Tag: 2022

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

One year ago, on 23 August 2021, we gathered in Kyiv to establish the International Crimea Platform, based on the non-recognition of Russia’s illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, which constitutes a violation of the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine as well as a direct challenge to international security.

We, the Participants in the International Crimea Platform, remain committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, extending to its territorial waters. We reiterate our resolve to maintain pressure on Russia to end the temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol without delay to restore Ukraine’s control over its territory.

We condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion and its war of aggression against Ukraine, and notably its use of the temporarily occupied Crimean Peninsula and Ukrainian territorial waters for its war against Ukraine. We strongly condemn Russia’s extensive use of military aircraft and warships for missile strikes and attacks affecting civilians and Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. We also condemn the use of Crimea for aggression against and military invasion of southern Ukrainian regions. All perpetrators of war crimes should be brought to justice.

Recalling the resolution ES-11/1 of the UN General Assembly adopted on March 2, 2022, we call on Russia to ensure an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.

We regret that against this backdrop the situation in temporarily occupied Crimea has further deteriorated.

We are deeply concerned about the increase in repressive measures by Russian occupying authorities, including abuses of human rights of the indigenous Crimean Tatars severely threatening their ability to fully enjoy their human rights, maintain and develop their culture, education and identity.

We are equally concerned with the aggressive imposition of education in the Russian language, of Russian curricula and education materials and with efforts to use the education system for the propaganda of service in the armed or auxiliary forces of the Russian Federation among children.

We call on the Russian Federation to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law, to immediately and unconditionally release Ukrainian prisoners unjustly detained in Crimea and the territory of Russia, including Nariman Dzhelyalov, the First Deputy Head of the Mejlis of Crimean Tatar people, and to comply with the order of the International Court of Justice of April 19, 2017 to refrain from maintaining the ban on the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people and provide full and unimpeded access to Crimea for established regional and international monitoring mechanisms.

We condemn the continued practice of illegal conscription of Crimean residents into the Russian Armed Forces and their reported forced involvement in Russia’s offensive military actions against Ukraine.

We also condemn Russia’s resettlement of its citizens to the Peninsula seeking to forcibly change the demographic composition of Crimea in a blatant attempt to deepen its occupation and control.

We are also deeply concerned by numerous reports of forcible transfer by the Russian Federation of Ukrainian citizens, in particular civilians and prisoners of war, including Crimean Tatars, from the southern and eastern regions of Ukraine to Crimea and Russia.

We equally deplore Russia’s seizure of the Ukrainian ports in the Sea of Azov and in Kherson, which has impeded the lawful exercise of navigational rights and freedoms and maritime traffic in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, contributing to global food insecurity. We are further concerned about the massive transportation of heavy weapons and personnel through Crimea, which is aggravating the ecological consequences of Russia`s temporary occupation of Crimea since 2014.

We recognise that the increasing militarization of the Peninsula by the Russian Federation continues to have a negative impact on the security situation in the Black Sea region.

We condemn Russia’s reported attempts to trade in stolen grain and metallurgy from Ukraine.

Furthermore, we condemn Russia’s attempts to forcefully integrate parts of the Ukrainian territory currently under the control of invading Russian armed forces as a result of their illegal invasion. Any attempts to redraw Ukraine’s borders by force are a clear violation of international law, including the UN Charter and of Ukraine’s Constitution, they further undermine sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and will not be recognised.

We stand firmly with the people of Ukraine as they bravely face Russia’s military aggression and express our solidarity with those in Crimea and other Ukraine’s territories under Russia’s temporary control who continue to speak up at great personal risk against Russia’s temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and Russia`s ongoing military invasion.

In this context we express our determination to continue our support of Ukraine, including political, economic, humanitarian and/or security assistance.

We express our determination to continue working together within the International Crimea Platform on ending the Russian Federation’s temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol for the full restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

We confirm the need to continue implementing the policy of non-recognition of the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation.

We reiterate our commitment to maintain pressure on Russia to end its temporary occupation of Crimea and to restore Ukraine’s control over the territory of the Peninsula.

This would create a solid basis for the restoration of the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It would also contribute to improving security and stability in the region and global food security, as well as allowing bringing perpetrators to justice.

We express our readiness to consider or to join further political diplomatic and restrictive measures towards the Russian Federation should its actions so require and in line with the respective procedures and legal jurisdiction of each Participant.

We stand by Ukraine as it defends its territorial integrity and sovereignty against the Russian aggression.

We invite other states and organizations to consider joining the International Crimea Platform.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy notes that the inhumane treatment of the captured defenders of Mariupol, in particular the servicemen of the “Azov” special purpose regiment, will make negotiations with the Russian side impossible.

“These are understandable human conditions. If our prisoners are treated exactly as you said, then this is not about “red lines”. What negotiations can we talk about? This is the full stop. I have nothing to add,” said the Head of State during a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda in Kyiv, answering the question about his position in the event of an illegal show trial of captured “Azov” warriors.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that it is too early to talk about his possible participation in the G20 summit in November.

“I’ve already mentioned the conditions under which we are ready to be there, and we are grateful that Ukraine was invited. The format will depend on many factors. For me, first of all, this is the situation on the battlefield, at the front,” the President said.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda took part in the opening of the Walk of the Brave on Constitution Square in Kyiv.

The Walk was laid on the initiative of the Head of State on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. The place was not chosen randomly, as modern independent Ukraine was born on Constitution Square in front of the Verkhovna Rada.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that this Walk will feature the names of political leaders and other representatives of partner countries that have provided Ukraine with important support since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation.

Andrzej Duda, the President of Poland, became the first foreign leader to be honored on the Walk of the Brave.

“Today I want to open the Walk of the Brave in the presence of President of Poland Andrzej Duda. His name will always be on this Walk. It is a symbol of bravery, a symbol of friendship, of support for Ukraine when it is really needed,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

Andrzej Duda played a particularly important role in strengthening the defense capabilities of our country in the first days of the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation. He arrived in war-torn Ukraine, called Russia’s actions an unprecedented violation of international law and emphasized that the Russian Federation was thereby excluding itself from the international community.

It was Poland that was one of the first EU countries to become a new home for millions of forced migrants from Ukraine. Industry, business, ordinary Poles – everyone contributed to the fastest possible adaptation and support of our citizens. The Polish government and the Sejm have simplified the procedures for crossing the border and the subsequent inclusion of Ukrainians in the friendly European community as much as possible.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda who arrived in our country to participate in the Second Summit of the Crimea Platform in Kyiv.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the importance of the presence of friends of Ukraine on such a symbolic day – the Day of the National Flag.

“I am glad to welcome to Ukraine our wonderful neighbor, President of Poland Andrzej Duda. Thank you for being here today, for being with us on the day of our flag and on the eve of the biggest holiday for Ukraine – Independence Day,” said the Ukrainian Head of State.

The President of Ukraine said that during the meeting with his Polish colleague, the entire complex of issues of bilateral relations, joint protection of the freedom of our peoples and Europe in general was discussed.

“Of course, we talked about defense, security, support and shelter for Ukrainians and our children in Poland. I am very grateful to you, Andrzej, your wife, your government and the people of friendly Poland, which treat Ukraine so warmly and in a brotherly manner,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He noted that some help requires silence, but it is important that this silence is then heard by the enemy.

“Everything we need now is known in detail to the President of Poland. And we are very grateful for the amount provided by the Polish side, which helps us a lot. For us, for Ukraine, during the war, the issue of support with weapons is a priority,” the Head of State emphasized.

The President also noted that today, despite aggression from the Russian Federation, the second summit of the Crimea Platform will take place.

“And we will do everything to deoccupy our Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. The Crimea Platform is an excellent political tool for discussion and deoccupation of parts of our beautiful state,” he said.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, representatives of 60 foreign states and international organizations became participants in this year’s summit of the Crimea Platform. In particular, the countries of the African continent and Latin America, which were not present at the first summit, joined.

For his part, President of Poland Andrzej Duda noted that it is an honor for him to be next to the President of Ukraine and other partners at the event, which is important for the deoccupation of Crimea.

“Ukraine is fighting today, defending its independence, its integrity from Russian aggression, which began not on February 24, but back in 2014, when Russia first attacked Ukraine, starting the de facto occupation of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and first of all, the occupation of Crimea,” he emphasized.

According to the President of Poland, it is symbolic for Poles and representatives of the Baltic states to be next to Ukrainians who are fighting against Russian aggression.

Andrzej Duda also noted that it is a great honor for him to be able to personally congratulate the Ukrainian people on National Flag Day and Independence Day, which will be celebrated tomorrow.

The President of Poland expressed confidence in the victory of our country in the war with Russia, the return of all occupied territories and rebuilding and strengthening our country. And the Republic of Poland and other democratic partner states will support Ukraine in this, he noted.

“I want you to be sure: Poland and the Poles stand with you and will support you until the last day of your struggle. We deeply believe that this will be your victorious struggle, and we stand by you,” Andrzej Duda said.

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

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska conducts a series of phone and video conversations with colleagues – participants of the Second Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, during which she discusses the results of the event and future steps for cooperation in humanitarian, cultural, educational projects, as well as in the field of mental and physical health.

The first talks have already taken place. In particular, Olena Zelenska talked with wife of the President of the European Council Amelie Derbaudrenghien, First Lady of the Republic of Latvia Andra Levite, First Lady of Belize Rossana Maria Briceño and wife of the President of Iceland Eliza Reid.

Summing up the month that has passed since the Summit was held, she emphasized that the event is still yielding important results for Ukraine.

“When establishing the Summit, I wanted it to be not just an event once a year, but a permanent platform for interaction. And, as we can see, it succeeds. In the framework of the Second Summit, we have already raised about 200 million hryvnias. Donations came from 51 countries of the world through the UNITED24 platform. Thanks to charitable contributions, the Ministry of Health purchased the first 57 EMS vehicles,” she said.

According to the President’s wife, the vehicles will soon go to the frontline regions and hot spots of the country, where they are most needed now. Tenders are ongoing.

In addition to discussing the results of the Summit, during the conversation with the wife of the President of the European Council, Olena Zelenska thanked for the financial support from the EU allocated to Ukraine for humanitarian needs, as well as for the creation of logistics centers for the provision of humanitarian aid to our country in Poland, Romania and Slovakia. The First Lady of Ukraine also noted the European Commission’s introduction of the medical evacuation procedure (MEDEVAC) for seriously ill patients to EU member states, which are able to accommodate and provide treatment for such patients in their medical facilities.

In a conversation with First Lady of the Republic of Latvia Andra Levite, the wife of the President of Ukraine thanked for sheltering more than 35,000 Ukrainian temporary migrants in Latvia, as well as for accepting wounded military personnel for treatment and rehabilitation. The Latvian side receives two groups with a total number of 36 people: 21 wounded arrived in Riga on August 8 (treatment and rehabilitation will take place at the Riga East University Hospital); 12 people have been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation since August 15 at the Vaivari National Rehabilitation Center. In addition, Olena Zelenska noted the important help of the Republic of Latvia in the organization of summer camps in the country, where children from Ukraine have the opportunity to rest together with their Latvian peers and study the Latvian language.

During the conversation with First Lady of Belize Rossana Maria Briceño, who is the head of the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN), the parties discussed the possibilities of cooperation and joining the efforts of the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen and of the SCLAN organization.

Olena Zelenska expressed sincere gratitude for the unchanging position of Belize in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, condemnation of Russian aggression against our state, in particular within the UN.

In a conversation with wife of the President of Iceland Eliza Reid, the First Lady of Ukraine noted the active role of this state in international efforts to create conditions for punishing all those involved in Russia’s crimes in Ukraine. Olena Zelenska thanked for humanitarian aid and a grant from the government of Iceland to the local company Össur to provide prostheses to victims of the war in Ukraine.

“In these conversations with colleagues, it is important for me to share what we have already achieved and what we can still achieve by joining forces. After all, the title of this year’s summit, “Ukraine and the World: the Future that We (Re)Build Together” does not lose its relevance,” the President’s wife summed up.

The Second Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen took place in Kyiv on July 23 in a mixed format: some participants joined via telebridges from Warsaw, Brussels, Washington and London. The main studio was located in Kyiv, on the territory of the Sophia of Kyiv National Reserve. The event was devoted to the post-war recovery of the country.

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

Western countries should take into account that Russia’s victory in Ukraine will also mean its victory over NATO, so providing our country with the necessary weapons brings peace closer, not further away. This was stated by Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President Mykhailo Podolyak in an interview with the Italian weekly Corriere della Sera.

“There is no other answer than weapons to genocide, arrests, concentration camps, mass killings and destruction. Weapons are required to liberate territory. The world is tired of war, but Europe, the West, regardless of the fate of the Ukrainian people who are fighting for survival, must also take into account that a victory in Ukraine for Moscow will mean a victory over NATO. And we are forced to state with regret that not all European countries provide the promised assistance,” said Mykhailo Podolyak.

He noted that the Kremlin uses various levers of influence on Europe to achieve a reduction in support for Ukraine in this war, including threats, energy blackmail, suspension of the operation of gas pipelines, etc.

“For the Russians, it is very important that Europe reduces its material and moral support for Ukraine. They will try to influence the vote through extremist groups of all types, telling people that they have no more money and it will be cold if they continue to support us,” explained the Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President.

“We know it’s going to be a very hard winter and it’s going to be very hard for Europeans, too, the prices of food and heating will rise. But this winter will also mark the end of Russia’s gas monopoly. And if the price for freedom is lowering the temperature in the house by two or three degrees, well, we will pay it. And Europe should be ready to do the same,” Mykhailo Podolyak stressed.

According to him, the cooperation between the government of Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and the team of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy was particularly fruitful. The Italian government immediately realized what was happening and immediately provided assistance.

“But we know very well that there are political forces in Italy that have supported Moscow for a long time and are now trying to return to power. However, we are sure that Italy will continue to defend its values of freedom – those that we, Ukrainians, also share,” Mykhailo Podolyak is convinced.