Tag: 2022

PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conference call with local authorities on the current security situation in the country

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 2 March 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conference call with mayors, heads of regional state administrations and heads of military administrations.

The parties discussed the current security situation in the country, preparation of cities for defense and its course, construction of fortifications, checkpoints, provision of equipment and weapons, etc.

Particular attention was paid to the staffing of the Territorial Defense Forces and their coordination with local authorities and law enforcement agencies.

In the context of the humanitarian situation, the heads of local authorities informed the Head of State about the number of civilian casualties, damage to infrastructure, public and private property. The most problematic regions were identified, the supply of medicines, food and the organization of “green corridors” where necessary were discussed.

Following the meeting, the President gave relevant instructions.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also received information on the necessary personnel decisions.

August 24, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Armed Forces Minister meets UK troops in Estonia

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 August 2022.

Armed Forces Minister James Heappey has met UK soldiers protecting NATO’s borders during a visit to Estonia, including his old battalion, 2 Rifles.

The minister travelled to Tapa, where more than 1,600 British personnel are based, watching troops train and speaking with servicemen and women.

He also met with Estonia’s newly appointed Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur to discuss our joint work to support Ukraine and uphold European security.

Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said:

“Every day our friends here in Estonia live with the threat of a belligerent Russia on the other side of their border.

Bilaterally and through NATO, the UK will stand firm with Estonia and I’m proud of the way our troops here stand ready to fight whenever, wherever they are needed.”

More than 800 troops from 1st Battalion, the Royal Welsh currently lead a NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroup in Estonia. The UK also has a second battlegroup of over 800 from 2nd Battalion, the Rifles in the country after deploying them in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace announced in June that the lethality of these deployments would be enhanced with advanced capabilities including helicopters and artillery systems, as part of an increased UK contribution to NATO. Meanwhile, the UK’s existing HQ in Tallinn will be expanded. Led by a Brigadier, it will support the rapid deployment of high readiness forces at the brigade level.

The UK will also support Estonia with training and logistics, the development of its first divisional-level HQ, as well as developing new ways of fighting through their joint hosting of the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic European HQ, and supporting innovative dual use start-ups through the NATO Innovation Fund.

August 24, 2022
Alister Jack – 2022 Comments on Government Expenditure and Revenue Figures for Scotland

The comments made by Alister Jack, the Secretary of State for Scotland, on 24 August 2022.

Today’s Scottish Government figures show how people and their families benefit massively from being part of a strong, resilient UK.

Scotland’s deficit – the shortfall between taxes raised here, including oil, and public spending – stands at £23.7bn. But as part of the UK, we can rely on the Treasury to step up to support us in plugging the gap.

At a time of unprecedented challenges, sharing resources around the UK has never been more important.

As we continue to recover from the pandemic and confront global pressures on prices and the cost of living, it is clear we need a shared and a relentless focus on boosting the economy.

August 24, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Secretary Alister Jack comments on 2021-22 GERS figures
The press release issued by the Scottish Office on 24 August 2022.

Commenting on the Scottish Government’s Government Expenditure & Revenue Scotland figures, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

Today’s Scottish Government figures show how people and their families benefit massively from being part of a strong, resilient UK.

Scotland’s deficit – the shortfall between taxes raised here, including oil, and public spending – stands at £23.7bn. But as part of the UK, we can rely on the Treasury to step up to support us in plugging the gap.

At a time of unprecedented challenges, sharing resources around the UK has never been more important.

As we continue to recover from the pandemic and confront global pressures on prices and the cost of living, it is clear we need a shared and a relentless focus on boosting the economy.

Background
- Total expenditure for the benefit of Scotland fell from £98,439 million in 2020-21, to £97,502 million in 2021-22.
- The decline in spending reflects a reduction in spending associated with coronavirus support schemes.
- Although spending as a share of GDP has fallen from the peaks seen during 2020-21, it remains above 50% of GDP, and around 5 percentage points higher than prior to the pandemic.
- On top of receiving additional Barnett consequentials for the Scottish Government for 2021-22, these figures account for Scotland having benefited from at least an additional £3.7 billion in reserved spending, down from £9.4 billion in 2020-21.
- The figures from the Scottish Government show that Scotland’s notional deficit fell from £35,774 billion in 2020-21 to £23,727 billion in 2021-22. This is more than Scotland’s entire health, education, economic development, tourism and culture budget for the year, which was a cumulative £23.4 billion in 2021-22.
- Public expenditure per person in Scotland in 2021-22 was £1,963 higher than the UK average. This was an increase from £1,530 in 2020-21.
- Revenue per person in Scotland remained below the UK average. In 2021-22, including an illustrative geographical share of North Sea revenue, revenue per person was £221 lower than the UK average. In 2020-21 when revenue per head was £395 lower than the UK average. This shows the higher variability when North Sea revenues are included.
- The ‘Union dividend’ per person in Scotland (the combined value of higher spending and lower revenue) was £2,184 in 2021-22. This was an increase from £1,924 in 2020-21 (revised).
- Although spending on the pandemic fell in 2021-22, this has mostly been offset by increases in the cost of servicing public sector debt.
August 24, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Students told to get up to date with vaccinations ahead of Freshers’ Week
The press release issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 24 August 2022.

Students heading to university in September are being encouraged to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations ahead of Freshers’ Week to protect themselves against a range of life-threatening illnesses.

First year or returning students can be at increased risk of serious diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia and measles as they mix with large numbers of other students from around the country and overseas.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and meningitis charities are urging parents and students to ensure they are protected before the term begins as many of these illnesses arise at the start of the academic year.

The 3 vaccines students should get up to date with are:
1. MenACWY – protecting against 4 common strains causing meningitis and septicaemia
2. MMR – protecting against measles, mumps, rubella
3. HPV (for female students) – protecting against cervical and other cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) together with genital warts
Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:

We know that colleges and universities can be hotspots for the spread of diseases such as meningitis and measles.

At the top of any list of essential things to get for college should be any missed vaccines – it could save your life. If unsure check with your GP to make sure that you are up to date with the MenACWY, MMR and HPV vaccinations before term starts.

And all students need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Don’t assume it’s just a hangover or freshers’ flu. If you’re poorly make sure a friend knows and stay in touch regularly with friends who are ill. These diseases can progress rapidly so urgent action in getting medical attention is critical – call NHS 111 straight away.

Anyone who is unsure about their vaccine status can check with their GP practice to see if they are up to date and fully protected. Ideally, students should have any vaccines they have missed at least 2 weeks before leaving for university. If that’s not possible, they should arrange to have any missed vaccines as soon as possible with their current GP or their new GP practice if they are moving to a new university.

The MenACWY vaccine is routinely offered to those in school years 9 and 10 but some students will have missed out. Anyone who has missed out can still get a free jab with their GP until their 25th birthday.

The vaccine provides high protection against 4 common strains that cause meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) – MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY – but does not protect against all strains, like MenB.

Although numbers of cases have remained at relatively low levels across the country, there has been a small increase in meningococcal disease due to MenB among young adults (60 confirmed cases in 19 to 22 year-olds during the 2021 to 2022 academic year in England) since the easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) social restrictions in July 2021.

The UK began offering routine vaccination against MenB to infants in 2015, but teenagers and current university students will not have received this vaccine so it is important they are aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia so they can urgently seek medical care if needed.

Meningitis and septicaemia can develop suddenly. Symptoms include a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, fever, headache, aching muscles and joints and a stiff neck. The MenW strain can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea in teenagers and young adults. Urgent antibiotic treatment and hospitalisation are critical.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can also have serious consequences. It can be more severe in teenagers and young adults, often leading to hospital admissions. Measles starts with cold-like symptoms and sore red eyes, followed by a high temperature and a red-brown blotchy rash.

Claire Wright, Head of Evidence and Policy at Meningitis Research Foundation, said:

Meningitis can kill healthy people within hours and is difficult to distinguish from a bad hangover or more common milder illnesses in the early stages.

By taking up the free MenACWY vaccine, school leavers are not only protecting themselves but also protecting others by stopping the bacteria from being passed on.

For those who have already been vaccinated it remains important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis because the free vaccine does not protect against MenB, which is the most common cause of life-threatening meningitis amongst this age group.

Michelle Bresnahan, who founded meningitis awareness charity A Life for a Cure following the sudden death of her son Ryan to MenB, said:

It’s important to make sure that getting up to date with your vaccinations is on your to-do list as you begin your preparations for university.

No-one wants to fall ill in the first few months and checking with your GP that you have these 3 vaccines is a quick and easy way to keep yourself safe.

Remember though, not all types of meningococcal disease are covered by the vaccine, including MenB. So it’s vital you get to know the signs and symptoms, including a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, fever, aching muscles and joints and a stiff neck. Doing so could save your life or that of a friend.

Meningitis Now chief executive, Dr Tom Nutt, said:

It’s vital that young people take up the opportunity to get vaccinated against MenACWY while at school. In addition, very few young people will have been vaccinated against MenB, which is the strain that causes the most cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK.

Although many young people will have been vaccinated against MenACWY at school, our estimates show that up to half a million under-25s may have missed this important vaccination. If that’s you, contact your GP and see if you can get up to date with your vaccinations. This is particularly important if you are going on to higher education and university halls of residence. You can find out more information about the signs and symptoms of meningitis at meningitisnow.org.
August 24, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s continued war increases collective outrage – UK statement to the OSCE

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 24 August 2022.

Ambassador Bush reaffirms UK’s commitment to use all tools available to ensure that Ukraine succeeds in the face of Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified war.

Mr. Chair, today we should solely be celebrating with Ukraine as they mark 31 years of independence. Instead, we have also gathered here at this Special Council to once again condemn Russia’s unprovoked, full-scale and illegal invasion of Ukraine. These have been six long, dark months. The Russian government anticipated a three-day war – it is fitting that exactly six months on, we celebrate the indomitable spirit of the proud nation of Ukraine that refuses to yield to President Putin’s imperialism. We congratulate our Ukrainian colleagues and all the people of Ukraine on their national day, and look forward to many more to come.

Yesterday, politicians met for the International Crimea Platform. Since 2014, the people of Crimea have endured a brutal and systematic campaign of human rights abuses by the Russian authorities, including the persecution of the Tatars, arbitrary arrests, and the restriction of land ownership. Let us remember that the 24th February was an escalation in Putin’s hostilities against Ukraine; not the beginning. It has never been more important to emphasise that Crimea is Ukraine.

We reaffirm our solidarity with the people of Ukraine, pay tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives in the face of evil and tyranny, and express our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims of the ongoing aggression against Ukraine. 6.5 million people have become refugees across Europe, with one third of Ukrainians forced from their homes. As of Monday, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recorded 13,477 civilian casualties, of which over 5,500 are fatalities. Behind each of these numbers is a human being – with a name, a face and family and friends who love them. And the true figure is almost certainly significantly higher, rising every day as Russia continues to target civilians and critical infrastructure – including recent indiscriminate shelling in Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro and Donetsk.

Russia’s disregard for international law, and its lack of humanity has appalled the international community. The world was horrified to learn of reports of war crimes and atrocities committed by Russian forces in places such as Irpin and Bucha. I and many of my colleagues here have repeatedly emphasised the callousness and blatant illegality of Russia’s tactics. Tactics which include the exploitation of prisoners of war and civilian detainees for political purposes; we’ve heard reports of torture and mistreatment, and the use of sham trials – all in a clear breach of the Geneva conventions. By continuing to wage this war of brutality, Russia does not make us accustomed to its inhuman methods – it only increases our collective outrage. The UK is committed to ensuring that those who commit war crimes in Ukraine are brought to justice.

Having been humiliated militarily and failing in his initial war aims, President Putin has shown his true colours and resorted to the use of food and energy as weapons, threatening global food security and pushing some of the world’s most vulnerable populations to the brink of famine. We remain gravely concerned about the implications of Russia’s illegal invasion for nuclear safety and security. Since February, nuclear facilities in Ukraine have experienced significant disruptions to operations, posing a grave threat to the populations of Ukraine and wider Europe. Specifically, Russia must immediately restore full control of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to the competent Ukrainian authorities and ensure that the International Atomic Energy Agency has appropriate access to address critical safety, security and safeguard concerns. Failure to comply would be an exceptionally costly act of desperation. Though let us be clear – the quickest path to restoring nuclear safety and security in Ukraine is the immediate and complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine’s sovereign territory.

Since the invasion started, the UK has provided economic, humanitarian and military assistance totalling over £3 billion, including towards holding those responsible for war crimes to account and an unprecedented package of sanctions on those facilitating this invasion. We will continue to use all the tools available to ensure that Ukraine succeeds in the face of President Putin’s unprovoked, premediated and unjustified war.

On this Ukrainian Independence Day, we resolutely reaffirm that we remain committed to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, extending to its territorial waters. Today, once again, we reiterate our demand for the immediate cessation of hostilities by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, of all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and the full, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Russian forces and military equipment from the territory of Ukraine. Ukraine – we stand with you.

August 24, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy – The world already understands that the President of the Russian Federation should be brought to the negotiating table as soon as there is willingness to talk to him

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 March 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy states that he does not have high expectations from the current format of the Ukrainian-Russian ceasefire talks, because in addition to calls, concrete steps towards each other are needed. However, the civilized world must bring President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table before it is too late. This was stated by the President in an interview with CNN and Reuters.

“I do not expect great results, because faith in this format, starting with Minsk, is being lost. There is a desire of the people to end this war. And in this desire, in addition to the words “I want”, “we want” or constant appeals that “Ukraine does not fulfill Minsk”, we must still work every day. Sit down, look for dialogue,” he said.

The Head of State said he had not seen any specifics from the first meeting of the Ukrainian and Russian delegations, which took place near the border between Ukraine and the Republic of Belarus.

“I do not yet feel the specifics from this composition and this first meeting. The only thing is that there is one percent that they will be able to meet again and talk about certain steps forward,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President of Ukraine stressed that a complete ceasefire is needed to start the dialogue.

“But to take steps forward, someone needs to take steps towards each other,” he added.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, if partners are not ready to see Ukraine in NATO due to Russia’s reluctance, security guarantees for our country must be worked out together.

“We are ready to talk about security guarantees for Ukraine. It depends on our partners. This means that we have our territorial integrity, that our borders are protected, that we have special relations with all our neighbors, that we are completely safe. And the guarantors who give us security, guarantee it legally,” the President emphasized.

The Head of State stressed that Ukraine will fight against the invader as long as necessary. However, he expressed hope that the war would not last long.

“The world already understands that it is necessary to bring the President of the Russian Federation to the negotiating table, while there is still willingness to sit at the negotiating table with him. I think so,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

At the same time, according to the President, he cannot say how long it will take.

“It is no longer measured in money. It, unfortunately, is measured in people. There cannot be too many people,” he added.

The Head of State stressed that due to the war and Russia’s invasion, Ukraine does not have time for long bureaucratic procedures and delays in resolving issues, because the war continues, people are dying every day and help is needed.

“There are specifics in this war. Specifics to survive and do something. That’s why we all act fast. That’s why the army does everything quickly. That is why we are defending our state quickly. And in the same way, if they want to help us, everyone must act quickly,” the President of Ukraine summed up.

August 24, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine fights for values of freedom and democracy, therefore counts on support of civilized world – President

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 March 2022.

Today, Ukraine is fighting for the values of freedom and democracy, and other countries of the civilized world must support our state in this struggle. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview for CNN and Reuters.

“The war in Ukraine is a war in general for values: life, democracy, freedom. So this is a war all over the world,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that such important things are difficult to understand for people who do not see war in their country.

“That’s why the message must be presented in a way to reach across all these thousands of kilometers, so that from Ukraine this feeling reaches the people in the United States and they understand what it is like here, what we are fighting for, understand that they should not just support Ukraine for nothing,” said the President.

The Head of State noted that our country was preparing for the full-scale Russian aggression in advance, but did not discuss it in public, so that the enemy was not ready for Ukraine’s reaction.

“To say that we are preparing, look – here we will act like this, here – like this, we have six options for defending our state… We were not ready for that,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President stressed that Ukrainians are fiercely fighting the enemy and winning precisely because they are at home and protecting their relatives and their homes.

“We are doing this sincerely and we believe that we must protect everything for the future of our children, who must also be protected today. Because you see that no one chooses goals anymore. Unfortunately, children are dying, dozens of children are dying. That’s why we have something to defend. We are defending our right to live,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

August 24, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : With Ukraine, the European Union will definitely be stronger – President at the session of the European Parliament

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 March 2022.

Ukraine proved its European choice and paid a high price for it. Now is the time for Europe to show that it chooses Ukraine. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a debate in the course of the extraordinary plenary session of the European Parliament on Russian aggression against Ukraine.

“I think that today we give for values, rights, for freedom, just for the desire to be equal, the same as you, as every person – we give our best people, the strongest,” the Head of State emphasized.

The President is convinced that Ukrainians will definitely win.

“There is a saying “Ukrainian choice of Europe” – what we aspired to and what we went to. I would very much like Europe’s choice of Ukraine to sound today,” he noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that this morning was tragic for Ukraine, as two cruise missiles hit Freedom Square in Kharkiv, located near the border with the Russian Federation. The inhabitants of this city have always been very warm to the Russians. Kharkiv has the largest number of universities in Ukraine and many bright, smart, active young people.

“Freedom Square is the largest square in Europe. Imagine: in the morning, two cruise missiles hit Freedom Square. Dozens of victims. This is what the price of freedom is. We are just fighting for our land and our freedom. And believe me, despite the fact that all the big cities of our state are now blocked, no one will invade our freedom and state. Every square from today, whatever it is called, will be called Freedom Square. In every city of our state. Nobody will break us. We are strong. We are Ukrainians,” the President stressed.

The Head of State also noted that as of yesterday, 16 children had died in Ukraine.

“Once again, President Putin will say that this is “an operation, we are firing at the military infrastructure.” Where are our children? What military plants do they work at? On which rockets are they? Maybe they ride in tanks? You killed 16 children,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

According to him, Ukrainians are a very motivated people who are fighting for their rights, freedom and life.

“And now we are fighting for survival. And this is our main motivation. But we are also fighting to be equal members of Europe. And I think today we are all showing that we are. With us, the EU will definitely be stronger. Without you, Ukraine will be alone,” the President said.

“We have proved our strength. Prove that you are with us. Prove that you do not let us go. Prove that you are truly Europeans. And then life will overcome death, and light will overcome darkness,” summed up Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

August 24, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : President appointed the Head of the Kyiv City Military Administration to improve the defense of the capital

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 March 2022.

In order to strengthen the defense of the capital of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree appointing General Mykola Zhyrnov Head of the Kyiv City Military Administration.

“Defense of the capital is above all. That’s why I decided to appoint a professional military person as the Head of the Kyiv City Military Administration for the period of war. To guarantee the defense of the city. To block the enemy’s approaches to our capital. To ensure that the people of Kyiv have everything they need. The Head of the Military Administration will be General Mykola Mykolayovych Zhyrnov,” the Head of State informed.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mykola Zhyrnov served as the commander of the support forces, organized the engineering support of the combat operations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2014-2015 at a high level. He is currently a state expert of the Military Security Service at the National Security and Defense Council.

The President said that Vitali Klitschko remains the mayor of Kyiv.

“He will have his own sphere of responsibility. And now it is a joint work of the mayor and the Head of the Military Administration. After the war, we will return everything to its place in the capital,” the Head of State assured.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that Kharkiv and Kyiv are now the most important targets for Russia. Its terror is aimed at breaking us, breaking our resistance.

“They are heading to our capital, as well as to Kharkiv. Therefore, the defense of the capital today is the key priority for the state,” he said.

“If we protect Kyiv, we will protect the state. This is the heart of our country. And it must keep beating. And it will keep beating. So that life triumphs,” the President concluded.

August 24, 2022