Tag: 2022

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 26 April 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi who is on a visit to Ukraine.

The Head of State stressed that today, on the 36th anniversary of the Chornobyl accident, it has to be said that the world is once again one step away from catastrophe due to Russia’s actions.

“For the Russian military, the Chornobyl zone and the station were allegedly normal territory for hostilities. A territory where they did not even try to take care of nuclear safety,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with media representatives following the meeting.

The President noted that the level of the nuclear threat provoked by Russia was discussed during the meeting with the IAEA Director General.

“No other country in the world since 1986 has posed such a major threat to nuclear security, to Europe and the world, that Russia has posed since February 24. Russia kept a contingent in the Chornobyl zone with armored vehicles, which destroyed the soil surface and raised an extraordinary amount of dust into the air, including radioactive particles,” the President stressed.

In addition, according to the President, the occupiers destroyed the dosimetric control points and looted the radiation monitoring system.

“In the Chornobyl zone, the Russian occupiers looted and destroyed a nuclear analytical laboratory on the territory of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. For the Russian military, the Chornobyl zone and station were a military bridgehead, just as the bridgehead is now the territory of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. There is also a risk of catastrophe from Russia’s launch of cruise missiles that fly over nuclear power plant units,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

He stressed that given the level of threat, the reaction to Russia’s actions was extraordinary, and that country has no right to turn nuclear energy into weapons, as well as to blackmail the world with nuclear weapons.

“All this must be punished. We hope for the full support of the IAEA and the entire international community in our efforts to ensure nuclear safety in Ukraine, in Europe in the context of the Russian war and Russia’s complete disregard for radiation safety requirements,” said the President.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the world must stop nuclear blackmail by Russia and restore the fundamental principles of nuclear safety and peaceful use of nuclear energy.

“We also have to work together to address a number of critical issues that were discussed today. This is a question of depriving Russia of disproportionate representation in the IAEA. I am convinced that our state has the right to be represented in the IAEA Board of Governors. We also raised the issue of Russia compensating for all the damage caused to our nuclear facilities,” the President stressed.

According to the President, Ukraine has proposed an initiative to deploy peacekeepers to ensure the security of the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

“In no case can this station be transferred to Rosatom’s control. We discussed all the acute issues of nuclear security that arose due to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and as a result of nuclear blackmail, which Russia has consistently resorted to during the war,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President reminded that on the night of March 4, when the Russian occupiers seized the Zaporizhzhia NPP, he held talks with the leaders of the partner countries.

“We called everyone, we wanted a tough reaction from the world. We warned everyone that there could be a new nuclear catastrophe at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is like six Chornobyls, and that it could simply destroy Europe. We also spoke with Mr. Grossi that today we expect from the world, from its leaders, from the IAEA a firm, decisive position, an effective response that will ensure Ukraine’s control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant,” said the President.

He stressed that Ukraine will hold a dialogue with its IAEA partners and insist on measures to restore nuclear security in Europe and around the world.

For his part, Rafael Mariano Grossi said that today, on the 36th anniversary of the disaster, he visited the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, where he thanked the employees of the station for their work, courage and professionalism.

“We could not imagine that this path would take us where we did not expect to end, that it is not over and that tragic events will continue in this area,” he said.

The IAEA leader stressed the importance of further cooperation and support for Ukraine in difficult times.

“My task, among other things, is to ensure that the country’s nuclear power plants, which are important in the world in terms of electricity supply, are not threatened. That is why the IAEA is in Ukraine and will continue its work. Today, we agreed to provide assistance and special work to restore the capacity of the damaged infrastructure,” said Rafael Mariano Grossi.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 26 April 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Romania Nicolae Ciucă who was on a visit to Kyiv.

“Your visit is an important clear signal of support for Ukraine in the war against the Russian Federation,” the President stressed.

The President of Ukraine informed the Prime Minister of Romania about the situation on the frontline, the heroic defense of Mariupol.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Romanian government for the assistance Romania provides to our defense forces.

During the discussion of the issue of counteracting Russian aggression, it was noted that one of the critical elements of such counteraction is the sanctions pressure on the aggressor, which needs to be strengthened and which should become a key element in forcing Russia to peace.

“Thank you for your clear position on the sanctions policy against the Russian Federation during the war it unleashed on our territory,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed confidence that the next, sixth package of EU sanctions against Russia should contain truly effective decisions, especially in the energy sphere.

The President of Ukraine praised Bucharest’s assistance in organizing a critical transit to Ukraine – international humanitarian aid, the goods we need and energy resources. Further steps were agreed to deepen such cooperation.

To this end, it has been agreed to hold a separate meeting at the ministerial level soon.

The Head of State noted Romania’s readiness to join Ukraine’s post-war development.

The European integration agenda was discussed separately. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Nicolae Ciucă for Romania’s clear support for the Ukrainian people’s desire to become a full member of the European family as soon as possible. An important component of the common European future will be the absolute protection and development of our national minorities – the Ukrainian community in Romania and the Romanian community – in Ukraine.

The parties also discussed other topical issues on the agenda and touched upon regional issues.

Following the talks, the President expressed his conviction that Ukraine and Romania should reach a new level in all key areas of bilateral relations.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 26 April 2022.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Okhmatdyt National Children’s Specialized Hospital. He visited two orphans from Mariupol who were taken out of the city by the Russian occupiers, but the Ukrainian authorities managed to return them, now they are taken care of by their relatives.

As a result of active hostilities in Mariupol, Ilya Matvienko and Kira Obedinska lost their parents. The children suffered injuries of varying severity. The occupiers took them to the territory not controlled by Ukraine.

The return of children was made possible by the systematic and coordinated work of all relevant authorities. The President kept this issue under constant control.

“We are most worried about the children. Children are our future. We will fight for every Ukrainian child to return home,” the President said.

At the hospital, Volodymyr Zelenskyy talked to Ilya Matvienko, who turned 10 today, and his grandmother. The boy’s mother died during the bombing of Mariupol by the Russian army.

The President inquired about his health and plans. Doctors told the President about the child’s injuries and assured that the boy would get back on his feet. Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Ilya Matvienko on his birthday.

The President also visited 12-year-old Kira Obedinska. Her father, Yevhen Obedinsky, a multiple Ukrainian water polo champion and former captain of the national team, died in Mariupol. Her mother died a long time ago. Her grandfather, honored coach of Ukraine in water polo Oleksandr Obedinsky after the beginning of the Russian invasion, temporarily lives in Chernivtsi, and is currently in hospital with his granddaughter.

The Head of State also met with Okhmatdyt doctors and presented state awards to them.

“Thank you for your important daily work, for saving the lives of Ukrainians. You are also on your frontline, like our military,” he said.

 

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 26 April 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida.

The Head of State noted the symbolism of the conversation on the day of the 36th anniversary of the Chornobyl tragedy.

“Today, during the aggression against Ukraine, Russia resorts to “nuclear terrorism”, as evidenced by the seizure of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the threat of using nuclear weapons,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In this context, it was noted that Japan understands the price of nuclear tragedies better than anyone else.

The President thanked for the consistent position of Japan in support of Ukraine and for the personal active role of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

“We appreciate Japan’s clear position in increasing sanctions pressure on Russia, as well as humanitarian and financial support for Ukraine in overcoming the consequences of large-scale Russian aggression,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The interlocutors exchanged views on additional measures that Japan could take to support international efforts to counter Russian aggression.

The Head of State noted the importance of joint efforts to strengthen the international anti-war coalition and expressed hope that Japan would be one of the parties to the future security agreements on Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also invited Japan to join the post-war reconstruction of our country.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 April 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a meeting on the issue of bringing to justice those Russian war criminals who have committed and continue to commit crimes on the territory of Ukraine.

He reminded that a strong team of lawyers has been formed in our country, which prepares lawsuits in international courts. At the same time, according to Andriy Yermak, it is necessary to create a system to identify all these criminals and obtain the necessary information about them.

In particular, the so-called Book of Torturers has already been initiated – a collection of information about every Russian war criminal involved in atrocities in Ukraine.

“The main goal, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said many times, and I think this is the opinion of every Ukrainian today: everyone who has committed these horrible crimes in our country, wherever he may be, must be punished,” stressed the Head of the Office of the President.

Andriy Yermak noted that all the necessary resources of our country and foreign partners who strongly support Ukraine in this issue will be involved in this.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President Andriy Smyrnov believes that now it is necessary to synchronize the efforts of all pre-trial investigation bodies in the exchange of information obtained about specific war criminals – both privates and officers of the enemy army.

The process of identifying and verifying the data obtained must continue until the last of these criminals is identified.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 April 2022.

To stop the war, it is necessary to continue to support Ukraine, including with weapons, as well as to increase sanctions pressure on Russia and those who adopt terrible decisions to exterminate Ukrainians. This was stated by Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak in an interview with Fox News.

He thanked the American people and the US leadership for the assistance to our country, in particular for the recent decision on $ 800 million in defense support.

“There has never been such international support in our history. This is a historic moment. First of all, for the world, which has demonstrated that unity is possible,” Andriy Yermak said.

At the same time, he stressed that the war continues and the Ukrainian state needs further assistance.

“At the moment we do not have enough (weapons – ed.). We keep getting them. I hope that at the most important moment we will be ready, and our partners will do everything that was agreed and on time. Sometimes in life it is important to receive things on time,” said the Head of the Office of the President.

According to him, Ukraine needs MiG fighters, but will also welcome F-16s or other new aircraft.

Andriy Yermak stressed that the war continues, the Russians continue to destroy Ukrainian cities and kill people: military and civilians, including women and children.

“Therefore, it is clear that the existing sanctions are not enough,” he said.

According to the Head of the Office of the President, an international expert group has been set up at the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, co-chaired by Andriy Yermak and Director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), Former US National Security Adviser Michael McFaul. The main goal of this group is to analyze the sanctions imposed on Russia and develop proposals to increase sanctions pressure.

In particular, he noted, the group of experts came to the conclusion that it is necessary to impose a full embargo on Russian energy and sanctions against all Russian banks.

It is also necessary to expand the circle of individuals subject to sanctions, as many Russians support the war, in particular by participating in decision-making and carrying out orders to exterminate the civilian population of Ukraine.

“Recognition of Russia as a state – sponsor of terrorism will allow launching additional sanctions mechanisms. After all, the main goal of any sanctions is to stop the war. It is important to put pressure on Russia, on Russian business close to the Kremlin in order to stop the adoption of heinous decisions,” the Head of the President’s Office said.

Andriy Yermak is convinced that the Ukrainians will definitely win, but the support of friends is important in the war.

“Our victory will be common. This will be the greatest victory of Ukraine and at the same time the victory of the United States. Probably that in the future this struggle will be called Ukraine’s war for freedom,” he concluded.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 April 2022.

Ukraine has promptly prepared the relevant legal framework, draft statutory documents for the earliest possible launch of a special tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression against our state. This was stated during a briefing by Deputy Head of the President’s Office Andriy Smyrnov.

“Currently, consultations are being held with partner states and international organizations, and the optimal format for the establishment and operation of the tribunal is being determined,” he said.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President noted that the idea of establishing a special tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine was supported by hundreds of European and world intellectuals, leading international lawyers, public figures who signed a statement on the need to establish it.

According to Andriy Smyrnov, daily work on the Book of Torturers is being carried out in coordination with the President’s Office together with the Ukrainian pre-trial investigation bodies, intelligence agencies and the Ministry of Digital Transformation. This is a set of information about every Russian war criminal involved in the war and atrocities committed and being committed in Ukraine.

“A huge amount of information is being researched and verified, which will later be available to our citizens and the entire civilized world,” said the Deputy Head of the Office of the President.

In addition, according to him, the Office of the President together with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine have developed mechanisms to recover funds from the Russian Federation frozen abroad to compensate for losses.

“We have several plans to achieve this. The main one is the signing of an international agreement, which will provide for the lifting of immunity from the funds of the Russian Federation and directing them to the affected citizens and legal entities, as well as the restoration of infrastructure. Plan B is the enactment of the relevant law in each jurisdiction where funds have been frozen. In some countries, such bills have already been registered,” said Andriy Smyrnov.

He noted that the relevant talks with international partners will be held this week.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 April 2022.

Economic Adviser to the President Oleg Ustenko is confident that European countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas, and the London lawyers and bankers who serve the oligarchs from the entourage of Russian President Vladimir Putin are also complicit in war crimes committed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. He stated this in an exclusive interview with the Observer.

Oleg Ustenko considers the failure of major western economies to impose an immediate embargo on imports of oil and gas from Russia unacceptable.

According to him, Kyiv is monitoring which companies continue to trade with Russia, and this will have legal consequences.

“We know the name of the ship, the flag, the name of the captain, the volume of oil, we know how much money was paid for that oil, the port of destination, the company who sold the insurance. We are going to work with this information,” the Adviser to the President noted.

“If Russians are committing war crimes, even genocide, whoever is supplying Russia with this bloody money is guilty of the same war crime,” he emphasized.

Therefore, according to Oleg Ustenko, Ukraine will have the absolute right to prosecute such accomplices.

“Maybe in a year, maybe in 10 years, but we are going to find these accomplices of war crimes,” the Adviser to the President said.

He called for the imposition of much tougher international sanctions on Russia, as well as for immediate measures to direct the frozen assets of the Russian Central Bank to cover Ukraine’s urgent needs. The sale of frozen assets belonging to oligarchs subject to sanctions must also begin as soon as possible with the proceeds going towards Ukraine’s defense and its postwar reconstruction.

“We will both win and rebuild our country. We need funds for this, and Russia must compensate every hryvnia of our losses,” he said.

In addition, in an interview with The Guardian Oleg Ustenko said that the death, destruction and atrocities committed by the Russian army in Ukraine should be a convincing argument for the West, in particular for Europe, in favor of giving up Russian oil and gas and strengthening punitive sanctions against the Kremlin.

He estimates that Moscow receives about $ 1.4 billion a day from the sale of energy, with most of the money coming from Europe.

“Imagine how many missiles and bombs you can buy for that kind of money,” the Adviser to the President said.

According to him, some people in Europe still have extremely narrow thinking. They believe they can help Ukraine, but they do not understand that by supplying this money to Vladimir Putin, they are funding his military machine.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Annalena Baerbock promised last week that Berlin would end imports of Russian oil by the end of the year, phasing gas out later. Oleg Ustenko calls this schedule “unacceptable”. According to him, an immediate oil embargo would mean short-term fuel price inflation, followed by a market correction as supplies from other nations kicked in.

For gas, Oleg Ustenko admits the transition would be harder. In the meantime, he adds, payments to Russian gas suppliers should be held in escrow, to be unlocked when the war is over. This would choke off Russia’s revenue stream and provide a financial incentive to end the aggression.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 April 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin who arrived in Ukraine on a visit.

At the beginning of the talks, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of the visit of American high-ranking officials to Kyiv at this crucial and important moment for the Ukrainian state.

“We appreciate the unprecedented assistance of the United States to Ukraine. I would like to thank President Biden personally and on behalf of the entire Ukrainian people for his leadership in supporting Ukraine, for his personal clear position. To thank all the American people, as well as the Congress for their bicameral and bipartisan support. We see it. We feel it,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The President of Ukraine discussed with the United States delegation the current priorities for the belligerent state – defense assistance, strengthening sanctions on Russia, financial support for Ukraine and security guarantees.

The Head of State noted that the $ 3.4 billion in defense support already provided by the United States is the largest contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The President of Ukraine stressed that this assistance already helps in bringing Ukraine’s defense capabilities to a qualitatively new level, which is extremely important for our defenders who are defending their homeland on the frontline.

Particular attention was paid to the sanctions policy, which should be further strengthened and become an important element of influence on the aggressor. “We understand what the next steps on this track should be. And we count on the support of our partners,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, handing over to the American side the Action Plan to strengthen sanctions on the Russian Federation developed by the Yermak-McFaul international expert group.

Discussing ways to increase financial support for Ukraine, both to promote the economy and to further rebuild our country, the President of Ukraine stressed the importance of expanding the opportunities for Ukrainian goods to access the American market.

The parties also discussed the peace process and prospects for strengthening the anti-war coalition. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine sees the United States as a leader among the future guarantors of our country’s security.