribute to this struggle.
That is why the First Lady of Ukraine set up this foundation – Olena Zelenska Foundation. She chose the humanitarian dimension, and there are huge challenges in this dimension. To restore what has been destroyed, to help those who need protection, to give hope for the future, and to give people the feeling that they are respected.
This is an extremely noble cause, and I encourage all of you to join in – people, companies, foundations.
Ukraine knows how to be grateful!
Thank you everyone who supports us!
Thank you everyone who supports Olena Zelenska Foundation!
Thank you, friends of freedom!
Glory to Ukraine!
The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 23 September 2022.
The nuclear powers have to publicly warn Russia about the tough measures that will be applied to it if the Russian Federation decides to launch a nuclear attack on the territory of Ukraine. This was stated by Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President Mykhailo Podolyak in an interview with The Guardian.
According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin must clearly understand that any attempt to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine will lead to catastrophic consequences for the Russian Federation.
“The other nuclear states need to say very firmly that as soon as Russia even thinks of carrying out nuclear strikes on foreign territory – in this case the territory of Ukraine – there will be swift retaliatory nuclear strikes to destroy the nuclear launch sites in Russia,” said Mykhailo Podolyak.
In his opinion, the analytical capacity of the Russian President’s circle is very low now, and the state leadership does not understand all the risks of its actions and consequences for the Russian Federation itself.
“It’s hard to make predictions when a person is completely irrational,” he added.
According to Mykhailo Podoliak, Russia’s impunity for nuclear threats would erode the long-standing principle that nuclear weapons can only be used defensively when the survival of a country is at stake.
“We have a big country that enters Ukrainian territory, starts a war, seizes some territory, and then says this territory is now ours and if you try to take it back we’ll use nuclear weapons. It looks absolutely absurd, and furthermore it destroys the whole global system of nuclear deterrence,” said Mykhailo Podolyak.
The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 23 September 2022.
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak notes that many influential states and international partners are involved in the process of freeing Ukrainian and foreign citizens from Russian captivity. He stated this at a briefing dedicated to the exchange and return of defenders of Ukraine from captivity.
According to Andriy Yermak, the work to liberate the defenders of Mariupol involved a large number of negotiations and consultations at various levels. In particular, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia played an important role in this process.
“There was a telephone conversation between President Zelenskyy and the Crown Prince, in which the President thanked for the help and highly appreciated the participation of Saudi Arabia in this process,” he noted.
Andriy Yermak also reported that the Presidents of Ukraine and Türkiye had a conversation a few days ago, and they personally reached relevant important agreements.
“I would like to note the personal participation of President Erdoğan in what happened. He provided these guarantees for the safe stay of our citizens on the territory of Türkiye,” emphasized the Head of the Presidential Office.
He also added that he regularly communicates with Adviser to the President of Türkiye İbrahim Kalın.
“I would also like to note the role of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, with whom we were in contact almost every day. He also helped a lot,” Andriy Yermak said.
The Head of the President’s Office emphasized that the Ukrainian side is in constant contact with partners from the United States of America and Great Britain, and they were aware of the details of this operation. Representatives of the countries whose citizens Ukraine planned to liberate were also informed.
Andriy Yermak reminded that, in addition to 205 citizens of Ukraine, ten foreigners were freed from Russian captivity, including five citizens of Great Britain, two citizens of the United States, a citizen of Morocco, a citizen of Sweden and a citizen of Croatia.
Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine Melinda Simmons thanked the President of Ukraine and his team, the heads of the security and intelligence agencies for their role in the release of five British citizens.
“This has put an end to many months of uncertainty and suffering, including the threat of the death penalty for them by the Russian Federation. We continue to call on Russia to adhere to international humanitarian law and not to use prisoners of war and detained civilians for political purposes,” she said.
Melinda Simmons also emphasized the unwavering commitment of Great Britain to support the Ukrainian people in their struggle for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink noted that the United States commends the release of prisoners of war, including two American citizens.
“This demonstrates how close and productive the cooperation between the US and Ukraine is. So I want to thank President Zelenskyy, Mr. Yermak, Maliuk, Budanov, Monastyrskyi, and everyone who was involved in this on behalf of myself, our country and all Americans. I congratulate you on the return of so many of your heroes,” she said.
Bridget Brink also emphasized that the United States will support Ukraine as long as it is needed.
Ambassador of Sweden to Ukraine Tobias Thyberg also congratulated the Head of State’s team on the fact that such a large number of defenders of Mariupol and other Ukrainians were able to return home.
“These were extremely difficult negotiations. And I want to sincerely thank you on behalf of the entire people of Sweden for the fact that Ukraine included a Swedish citizen, who defended Azovstal side by side with your heroes, in these difficult negotiations,” said the diplomat.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.