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Tag: 2022

  • PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak discussed with the Chief Advisor to the President of Turkey the development of a system of effective security guarantees for Ukraine

    PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak discussed with the Chief Advisor to the President of Turkey the development of a system of effective security guarantees for Ukraine

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 30 April 2022.

    Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak met with Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Advisor to the President of Turkey, Ambassador İbrahim Kalın.

    Andriy Yermak informed his Turkish counterpart about the situation on the frontline and the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people to the aggressor. Separately, the Head of the Office of the President informed of the extremely difficult situation in the city of Mariupol in the Donetsk region.

    The interlocutors discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation.

    Particular attention was paid to building a system of effective international security guarantees for our country. Ukraine is interested in Turkey being one of its parties.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy – The State Border Guard Service is one of the fundamental pillars of the defense of the Ukrainian state

    PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy – The State Border Guard Service is one of the fundamental pillars of the defense of the Ukrainian state

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 30 April 2022.

    On the Day of the Border Guard, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the defenders of the state border of Ukraine and presented awards to them.

    “In the context of Russia’s full-scale brutal war against our independent state, against our strong people, we cannot afford to celebrate. Russian evil is still on our land, we must drive out the occupiers. And then we will celebrate. And it will definitely be after our victory. And now it is our duty to honor your contribution, the contribution of the Border Guard Service of Ukraine, each and every one to the common struggle of the Ukrainian people,” the President said, congratulating the border guards on their professional holiday.

    The President stressed that the border guards were the first to face the invader and are now performing one of the most important tasks – controlling the border line, responding to enemy activity near the borders, protecting our land from insidious and cynical attacks by Russia.

    “The protection of Ukraine from saboteurs and the enemy’s attempts to destroy our supply chains depends on the professionalism and efficiency of the State Border Guard Service. Border guards also provide normal economic ties with our partners in the western and southwestern parts of the border. Your service is one of the fundamental pillars of our protection. And I am grateful to everyone who defends the state border,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

    The Head of State thanked all the border defenders who, together with other soldiers, are fighting for freedom of Ukrainians, in particular those border guards who are heroically defending Mariupol.

    The President stressed that the names of border guards who died in battles with the Russian aggressor are forever inscribed with gold letters in the pantheon of Heroes of Ukraine.

    He expressed confidence that our state will protect its freedom in this war, and our people will defeat the Russian invaders who came to Ukrainian land to destroy us.

    “Everyone who defends the Ukrainian state, fights for the opportunity to live freely in their own home, for freedom and security for their children, for peace for their parents – I am grateful to all of you, I wish all our soldiers to see victory soon. I wish happiness, well-being to your families, the families of all our defenders,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

    The attendees honored the memory of the fallen border guards with a moment of silence.

    The President presented the border guards with state awards, as well as honorary and new military ranks. 12 servicemen were awarded the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky of various degrees, the Order of Danylo Halytsky, medals “For Military Service of Ukraine”, “For Impeccable Service” of the III degree and “Defender of the Homeland”. One officer was awarded the honorary title of “Honored Lawyer of Ukraine”. Five border guards were given new military ranks.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine is grateful to Poland and its people for the strong support during the difficult times of the war – President

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine is grateful to Poland and its people for the strong support during the difficult times of the war – President

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

    Ukraine and Ukrainians are grateful to Poland and its people for the strong support they have provided to our country and our citizens since the first minutes of Russian aggression and continue to provide now. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with Polish media.

    “I want to thank the people of Poland, because this is unprecedented support for Ukraine. Unprecedented support for the Ukrainian people from the Polish people,” the President said.

    According to him, Poland has sheltered 2.5 million Ukrainians who were forced to flee their homeland, to escape the war, and is now doing everything possible to ensure that they do not feel like refugees.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stressed that he is personally grateful to Andrzej Duda and his wife Agata, who “showed a special attitude to Ukraine.”

    The President also noted the fact that against the backdrop of the war, Ukraine and Poland managed to unite and push back to the background the historical issues they had before.

    “Poland has a special relationship with Ukraine, and it seems to me that even the historical issues that the two countries have are insignificant compared to how united our countries have become since the beginning of this brazen war waged by Russia. Friendship, unity – we felt all this from Poland,” he said.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he has been in constant contact with his Polish counterpart – every day or several times a day. This helped quickly approve joint decisions that facilitated the resolution of the situation at the borders and helped Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war. There was an understanding of the need to make quick decisions “without excessive bureaucracy” on crossing the border, which would help in a difficult situation, said the Ukrainian President.

    “We decided to open (the border – ed.) by phone. Poland met Ukrainians not just as its neighbors but as a family, without checking, because there was no time to check the documents of each child,” said the President.

    “Therefore, I am grateful for this – that Poland forgot about the bureaucracy, just as Ukraine did, and we had such a special relationship in the first days,” he added.

    According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it has finally become clear who is a friend and who is an enemy.

    “And the understanding of who is historically our partner in the future has also emerged. We do not have two opinions. One opinion, one friend, one enemy – to unite and win the war. This is a completely understandable thing. When you do not waste time on unnecessary dialogues. You know for sure: there is an enemy, and here is a friend. And it’s simple, because it’s straightforward,” the President summed up.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Poland is interested in entering the Ukrainian gas station market – Volodymyr Zelenskyy

    PRESS RELEASE : Poland is interested in entering the Ukrainian gas station market – Volodymyr Zelenskyy

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

    President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he had discussed with Polish President Andrzej Duda the entry of Polish companies into the Ukrainian fuel market. He said this in an interview with Polish media.

    “We are having a conversation with Poland – the Polish company came to us, met with our “Naftogaz” and the Minister of Energy. They really want to enter our market of gas station business. We have a large open network. I think they will enter,” the Head of State said.

    According to him, this issue was discussed with the President of Poland. It was also discussed by the Prime Ministers of the two countries.

    In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine has recently joined the European energy network ENTSO-E under an accelerated procedure. This happened despite the war thanks to the successful work of Ukrainian specialists.

    The President noted that this year our state has passed the examination – disconnected from the Russian and Belarusian energy systems for some time and was to join the EU energy system next year, but it happened in 2022.

    “We had to show the European Union that we were ready. And we were ready. This probationary period – so it happened – has become permanent, we have joined these networks. Yes, it will help Ukraine a lot,” the President said.

    He thanked President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Charles Michel for their support on this path.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that Ukraine, for its part, will also help European countries in supplying energy.

    “Our nuclear generation is very large. We will be able to sell electricity at normal prices, and not do artificially for other countries to earn something,” he said, adding that Ukraine’s accession to the European market will lead to lower electricity prices, which will benefit consumers.

    At the same time, according to the President, there are a number of technical issues that are difficult to resolve quickly in the face of armed aggression by Russia.

    The President also said that he addressed IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi during his visit to Kyiv regarding assistance in unblocking the Zaporizhzhia NPP from the Russian occupiers.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Baroness Bull CBE appointed Chair of the Expert Advisory Panel for the Cultural Education Plan

    PRESS RELEASE : Baroness Bull CBE appointed Chair of the Expert Advisory Panel for the Cultural Education Plan

    The press release issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on 29 August 2022.

    • Baroness Bull to draw on her long and successful career in the arts and higher education to convene and chair expert panel which will oversee the development of the new plan
    • She brings a wide range of expertise, first as a dancer in The Royal Ballet, then as a creative leader at the Royal Opera House and also having served on the boards of the South Bank Centre and Arts Council England

    Schools Minister Will Quince and Arts Minster Lord Parkinson have jointly appointed crossbench peer Baroness Bull as the Chair of the Expert Advisory Panel for the upcoming Cultural Education Plan.

    The plan was announced in the Schools White Paper, Opportunity for All, in March 2022 and will be published next year. The full panel membership will be announced later this year, and will include school and cultural sector leaders, and other experts in cultural education.

    The plan aims to articulate and highlight the importance of high-quality cultural education in schools, promote the social value of cultural and creative education, outline and support career progression pathways, address skills gaps and tackle disparities in opportunity and outcome.

    The Government will work closely with Arts Council England, the British Film Institute, Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund on the project.

    Baroness Bull has had extensive expertise in the arts, both as a performer in the Royal Ballet, within creative leadership at the Royal Opera House and in governance roles on the boards of the South Bank Centre and Arts Council England. Over the last decade she has also worked in higher education, developing partnerships between the university sector and arts and cultural organisations. She co-chairs the APPG on Creative Diversity.

    In addition, Baroness Bull has served on the boards of the South Bank Centre and Arts Council England, was a governor of the BBC, a judge for the 2010 Booker Prize and a member of the governing body of the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

    The Cultural Education Plan Expert Panel members will be appointed in Autumn 2022.

    Chair of the Expert Advisory Panel Baroness Bull said:

    “Every child should have the opportunity to explore their individual and creative potential through high-quality cultural education.

    I’m delighted to be appointed to the role and look forward to working with the panel to develop a rich and diverse Cultural Education Plan that will deliver for children right across the country.”

    Notes

    • This is a voluntary position and there will be no remuneration for the role.
    • The expert advisory panel for the Cultural Education Plan will be appointed by the Minister for School Standards and the Minister for Arts.
    • Baroness Bull is a crossbench peer in the House of Lords, so serves in a non-party political capacity.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Fuelling a greener future – E10 petrol rolling out in Northern Ireland on 1 November 2022

    PRESS RELEASE : Fuelling a greener future – E10 petrol rolling out in Northern Ireland on 1 November 2022

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 29 August 2022.

    • greener E10 petrol to be rolled out across Northern Ireland from November, with a government campaign launched today to raise awareness
    • move will align Northern Ireland with Great Britain and could help cut carbon emissions across the UK – equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off UK roads every year
    • 95% of petrol cars are already compatible with E10 petrol, but campaign promotes tool to enable drivers to check if their car can use it

    Drivers across Northern Ireland will soon be able to fill up with greener fuel when E10 petrol is rolled out as the new standard grade of petrol from 1 November 2022.

    The rollout of E10, which is petrol blended with up to 10% renewable ethanol, will help Northern Ireland to decarbonise transport, as it is greener than existing petrol. Its use across the UK could contribute to cutting transport CO2 emissions in the UK by potentially 750,000 tonnes a year – equivalent to a forest the size of the Isle of Wight capturing carbon every year.

    To help raise awareness of the upcoming switch, the UK government is today (29 August 2022) launching an information campaign for motorists in Northern Ireland that will see new fuel pump labels as well as targeted digital, radio and social media advertising.

    While 95% of petrol cars will be compatible, the campaign will encourage those who are unsure to check their vehicle can use the fuel using our online compatibility checker tool. This will ask you for information about your car before checking a database highlighting your car’s compatibility.

    As well as playing a part in the UK’s ambitions to decarbonise transport and reach its net zero goals, according to industry, the rollout of E10 petrol could support thousands of jobs throughout the supply chain and boost job opportunities across the country.

    This is something that Vivergo, a British ethanol producer, has already seen, with 100 new jobs since E10’s introduction in Great Britain and as we work towards decarbonisation, this will hopefully be a sign of more opportunities.

    Decarbonisation Minister Trudy Harrison said:

    “We’re determined to cut emissions from all our roads and clean up our air, as we accelerate towards a zero-emission transport future.

    Although more and more motorists are driving electric vehicles, there are steps we can take to reduce emissions from the millions of vehicles already on our roads. The small switch to E10 petrol will not only help drivers across the country reduce their environmental impact, but also could create thousands of jobs across the UK.”

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Shailesh Vara said:

    “The government is committed to supporting the growth of green energy across the UK and the introduction of E10 petrol will help reduce emissions of carbon dioxide on Northern Ireland roads.

    The decarbonisation of transport methods has an important part to play in achieving the UK’s net zero goals as well as creating opportunities for growth in our economy.”

    Gaynor Hartnell, Chief Executive of the Renewable Transport Fuel Association (RTFA) said:

    “Most petrol cars on the road are optimised to run on E10, and it’s very welcome that motorists in Northern Ireland will soon benefit from having access to this greener fuel.”

    The introduction of E10 will see renewable ethanol in petrol double, from the current petrol blend E5 containing no more than 5% ethanol, further reducing emissions from millions of cars in line with our climate targets.

    A small number of older vehicles, including classic cars and some from the early 2000s, will continue to need E5 fuel, which is why supplies of E5 petrol will be maintained in the ‘super’ petrol grade. Motorists are advised to use the E10 compatibility checker to see if their vehicle is compatible.

  • PRESS RELEASE : FCDO Ministerial statement on violence in Tripoli, Libya

    PRESS RELEASE : FCDO Ministerial statement on violence in Tripoli, Libya

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2022.

    Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, FCDO Minister of State said:

    “The United Kingdom condemns the violence perpetrated by armed groups in Tripoli on Saturday 27 August. The UK calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for all parties to engage in a UN brokered dialogue. The protection of civilians is critical and access must be provided for humanitarian personnel.

    There can be no military solution to the ongoing crisis of legitimacy in Libya. It is imperative that all Libyan parties engage with the UN to agree a path towards free, fair and inclusive elections, with support from all international actors. The wishes of the Libyan people must be prioritised ahead of narrow self-interests. The UK stands ready to work with Libyans, the UN and international partners to achieve sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in Libya.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ihor Zhovkva discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation with the Federal Minister for the EU and the Austrian Constitution

    PRESS RELEASE : Ihor Zhovkva discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation with the Federal Minister for the EU and the Austrian Constitution

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

    Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a video conference with Federal Minister for the EU and Constitution at the Federal Chancellery of Austria Karoline Edtstadler.

    Ihor Zhovkva thanked Austria for the warm welcome of about 50,000 Ukrainians who were forced to flee their homes, and praised the initiative of the Federal Chancellery to double the funds raised through the charity event “Neighbor in Need.”

    During the conversation, the parties discussed the need for the European Union to strengthen sanctions on Russia.

    “We count on Austria’s support for the soonest possible approval of the sixth sanctions package, which should definitely include an oil embargo and disconnection of all Russian banks from the SWIFT system. It is necessary to put an end to the financing of Russia’s aggression through the purchase of Russian energy resources,” Ihor Zhovkva stressed.

    Austria’s clear position on maintaining European unity on the refusal to pay for gas supplies with Russian rubles was noted.

    The interlocutors paid special attention to Ukraine’s priorities in the field of European integration. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President briefed Karoline Edtstadler on the latest achievements in this area. Ihor Zhovkva expressed disappointment with the recent statements by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria Alexander Schallenberg, which do not contribute to the achievement of our country’s main goals of European integration. Ihor Zhovkva is convinced that the expected positive recommendation by the European Commission based on the results of the review of Ukraine’s answers to the questionnaire will allow EU member states to support Ukraine’s acquisition of EU candidate status in June this year.

    The Deputy Head of the Office of the President called on the Austrian side to support the European Commission’s proposal to abolish customs tariffs and quotas on Ukrainian industrial and agricultural products.

    Also expectations were expressed that an agreement between Ukraine and the EU on the liberalization of road transport would be signed as soon as possible.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Possible pseudo-referendum in the occupied territories will complicate possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia – President

    PRESS RELEASE : Possible pseudo-referendum in the occupied territories will complicate possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia – President

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

    President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes that in the event of any pseudo-referendums in the occupied territories they will not be recognized by Ukraine and the world and will complicate possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. The President made this statement during a meeting with media representatives following talks with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Kyiv.

    “I believe that it is impossible and will not be possible to annex one or another part of our territories by force,” the President stressed.

    He reminded that in the occupied cities Ukrainians protested against the armed Russian occupiers.

    “This (pseudo-referendum – ed.) will not bring anything, except that this is another complication of probable, at least some kind of probable negotiations between Ukraine and Russia… It seems to me that this is a complication of any negotiations,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    According to him, today there are questions of humanitarian aspects to Russia – to unblock people, as well as economic questions related to food security and unblocking sea routes.

    “Many questions. If they want to complicate all this for the whole of Europe and the world, they can continue to play with these referendums, which will not yield any results – either current or historical,” the President concluded.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the UN Secretary-General in Kyiv

    PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the UN Secretary-General in Kyiv

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

    President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres who arrived in Kyiv.

    The President noted the importance of the UN Secretary-General’s visit to Ukraine, as today it is our country that defends the principles of the United Nations Charter.

    Before the meeting with the President of Ukraine, António Guterres visited the suburbs of Kyiv and saw with his own eyes the horrible war crimes of Russia in our country.

    “I am grateful to Mr. Guterres for the clear and unequivocal position on the war against Ukraine. We appreciate your efforts to use the “good offices” mechanisms to de-escalate the situation. Every opportunity must be used to achieve peace,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with media representatives following talks with the UN Secretary-General.

    According to him, during the conversation the parties touched upon the issue of establishing a special international tribunal on Russia’s crimes.

    “For its part, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission must continue to document all crimes committed by the Russian Federation and the Russian military,” the President said.

    The President of Ukraine and the UN Secretary-General also discussed the support for Ukrainians through cash payments, increasing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, as well as the importance of involving the UN in the post-war reconstruction of our state.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy and António Guterres also paid attention to the food crisis provoked by the war.

    “Ukraine is literally giving bread to almost 400 million people on the planet. And now the UN recognizes that rising food prices this year will cause famine for at least 47 million people in 81 countries,” said the President.

    The interlocutors discussed how to do everything possible for Russia to unblock Ukrainian ports for food exports.

    For his part, António Guterres stressed that the UN considers the Russian invasion of Ukraine a violation of the territorial integrity of our state and the Charter of the United Nations.

    The UN Secretary-General noted that he is determined to enhance the support for Ukrainian citizens, help save lives and minimize suffering, and find a way to peace.

    António Guterres informed about the work of the UN together with the Ukrainian government and organizations to provide assistance to Ukrainians. According to him, the UN has already provided humanitarian aid to 3.4 million people in Ukraine, and intends to support 8.7 million people by the end of August. The United Nations is also ready to provide financial assistance.

    In addition, the UN supports the countries that have sheltered Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war and internally displaced persons in Ukraine.

    According to António Guterres, the WHO provides medical supplies for emergency care, treatment of injuries for more than 7 million people. Efforts are being made to support the first aid system and so on.

    António Guterres also stressed the importance of the work of the International Criminal Court.

    “Now we are at ground zero as regards the world we need to build. A world of respect for international law, the UN Charter, and the power of multilateralism. A world where civilians have protection. Where human rights are a priority. Where leaders live up to the declared values they have committed to. It is also a struggle, but we must win it for the sake of every country, community and person around the world,” said the Secretary-General.