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Tag: 2022

  • PRESS RELEASE : President and the IMF Managing Director discussed the support of Ukraine’s economy during the war

    PRESS RELEASE : President and the IMF Managing Director discussed the support of Ukraine’s economy during the war

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 16 May 2022.

    President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a video conference with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva on the eve of her participation in the meeting of the G7 finance ministers.

    The President thanked the IMF for supporting Ukraine’s economy during the difficult times of the war.

    “Thank you for being a leader in the issues of assistance and overcoming this situation,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    According to the President, the monthly deficit of the state budget of Ukraine is about 5 billion US dollars. So he called on the IMF to speed up support for our country.

    In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of financial support to Ukraine from partner countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan and the European Union.

    He called on the IMF to actively participate in the development of Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction program.

    The Head of State noted that our country is willing to continue implementing important reforms.

    “Where we can show the results of reforms, we must not stop and move forward. Because of the war, not everything is yet possible. But we are ready to show the world that we are moving forward,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

    For her part, the IMF Managing Director said she would inform the G7 about the need to speed up the provision of the necessary financial support.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine does not have extra six months to wait for the EU oil embargo as Russia continues to kill our citizens – Oleg Ustenko

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine does not have extra six months to wait for the EU oil embargo as Russia continues to kill our citizens – Oleg Ustenko

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 May 2022.

    The European Union’s embargo on Russian oil imports must take effect immediately, as Ukraine cannot wait another six months while Russia continues killing our citizens. This was stated by Adviser to the President of Ukraine Oleg Ustenko in an interview with the international media organization Project Syndicate.

    He noted that Ukraine commends the proposal of the European Commission to stop the import of Russian crude oil, but believes that postponing the implementation of this decision for six months is unacceptable. After all, the Russian Federation uses the revenues from the sale of energy to finance its military machine.

    “Russia is receiving $1 billion per day for its energy exports. You can imagine how many missiles, weapons, and bombs they can buy in the six months before the embargo is fully implemented. Our position is straightforward. We want this embargo to go into effect at once. We don’t have an extra six months to wait while Russia continues to kill our citizens. Under the circumstances, we believe that Europe must act immediately,” the Adviser to the President emphasized.

    According to him, after the introduction of a full embargo on Russian oil in the short term, world oil prices will rise, which could cause losses for Europe. But in the medium term, prices will adjust, as oil producing countries will increase production not only in the Middle East, but also in Africa, and this should lower prices.

    “Second, the Chinese economy is slowing, which means it will consume less oil. That, too, will move markets toward a new equilibrium and reduce prices,” Oleg Ustenko said.

    In the long-term perspective, it would be a win-win situation for the whole world, because it is going to be more predictable, stable and secure. Hence, business income will grow.

    To mitigate the short-term negative effects of the embargo, the Adviser to the President of Ukraine proposes, for example, to limit the price of Russian oil for a transitional period.

    “The marginal cost of production for Russian oil is around $10 per barrel. Russia should be allowed to keep $10 per barrel sold, and any amount above that should be seized through sanctions. This money should go into a special fund for rebuilding Ukraine,” he said.

    As for natural gas, here, according to Oleg Ustenko, Europe can continue to buy Russian gas, but the proceeds should go into an escrow account, which is administered by a special board.

    “With the board’s approval, some of the funds could go to Russia for critical imports such as pharmaceuticals. This would leave Russia with some incentive to continue selling natural gas to Europe, even in the face of the new sanctions. And the board could approve greater disbursements to Russia if it withdraws from Ukraine and stops the war,” the Adviser to the President noted.

    According to him, this escrow account should be administered by a board formed by Ukraine’s allies – the United States and the European Union or the European Commission. Our state must also be represented on the board.

    In addition, as Oleg Ustenko noted, along with tightening restrictions on oil and natural gas imports, the Ukrainian side would welcome the imposition of new sanctions on the individuals in power in Russia.

    “There have been some sanctions for top-level individuals, but not yet for their family members. All members of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s party, United Russia, should be cut off from Europe. They and their family members are still spending their time in Europe, rather than enduring life in Russia. They should be stopped from doing that, so that they have a greater incentive to put pressure on Putin to end the war,” the Adviser to the President emphasized.

    He also said that any trade with Russia must be stopped. Insurance companies must be prohibited from providing coverage for ships departing from Russian ports, and all Russian banks must be excluded from the international payment system.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The European Union and NATO will not be strong today without Ukraine – Andriy Yermak

    PRESS RELEASE : The European Union and NATO will not be strong today without Ukraine – Andriy Yermak

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 May 2022.

    Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak emphasizes that today Ukraine needs the unity of Europe in supporting our country, in particular on its path to membership in the European Union, and imposing more effective sanctions on Russia, especially the oil embargo. He said this during an online conversation with representatives of the European Policy Centre.

    Andriy Yermak reminded that on the initiative of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy he had gathered leading international experts (Yermak-McFaul group) to work out recommendations on effective long-term sanctions on Russia. They have developed an Action Plan to strengthen sanctions. Its main point is a complete embargo on Russian energy – the main source of funding for the Russian army.

    On May 9, the expert group presented a Roadmap, a step-by-step strategy with detailed recommendations for the EU on energy sanctions, which contains clear proposals to minimize Russia’s oil revenues during the transition period and ensure a managed phased embargo on Russian gas imports.

    The Head of the President’s Office stressed that Ukraine and the Yermak-McFaul group commend the European Commission’s decision to impose a total ban on Russian oil imports. He noted that Europe should be united in the issue of the oil embargo.

    According to Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian authorities are constantly in contact with European partners, the EU leadership, and all proposals of the Ukrainian side are taken into account, and their effect will be seen in the results.

    The Head of the President’s Office is also convinced that both a strong sanctions policy and Ukraine’s accession to the EU are a matter of mutual security – for our country and the whole of Europe, although not all European capitals are aware of this.

    “For us, the proposal on “alternatives to European integration” is unacceptable. We believe that it creates the same illusion of an open door as in the case of NATO,” he said.

    According to Andriy Yermak, Ukraine today deserves special unprecedented mechanisms for EU membership. The Head of the President’s Office believes that in June our country must receive the status of a candidate for EU membership, because otherwise it will be an extremely negative and incorrect signal.

    “Today, our country, being neither a member of NATO nor a member of the EU, has been repelling one of the world’s most powerful armies for so many days. And today, the European Union and NATO must finally understand that as much as Ukraine needs the EU and NATO, so much does NATO and the EU need Ukraine. I believe that without Ukraine today, neither the European Union nor NATO will be strong,” he said.

    Andriy Yermak is convinced that Ukraine will become one of the founders and leaders of the new security system to be created after this war.

    “And we want to do it together with our European friends,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainians have shown that you can have no fear and fight with one of the largest armies in the world – Andriy Yermak

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainians have shown that you can have no fear and fight with one of the largest armies in the world – Andriy Yermak

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 13 May 2022.

    The Ukrainian people have shown that you can have no fear and fight with one of the largest armies in the world, so Ukraine’s membership in NATO would strengthen this organization. This was stated by Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak in an interview with CNN.

    He noted that the situation on the frontline is still difficult, but the Ukrainian military is succeeding in a counteroffensive in the Kharkiv direction.

    “Our troops have pushed the enemy back, but fighting continues in the south-eastern part of Ukraine. And the situation in Mariupol remains catastrophic, where thousands of people are blocked, including Azovstal,” said Andriy Yermak.

    “Our servicemen at Azovstal are blocked and are under constant massive bombardment by Russian forces. We use all our opportunities, we negotiate with many world leaders to save our people. This is very important for us. And President Zelenskyy is personally working 24/7 on this issue,” he said.

    The Head of the President’s Office thanked the UN for its efforts to evacuate civilians from the Azovstal plant.

    Andriy Yermak also stressed the need to increase sanctions on Russia in order to encourage it to reach a peaceful settlement.

    “If this terrible war continues and every day Russia kills Ukrainians and destroys cities, it will show that the existing sanctions are not enough,” he said.

    The Head of the President’s Office reminded that the international expert group headed by him and former US National Security Adviser Michael McFaul is actively working to assess the current sanctions and propose new ones.

    According to Andriy Yermak, the experts have prepared a document containing recommendations on actions in the energy sector. This is a complete embargo on Russia’s energy resources, especially oil. He noted that since the beginning of the full-scale war, Russia, according to official figures, has received more than $ 65 billion from energy sales.

    “It feeds Russia’s military machine and allows the war against Ukraine to be continued,” he added.

    Answering the question about Finland’s plans to join NATO under the fast-track procedure, while Ukraine has been trying unsuccessfully for a long time to join the Alliance, Andriy Yermak said: “We believe that this situation is a test for the Alliance. We are very happy for our friends in Finland – in fact, it is a logical step. At the same time, it demonstrates NATO’s double standards, as the whole world has seen that Ukraine has long ago decided to join the Alliance, but we still do not have any concrete answer. Now our courageous and heroic nation has shown that Ukraine’s participation and membership in NATO would strengthen this organization.”

    The Head of the Office of the President stressed that Ukrainians have shown that one can have no fear and fight against one of the largest armies in the world.

    Commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statements that Russian troops have been sent to Ukraine to fight the Nazis, Andriy Yermak said that the Russian-speaking cities of Kharkiv and Mariupol had suffered the most damage from Russia. Russia also struck at Uman and Babyn Yar, which are important to the Jewish people.

    “Everything it does (Russia – ed.) in Ukraine is directed against Ukrainians. We are grateful to the parliaments of the world who are already recognizing this war as genocide. The picture from Bucha, Irpin and Mariupol gives a clear answer as to who is continuing the Nazi practices of World War II and who is defending native land and country. And we will fight until we achieve victory,” Andriy Yermak stressed.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Sanctions on Russia must be long-term in order to force it to end the war against Ukraine and prevent similar aggression in the future – Andriy Yermak

    PRESS RELEASE : Sanctions on Russia must be long-term in order to force it to end the war against Ukraine and prevent similar aggression in the future – Andriy Yermak

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 12 May 2022.

    Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak emphasizes that Russia’s war against Ukraine is an aggression against the whole of Europe and an attack on generally accepted principles of international relations, and the aggressor must be stopped by joint efforts, including systemic long-term sanctions.

    He noted this during an online meeting with influential European officials and diplomats.

    “It would be naive to expect that the Russian leadership will abandon its plans due to lower living standards of Russian citizens. So we need to make sure that the financial system does not cope with this burden, that Russian industry does not have the technical capabilities, technology and materials to produce weapons of war. Therefore, sanctions must be long-term,” Andriy Yermak said.

    The Head of the President’s Office reminded that a team of leading international and Ukrainian experts (Yermak-McFaul group), formed as a result of the initiative of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, had developed an Action Plan to strengthen sanctions on Russia.

    First of all, it envisages a full embargo on Russia’s energy resources, the main source of funding for Russia’s military machine. It is proposed to maximize transport and insurance sanctions, disconnect all Russian financial institutions from the world system.

    Recognition of Russia as a state – sponsor of terrorism and its exclusion from the FATF, the expansion of personal sanctions against the vast majority of Russian officials, oligarchs and propagandists are very important. Further sanctions against Russian state-owned enterprises are also needed.

    Andriy Yermak stressed that it is also important to impose secondary sanctions on states, individuals or legal entities that facilitate Russia’s aggression or help it circumvent sanctions.

    “I would like to emphasize that the Plan envisages strengthening transparency measures and deepening coordination. Synchronization of sanctions policies in time and legal limits is a very important factor in increasing their effectiveness,” he said.

    In addition, Andriy Yermak informed about a new initiative of the group of sanction experts – the Roadmap presented on May 9, which contains a step-by-step strategy with detailed recommendations for the European Union on the implementation of energy sanctions.

    “We are making clear proposals to minimize Russia’s oil revenues during the transition period and to ensure a managed phased embargo on Russian gas imports. Our proposals are aimed at reducing the shock to European economies from such steps. It is first of all about the regulated import tax or tariff and keeping funds for energy on a special escrow account,” he said.

    The Head of the President’s Office noted that the Yermak-McFaul international expert group commends the decision of the European Commission to impose a total ban on imports of all Russian oil, which is very important.

    Andriy Yermak stressed that such decisions should be made quickly today, as they will help save as many lives of Ukrainians as possible, reduce the destruction in our country due to the war, and reduce the food crisis in the world with all its consequences. Decisions to support Ukraine in the trade and economic sphere are also important.

    According to him, Ukraine’s active cooperation with the EU during this difficult period proves that our country is already part of a single European team, and this is facing increasing support among citizens of European countries. And Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and deeper economic integration with the establishment of new high-tech enterprises will also benefit European corporations.

    Andriy Yermak stated that Ukraine is determined to continue the integration process, and proposals on “alternatives to European integration” are unacceptable for our country.

    “Ukraine must become part of a united Europe as soon as possible. This is a matter of mutual security,” he said.

    Answering the questions of the participants of the meeting about how else Europe can support Ukraine, Andriy Yermak noted that our country still needs more weapons, and European capitals know exactly what kinds of weapons.

    “If this war continues, it means that sanctions are not enough and weapons are not enough. And we will not stop talking about these topics,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

    Andriy Yermak noted that Ukraine will never compromise on its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.

    He also noted that with the start of this war, it became clear that there was no reliable security system in Europe and around the world. And now one of the main issues is future clear security guarantees for Ukraine. According to him, our state would like to see as many countries as possible among the guarantors.

    The issue of reparations was also raised during the conversation, which is extremely important given the terrible destruction caused by the Russian army in our country. According to him, as in the case of sanctions, professional experts will propose clear mechanisms that would allow confiscated Russian assets, funds on escrow accounts, etc. to be directed to the needs of affected citizens and the reconstruction of Ukraine’s infrastructure.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ihor Zhovkva noted the importance of Estonia’s assistance in the issue of Ukraine’s European integration movement

    PRESS RELEASE : Ihor Zhovkva noted the importance of Estonia’s assistance in the issue of Ukraine’s European integration movement

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 12 May 2022.

    Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a video consultation with Foreign Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia Liis Lipre-Järma.

    Ihor Zhovkva informed the interlocutor in detail about the security situation in our country and the resistance to Russian military aggression. He expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of Estonia and the Estonian people for their unwavering political support and the important practical assistance provided to Ukraine by official Tallinn.

    “We highly appreciate the fact that Estonia became the first country whose parliament decided to recognize Russia’s war against Ukraine an act of genocide,” said the Deputy Head of the President’s Office.

    During the conversation, special attention was paid to the importance of continuing sanctions pressure on Russia from the European Union in order to end the war as soon as possible and liberate the temporarily occupied territories of the Ukrainian state.

    The interlocutors discussed in detail bilateral cooperation to implement Ukraine’s strategic course towards European integration. Ihor Zhovkva noted the importance of Estonia’s effective assistance in the issue of Ukraine’s European integration movement and our country’s intentions to obtain the status of a candidate country for accession to the European Union in the near future.

    Ihor Zhovkva and Liis Lipre-Järma also coordinated the schedule of high-level bilateral events for the near future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Behind the courage and wisdom of the Ukrainian people are thousands of real stories, names and feats – President at The Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Leadership Awards

    PRESS RELEASE : Behind the courage and wisdom of the Ukrainian people are thousands of real stories, names and feats – President at The Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Leadership Awards

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 12 May 2022.

    President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke at The Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Leadership Awards, which was won by the Ukrainian people. The prize was awarded to Ukrainians for their resilience and courage in resisting the Russian invasion. This is the first time The Atlantic Council has awarded an entire people or nation.

    In a video address, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked for the award and noted that it is a fair and correct gesture to honor with this award all the people of Ukraine, because courage is a national trait of Ukrainian character.

    “Today the whole world witnesses this and admires the heroism of Ukrainians. At the same time, I want it not to become something ordinary for everyone. And for this we must say and remember that behind the courage and wisdom of our people, there are thousands of real stories, names and heroic feats,” the Head of State said.

    According to him, the world should know and hear about Ukrainians, and have a clear idea and understanding about the people of Ukraine.

    “First of all, we are the nation of the best defenders. These are our ground forces, air and naval forces, airborne assault troops, special operations forces, the National Guard, intelligence, border guards, and territorial defense fighters,” the President emphasized.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the stories of Ukrainian heroes, including border guards from Zmiinyi Island, who were not afraid of the flagship of the Russian fleet – cruiser Moskva, as well as indomitable defenders of Mariupol and Azovstal, who have been holding the line there for several months already with extremely limited resources.

    The President stressed that the Ukrainian people are people who do not spare themselves for the sake of others, these are brave children, elderly people who have gone through too many hardships, hundreds of thousands of those who are fighting, and millions of those who are volunteering and helping.

    “This is a business that has shifted to the needs of the country. Clothing designers sew military uniforms, restaurateurs feed free lunches, bakeries bake bread for IDPs and lonely people. This is a university professor who continues to lecture to his students in the trenches. A violinist playing for people during an air alarm in a bomb shelter. These are civilians of Ukrainian cities and villages, who became a living wall on the way of the occupiers – stopping military machines and turning tanks in the opposite direction. These are inhabitants of Demydivka, who flooded their own village not to let the occupier into Kyiv,” the President told.

    He also recalled the brave residents of the temporarily occupied Kherson, Melitopol, Berdyansk, Enerhodar, Mariupol, towns and villages, who, despite threats and shots from the invaders, went to peaceful rallies in support of Ukraine.

    “These are millions of Ukrainians who are now defending their Homeland and the whole world. Do not be afraid and come to Ukraine. Hear thousands of similar stories about us, Ukrainians. Look into their brave eyes, shake their strong hands, and you will see that they are doing all this not for glory, that they need not only awards, but also concrete help and support,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

    According to the President, the citizens of Ukraine need weapons, financial support and increased sanctions on Russia.

    “And the most important: the feeling that in this difficult struggle they are not alone, that they are supported by you, by the whole world – free states and free nations of our planet,” the President concluded.

    The award for the Ukrainian people was handed over to Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova.

    The Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Leadership Awards is an annual live event in Washington. This year the ceremony was attended by about 500 people from more than 30 countries.

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech on Independence Day in Ukraine

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech on Independence Day in Ukraine

    The speech made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 24 August 2022.

    The free people of independent Ukraine!

    And that says it all. Just four words, but how much is behind them today. On the 182nd day of the full-scale war. How many symbols and meanings, feats and losses, joy and pain are in these words. And mainly how much truth is in them. Our truth. Truth about our present, with which it is impossible to argue, as it is impossible not to see and not to admit. We are the free people of independent Ukraine. After six months of the attempts to destroy us, we are the free people of independent Ukraine. And this is the truth about our future. The free people of independent Ukraine.

    Six months ago, Russia declared war against us. On February 24, the entire Ukraine heard explosions and gunshots. And on August 24, it wasn’t supposed to hear the words “Happy Independence Day”. On February 24, we were told: you have no chance. On August 24, we say: Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!

    During these six months, we changed history, changed the world and changed ourselves. Now we know for sure who is really our brother and friend, and who is not even a casual acquaintance. Who did not lose his name and reputation, and who worried for the terrorists to save face. Who doesn’t really need us, and where the door is really open for us. We understood who is who. And the whole world learned who Ukrainians are. What Ukraine is. No one will say about it anymore: it is somewhere over there, near Russia.

    We started to respect ourselves. We understood that despite any help and support, no one but us will fight for our independence. And we united.

    We didn’t have HIMARS yet, but we had people willing to stop tanks with their bare hands. They were not ready to close the sky for us, but we had people willing to cover their native land with themselves.

    The Ukrainian people and their courage inspired the whole world. They gave humanity a new hope that justice has not completely left our cynical world. And it is still not force that wins in it, but truth. Not money, but values. Not oil, but people.

    Yesterday the world was not united. COVID-19 clearly showed: it’s every man for himself. Ukraine has changed this in six months. All world history textbooks will have a section “Times when Ukraine united the world”. When democracy grew teeth again. When tyranny receives an answer in the language it understands.

    Someone said: Europe is no longer a player. Weak, disunited, passive, sleepy. Ukraine invigorated the whole continent. Europe takes to the squares. Europe introduces tough sanctions. Europe unanimously recognizes that Ukraine is a future member of the European Union.

    Big business realized that money still smells. With blood, cinder, death. Corporations and brands are leaving the Russian market, and people have become more important than potential losses.

    Never before in the world has public opinion had such an influence on politicians. Today, people dictate trends and rules of behavior to the authorities. Being indifferent, inactive and slow is a shame. Being indecisive and too cautious is a shame. Speaking sluggishly, vaguely and too diplomatically is a shame. Not supporting Ukraine is a shame. And saying about fatigue from Ukraine is a shame. This is a very comfortable position: fatigue is a cover to close your eyes. And today we hear from world leaders and ordinary citizens: we will be with you until the end, until your victory.

    Dear people!

    We always paid tribute to all the fighters for independence, called this day the main holiday, and the blue-yellow flag – a shrine, put our hands to our hearts while singing the national anthem, and proudly said “Glory to Ukraine!” and “Glory to Heroes!”. On February 24, we had to prove our words with deeds.

    On this day, the second all-Ukrainian referendum actually took place. Again – the main question. Again – a decisive choice. But this time it was necessary to say “yes” to independence not in the ballot, but in the soul and conscience. Go not to the precinct, but to the military commissariat departments, the territorial defense units, the volunteer movement, the information troops or simply work steadily and conscientiously in your place, at full strength, for a common goal.

    We all changed. Someone was born again. As a person, individual, citizen, patriot, simply as a Ukrainian. And this, of course, is good news. Someone disappeared. Did not perish, did not die, but dissolved. As a person, individual, citizen, as a Ukrainian. And this is actually not bad news either. We will not hinder each other anymore.

    We made a choice. For some, it is Mariupol. For some – Monaco. But we know who the majority is. And we finally became truly one. A new nation that emerged on February 24 at 4 am. Not born, but reborn. A nation that didn’t cry, didn’t scream, didn’t get scared. Didn’t run away. Didn’t give up. Didn’t forget.

    This flag will be everywhere it should be by right. Both in Donbas and in Crimea. The enemy thought we would greet him with flowers and champagne. Instead, he received wreaths and Molotov cocktails. He was waiting for an ovation, but hears “claps”.

    The occupier believed that in a few days he would be on parade in our capital’s downtown. Today, you can see this “parade” on Khreshchatyk. The proof that enemy equipment can appear in the center of Kyiv only in such form. Burnt, wrecked and destroyed.

    It doesn’t matter to us what kind of army you have, what matters to us is our land. We will fight for it until the end.

    We are holding on for six months. It is difficult for us, but we clenched our fists fighting for our fate. Every new day is a new reason not to give up. Because, having gone through so much, we have no right not to reach the end. What is the end of the war for us? We used to say: peace. Now we say: victory.

    We will not seek an understanding with the terrorists. Although we understand the Russian language that you came to defend. And killed thousands of people you came to liberate.

    And Johnson, who speaks English, is much more understandable and close to us than murderers, rapists and looters who did it in Russian.

    And we don’t sit down at the negotiating table because of fear, with a gun pointed at our head. For us, the most terrible iron is not missiles, aircraft and tanks, but shackles. Not trenches, but fetters.

    And we will put our hands up only once – when we will celebrate our victory. The whole of Ukraine. Because we do not trade our lands and our people. For us, Ukraine is all of Ukraine. All 25 regions, without any concessions or compromises. We do not know these words, they were destroyed by missiles on February 24.

    Donbas is Ukraine. And we will return it, whatever the path may be. Crimea is Ukraine. And we will return it. Whatever the path may be. You don’t want your soldiers to die? Free our lands. You don’t want your mothers to cry? Free our lands. These are our simple and clear terms.

    The free people of independent Ukraine!

    We are facing this day in different places. Someone is in trenches and dugouts, in tanks and IFVs, at sea and in the air. Fighting for independence on the frontline. Someone is on the road, in cars, trucks and trains. Fighting for independence by delivering what is necessary to those on the frontline. And someone is on a smartphone or on a computer. Also fighting for independence by raising funds so that those on the road have something to bring to those on the frontline.

    We are facing this day in different circumstances, conditions and even in different time zones, but with one goal – preservation of independence and victory of Ukraine!

    We united.

    Happy Independence Day of Ukraine!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (24/08/2022) – 182 days

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (24/08/2022) – 182 days

    The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 24 August 2022.

    Ukrainians!

    All our defenders!

    Today was a useful day for Ukraine, very meaningful. A day that showed how strong our state has become, and this is not the limit yet. We are doing everything so that the strength of Ukraine, the opportunities of Ukraine, the freedom of Ukraine only increase.

    Today we celebrate the day of our flag, and it happens at a time when we are fighting against the most dreadful threat to our statehood and at the same time when we have achieved the greatest national unity. That is why we endured. Because we united and united the world around true values.

    Our national flag has become a global symbol of courage. A symbol of all who value a free life. Where there is blue and yellow, there is no and will be no tyranny. Where there is blue and yellow, there are no and will not be savages.

    Our flag is everywhere – from the frontline, where our warriors beat the enemy, to capitals on all continents, and it means one thing everywhere – humanity.

    I am grateful to everyone who defends true values. I am grateful to everyone who helps Ukraine. I am grateful to everyone who, since February 24, has chosen the path of struggle for what makes life real: for freedom, for independence.

    Very soon we will celebrate our main national holiday – our independence. Already tomorrow. We have planned many activities – something that will emphasize the path we have covered. Covered together – Ukrainians in Ukraine, throughout our territory – free and temporarily occupied, because our people are fighting everywhere. Ukrainians abroad – all those who helped, all those who spread the truth about Ukraine, all those who urged to fight for Ukraine.

    No occupier feels safe on our land. All collaborators know that they have no future. And we all do not just believe – we see that our state has a perspective.

    And for tomorrow, I have planned to award people who have contributed to our strength. These are people from different areas of life. Our warriors, all those who help warriors. Communication officers, railwaymen, rescuers, media workers, those who inform our people, who work in the national marathon “United News”. These are utility workers, electricians, drivers, volunteers, officials, athletes, artists – those artists who are known on the frontline, whom the army is grateful to, those who preserve and restore the positive emotions of our warriors.

    I asked various ministries, regional administrations, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, media representatives to submit their proposals on who deserves awards on Independence Day. It is up to you to decide. And tomorrow the awards will be given to those who really deserve them.

    Now I am near the office of the Crimea Platform, near the building that symbolizes that we care about every part of Ukraine, about every part of our people – the great Ukrainian people. Crimea is an integral part of our state, Crimea is Ukraine. Crimea is an integral part of our people. And we will certainly come to our cities in Crimea, to our people in Crimea and return to them the freedom that belongs to them by right, as well as to all our other people.

    That is why we have organized a special format – the Crimean format, the Crimea Platform. We held the inaugural summit last summer and today we have already held the second one. I am grateful to all participants of the summit – 40 leaders, almost 60 states and international organizations. European leaders, leaders of the G7, leaders of the countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America. This is not just a meeting, not just a discussion. The Crimea Platform became a global forum that united the leaders of the free world. This is a community of people who help restore peace and legality for Crimea, for the Black Sea region, for all of Europe.

    And the fact that we are holding the summit for the second time right now, with the expansion of the representation, is a clear response of the world to Russian aggression. Clear support for our sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. Russian aggression began in Crimea, and its finale will be in Crimea as well.

    In Kyiv, on Constitution Square, the Walk of the Brave was opened today – a place to honor the personal strength of those people who did not fail after February 24, who were not afraid, who did not retreat under the pressure of tyranny. Who helped us fight against Russian aggression and is still helping us. And the first name that we presented on the Walk of the Brave is the name of Andrzej Duda, the President of Poland. He was in Kyiv today, participating in the Crimea Platform. And for not a single day during these six months has he lost strength in supporting Ukraine. I am grateful to him!

    I definitely want to address our Kharkiv and all Kharkiv residents separately today. You are heroic people, a heroic city. A proud city. A city with a sense of self-respect. A city that knows how to defend itself. A city whose people know how to unite. A neat city. A city that always impresses everyone who comes and sees how Kharkiv residents take care of their streets and yards even when they are under the brutal pressure of Russian terrorists.

    Today is Kharkiv Day. Now our Kharkiv is not willing to celebrate. Yes, Kharkiv experienced a lot of injustice and cruelty. But Kharkiv will never be a city of black scorched windows and ruined districts. Kharkiv will never submit to this evil, which has nothing but artillery and missiles.

    We will definitely liberate the entire Kharkiv region. We will find a way to guarantee security to our Kharkiv. And we will do everything to restore the city. I promise!

    Fellow Ukrainians!

    Tomorrow is an important day for all of us. And that is why this day, unfortunately, is also important for our enemy. We must be aware that tomorrow hideous Russian provocations and brutal strikes are possible.

    The Armed Forces of Ukraine, our intelligence, special services will do everything to protect people – as much as possible. And we will certainly respond to any manifestation of Russian terror.

    But please follow the safety rules strictly tomorrow. Please observe the curfew. Pay attention to the air sirens. Pay attention to official announcements. And remember: we must all achieve victory together.

    Eternal glory to all who fight for Ukraine!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech at the Opening of the Second Crimea Platform Summit

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech at the Opening of the Second Crimea Platform Summit

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

    Ladies and Gentlemen!

    Dear participants and guests of the Crimea Platform, present here and there, not far from us, and we feel it!

    Dear citizens of Ukraine from Crimea and in Crimea.

    I know you are watching and hearing us today. It is very important for us. It is very important for me. For society, for each and every one of us. I know that Crimea stands with Ukraine and is waiting for us to return. I want you all to know, we will definitely be back. When we return and correct everything that the occupiers did on our Ukrainian peninsula.

    What has come to Crimea and the entire Black Sea region along with Russian aggression and Russian weapons? Catastrophic environmental threats, unprecedented destruction of Crimea’s nature, destruction of social life, economic decline, destruction of monuments, militarism. And when the Russian fleet, which is based in the occupied Crimea, blocked our ports in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, it provoked a global food crisis and the crisis of the rights of people – Crimeans, our wonderful citizens, citizens of our unitary state of Ukraine.

    But – in spite of everything, in spite of any threats – Ukraine is strong enough and capable enough to see a perspective for the Ukrainian Crimea.

    I have the honor to announce the start of the Second Summit of the Crimea Platform.

    In a year, we managed to significantly expand the capabilities of the Crimea Platform, Minister Kuleba mentioned that. Last year, 46 foreign countries and international organizations participated in the summit. This year the figure is almost 60. I am grateful to everyone. Much more state leaders – 40 presidents and prime ministers, including the leaders of the G7. I am grateful to all of you for understanding how important such actions are now – your support, our joint actions and our joint work.

    This year, representatives of two more continents – Africa and South America – have joined, and this demonstrates that there is no boundary in the world that the truth about the Russian war against Ukraine and our people would not overcome.

    Of course, it is obvious whom we have to fight. The presence of obvious security risks dictates that the summit takes place in online mode. But international practice has already proven that such a regime can be absolutely effective for politics, diplomacy, and most importantly, for the protection of freedom.

    And especially now I want to thank one of the leaders who is with us here in Kyiv today – Andrzej Duda, the President of Poland and a true friend of all Ukrainians. Andrzej, your presence next to me, next to the people of Ukraine, once again confirms the extremely close ties and historical understanding that exist between Ukrainians and Poles. Thank you!

    Ladies and Gentlemen!

    When I speak to our citizens, I often use the honorific address: all our defenders. In fact, today, addressing you, honorable leaders, honorable ministers, I can use the same words and with a related meaning: all defenders of the international legal order!

    This is why we are here today, this is why the Crimea Platform was established and has been working for a year already.

    We are restoring the power of international law, and it is thanks to this that we will return the Ukrainian flag to our land of Crimea, it is thanks to this that we will bring freedom to Ukrainian citizens in Crimea and certainly restore justice for all those who suffered from repression and abuse by the Russian occupiers.

    But to win, we must not forget the path that led to the current situation.

    The degradation of Russia began with the seizure of Crimea. It started with terror against the Crimean Tatar people, the indigenous people of Crimea. With repression on religious grounds, which probably became the largest religious persecution in Europe in the XXI century, against the Crimean Muslim community.

    There was also the expulsion from occupied Crimea of all ordinary people who said that Crimea is Ukraine, who were not afraid to defend Ukrainian culture and Ukrainian freedom in Crimea. Murders and torture – we saw it all – humiliation and looting – the occupiers committed all this in Crimea and continue to commit all this since the first weeks after its shameful capture. And then they spread these crimes to Donbas, to other countries, in particular to Syria, to African countries, where Russian banditry under the cover of Russian special services is now seen.

    Mass terror after February 24 became the logical completion of the degradation of this state, which not so long ago was invited to the table with the G7 and which now competes for supremacy with the most brutal regimes of the past, responsible for genocides, wars of aggression and deportations.

    We are grateful that many people in the world did not keep silent about all this, many people constantly resisted – helped us, fought. But at the same time, many remained silent – and it is true – tried not to notice what was happening in Crimea. And this, in my opinion, became one of the key reasons for everything that is happening now in Ukraine and in the world.

    It is important to remember that there was resistance on the peninsula. There were and are people, we know, who are not silent, who defend freedom and simply defend normal life in Crimea. They are oppressed. But we see them, we know about them, we are grateful to them.

    I recently received a letter from one of the qırımlılar, Nariman Celâl. Unfortunately, he is now behind bars. The occupiers imprisoned him on a completely false charge, for fighting for the homeland, for taking part in the first summit of the Crimea Platform, which took place last year. Last year, he left the already occupied Crimea to tell the participants of the summit what is really happening on the peninsula and what it all will lead to. And nine days after his return to Crimea, the occupiers deprived him of his freedom. For the fact that he was simply a free man. This was Russia’s response.

    In his letter, Mr. Celâl wrote: “It began with Crimea, and it will end with Crimea.” And it really will. I believe in it. In order to overcome terror, to return predictability and security to our region, Europe and the whole world, we need to win the fight against Russian aggression, and therefore we need to free Crimea from occupation. It will end where it began.

    And this will be an effective resuscitation of the international legal order.

    But this is not just a political and legal task for the world. This is about a specific land, about specific people living in Crimea. About cities, about culture, about specific landmarks. About hopes of specific living people. About the fact that someone invested his life in Crimea, and after the arrival of Russia, was forced to leave it and seek refuge in other lands, or fear that something of his own would be taken away: a house, land, work, any business… And he was forced to limit himself. Or lose everything when it was taken.

    Russia stole a part of life even from those in Crimea who were lucky enough not to become a victim of repression. It was impossible to imagine such a thing, but the occupation turned Crimea – which is a paradise for all of us – into a depressed and dependent region. Into a region of high fences, barbed wire and lawlessness. Into a zone of environmental disaster and a military bridgehead for aggression and the spread of grief.

    Since February 24, 750 different cruise missiles have been launched from the occupied Crimea at our cities and communities. Imagine – 750 in six months! They destroyed at least hundreds of civilian objects: schools, universities, ordinary residential buildings, hospitals.

    And that is why Ukraine’s restoration of control over the Crimean peninsula will be a historic anti-war step in Europe.

    This will restore security and provide justice, this will reintegrate Crimea into the modern world, and this will allow each of us – participants of the Crimea Platform – to tell our children, our relatives and friends that they can be proud of us precisely as peacekeepers.

    And I want to emphasize: for Ukraine, Crimea is not just some territory, not a chip in the geopolitical game, as for a terrorist state. For Ukraine, Crimea is a part of our people, our society. A community of people to whom we will guarantee freedom and restore modernity.

    Crimea was and is Ukraine, and after deoccupation, along with our entire state, it will become part of the European Union. I am sure of that. The passport of a citizen of Ukraine will also be the passport of the European Union. These are colossal opportunities for all our people living in Crimea.

    The roads of Crimea will be the roads of the entire European continent, the ports of Crimea will be the ports of all of Europe. Only Ukraine can connect Simferopol with Berlin, and Yalta with Naples.

    Only Ukraine is concerned about the real security of Crimea. That is, a normal supply of clean water, normal disposal of garbage, effective rules for waste and sewage management.

    Only Ukraine can build a modern irrigation system in Crimea and integrate Crimean agricultural production and the entire business sector into the colossal European market.

    Only our state will provide Crimea with a modern and affordable medical system, a modern and affordable educational system, and a modern digital system of public services.

    Ukraine will remove the barbed wire that blocks the path of ordinary people to the best locations, and the illegal fences that have torn the coast of our beautiful Crimea. Free access to beaches, real protection of protected areas, historical sites – this will be provided only by Ukraine, not by someone who came to capture, steal and humiliate people.

    It is Ukraine that will restore the system of sanatoria and rehabilitation centers in Crimea – professional institutions that will be able to host hundreds of thousands of people annually. Millions of tourists. Children and adults, civilians and veterans, our citizens and foreigners – everyone whom the precious nature of Crimea helps. And millions of tourists – at least of the middle class – can come to Crimea stably only thanks to Ukraine.

    There will never be repressions under the Ukrainian authorities in Crimea, and everyone knows that. The lack of freedom or moral suffocation that Russia brought in 2014. And even more so, Ukraine will never ignore the social needs of pensioners or anyone else in Crimea. Ukraine will never tell people: “There is no money, but hold on”, because we respect people, and even this year, already in the bloody times of a full-scale war, we indexed pensions for all our pensioners.

    Ladies and Gentlemen!

    I think you felt from my words that we have a very elaborated view of how to restore our Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea after the expulsion of the Russian invaders. That is why we are adding two more directions to the work of the Crimea Platform: economic and legislative directions.

    We have a strategy for the restoration of Crimea – today it will be presented as part of the economic panel.

    And we are creating a legislative foundation for Crimea – after deoccupation, as well as for all those for whom Crimea is much more than even home.

    We adopted the Law “On Indigenous Peoples”, which protected the rights of the Crimean Tatar people and Mejlis, Karaites and Krymchaks. We are developing the Crimean Tatar language. A law was passed on the protection of political prisoners – all those who suffered from the repressions of the occupiers. And these are just some examples. We are not going to stop there – there is still a lot of work to do.

    This year, the Crimea Platform will be continued in the autumn – in Croatia – with a parliamentary summit. No longer online, with the presence of parliamentary delegations of the world. We use all the power of democracies to protect our state and the international legal order.

    And, returning to the letter of Nariman Celâl, who was imprisoned by the occupiers, I want to read a few more important words: “Thanks to the change in the agenda on the world stage, in Europe and in Ukraine itself due to the aggression of the Russian Federation, the members of the Crimea Platform have a more determined attitude focused on the implementation of specific measures.”

    The person who was sent to jail by the occupiers only for defending the truth and participating in last year’s Crimea Platform hopes for specific measures from all of us – participants of the summit. And we all must not deceive this hope. We all have to be strong and effective.

    Thank you for your attention!

    I am grateful to each and every one for participating in our second summit, to everyone present on this platform.

    Glory to Ukraine!