Tag: 2022

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

The state of Ukraine severed diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation, which treacherously attacked it at 5 am on February 24. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a briefing at the Office of the Head of State.

“This morning has gone down in history, but this story is completely different for our country and for Russia. We have severed diplomatic relations with Russia. Ukraine is defending itself and will not give up its freedom, no matter what Moscow thinks. For Ukrainians, independence and the right to live on their land according to their will is the highest value. Russia treacherously and self-destructively attacked our state in the morning. Just like Nazi Germany did during the Second World War,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

According to him, from today Ukraine and Russia are on different sides of world history, because the Russian Federation is on the path of evil.

At the same time, according to the President, much depends on the Russian people now.

“Today, the citizens of Russia will choose which way each of them personally is on,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on all Russian citizens who have not yet “lost their conscience” to come out and protest against this war with Ukraine. He also asked Ukrainians who have relatives, friends, acquaintances, journalists, bloggers in Russia to address them with appropriate appeals and information so that the Russian Federation knows the truth.

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

In the framework of repelling the military operation by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, there are currently four dangerous directions – the Crimean Isthmus, the JFO area, the directions of Chernihiv and Kharkiv. This was announced by Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President Oleksiy Arestovych at a briefing in the Office of the President.

Currently, the most successful situation for the Ukrainian side is in the area of the JFO – all attacks are repulsed there, the line of defense is not broken. Despite the reports and statements of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Ukraine has preserved Shchastya – many armored vehicles of the enemy are destroyed there, there are losses of their manpower as well.

In addition, Russian troops, according to preliminary data, have crossed the isthmus with the Crimean peninsula and are developing an offensive in two directions, but are moving slowly.

“The first is towards Melitopol, the second is towards Kherson. They are now lined up in marching columns and preparing to move. There are our troops there, and they will resist, they will defend. Of course, I will not say the details of where they are located, but it will not be easy for them – we will stop them,” said the Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office.

Oleksiy Arestovych also noted that the invaders hang their flags on buildings to shoot and post propaganda videos, but the Armed Forces oppose them.

Separate advanced detachments of the Russian Armed Forces, numbering two or three tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, and several dozen servicemen have appeared in the Belarusian direction. They try to enter Ukrainian territory, but face resistance and withdraw.

“We can’t say that they are advancing, but the Armed Forces and other military formations are monitoring the situation,” he said.

The Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office also denied the report that the border in the Volyn direction had been breached: border guards are being fired on, but there is no breakthrough.

In the north of the Chernihiv region, closer to the administrative border with the Sumy region, the advance of enemy troops at a distance of 10-20 km was recorded.

“They are now, most likely, preparing, building battle formations, and will try to advance further, but Kyiv is well protected, especially from the Chernihiv direction,” Oleksiy Arestovych stressed.

Also, according to him, the military of the Armed Forces and the National Guard continue to defend Kharkiv.

Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office also said that there is no paratroopers landing from the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, the Zmiinyi Island is kept by Ukrainian border guards and the military.

“No warrior of the Armed Forces and other law enforcement agencies yields, everyone fights, there is no surrender or escape,” he said.

According to Oleksiy Arestovych, there are even heroic stories, such as conscripts of the National Guard, 18-year-old soldiers who have not yet studied the general military battle, destroyed four tanks of the Russian Federation.

He also noted that more than 40 servicemen have been killed so far, and several dozen have been wounded, mostly due to air strikes this morning.

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

All sanctions will be lifted on Ukrainian citizens who are currently subject to restrictive measures and who are ready to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state and defend the country in the ranks of the Territorial Defense Forces. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a briefing at the Office of the Head of State.

“We will lift sanctions by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on all citizens of Ukraine who are ready to defend our state with weapons in their hands as part of territorial defense,” he said.

The President emphasized that the future of the Ukrainian people now depends on every citizen of Ukraine.

“Everyone who has combat experience and can join the defense of Ukraine must immediately come to the relevant staffing centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” said the President.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the country’s economy and the continuation of enterprises’ operations another frontline.

“Working now is also a serious job, as well as defense in these difficult conditions. Therefore, our future depends on each company, each entrepreneur. Take care of your employees, work for the sake of society, for the good of each of us. People should have all the necessary goods, all the necessary services,” he said.

The President also assured that the National Bank and the banking system have all the necessary resources to meet the financial needs of the state, its defense, to protect the interests of citizens.

Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office Mykhailo Podoliak added that a cash withdrawal limit of UAH 100,000 has been introduced.

“There were some interruptions a few hours ago with the possibility to pay for goods or services by card. These are all local manifestations of cyberattacks, which are accompanied by military attacks on our industries. In the banking sector, everything is sufficiently controlled,” he said.

Mykhailo Podoliak also said that the energy sector is operating normally.

“Nuclear power plants, hydroelectric power plants operate normally. There is increased security, but it has been strengthened for several weeks. Today, of course, there is additional protection. We don’t have any blackouts yet,” he said.

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

The Armed Forces of Ukraine are fighting hard battles repelling attacks by the Russian army throughout our country. The Ukrainian servicemen need the support of citizens. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a briefing at the Office of the Head of State.

“Our servicemen need this support. The main thing is that they need the support of our population. We have an army of powerful people. Our population is also a powerful army. So support our military,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President called on the Ukrainian media to more actively inform the public about the success of the Armed Forces and the losses of the enemy.

“The enemy has suffered heavy losses. The losses of the enemy will be even greater. They came to our land. Ukraine is under attack from the north, east and south. Attacked from the air. Protection works. Today, the army and national solidarity are the mainstay of Ukrainian statehood,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the provision of weapons to all citizens who want to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty has already begun.

“The future of our Ukrainian people depends on every citizen. Everyone who has combat experience and can join the defense of Ukraine must come to the appropriate centers. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will involve veterans in the defense of the state,” he said.

The President also called on citizens to join the donation of blood for wounded defenders.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has approved all necessary decisions to defend the country. The Armed Forces are actively resisting the troops of the Russian Federation, which carried out a treacherous attack on our state. This was announced by Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office Mykhailo Podoliak at a briefing in the press center of the President’s Office.

“At 5 am, Mr. Putin actually declared war against Ukraine. He did it for no reason. There was no reason to declare war against Ukraine unilaterally. Only fake reasons used by Russian propaganda,” he said.

According to Mykhailo Podoliak, Russian troops using artillery systems began to bomb military infrastructure on the territory of Ukraine, airports, airfields, warehouses and military facilities of the Ukrainian army. After that, ground operations of the Russian armed forces began in part violating Ukraine’s state border in several regions.

“President Volodymyr Zelenskyy immediately convened the Military Cabinet, the National Security and Defense Council. All the necessary decisions were made in terms of the logistics of the counter-operation against the armed forces of the Russian Federation, and martial law was imposed in Ukraine. These are concrete actions to protect our territorial integrity,” said the Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office.

He stressed that the President is in constant contact with the leaders of the partner countries.

“Virtually the whole world unanimously believes that this is a treacherous attack by the Russian armed forces, which will have great legal consequences,” said Mykhailo Podolyak.

The Office of the President called on the citizens of Ukraine to keep calm.

“The Armed Forces are fighting hard battles, but they are fighting. We already have many results. In some areas, the Russian armed forces have been repulsed. The Armed Forces were ready for all of Russia’s scenario plans and are now actively resisting. This resistance will be growing,” said the Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office.

Mykhailo Podoliak also called on the media to carefully check the information they publish or broadcast.

“Because to date no one has canceled the information war waged by Russia against Ukraine. Unfortunately, some Ukrainian media outlets are reprinting propaganda materials of the Russian Federation,” he said.

For his part, Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office Oleksiy Arestovych noted that according to preliminary estimates, Russia’s first blow failed.

“As for cities, geography is Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytskyi, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Kramatorsk and directly along the JFO area,” he said.

Oleksiy Arestovych noted that, according to preliminary information, the enemy slightly advanced at a distance of up to 5 kilometers in the north of the Kharkiv region and Chernihiv region. The enemy’s advance was repulsed in the Volyn direction.

According to the Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office, the losses of the Ukrainian side did not reduce the combat effectiveness of the Armed Forces and other law enforcement agencies.

“The Armed Forces are ready. The President is working. He runs the country and is in constant contact with international partners, who are now taking steps internationally to punish the Russian Federation for the full-scale military aggression it has committed,” he said.

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

Due to the launch of a military operation against Ukraine by Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held an urgent meeting with the leadership of the government, representatives of the defense sector and the economic bloc.

Up-to-date information was heard on the current security situation in Ukraine and on its borders, as well as on the measures taken by the security and defense forces to repel the Russian armed forces.

The President also spoke about negotiations with world leaders to form an international coalition to end Russian aggression.

In addition, measures to ensure the livelihood of the country were discussed.

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

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Decree № 64/2022 “On the imposition of martial law in Ukraine”. People’s deputies approved the document by 300 votes.

According to the decree, martial law is imposed from 5:30 am February 24, 2022 for a period of 30 days. This decision was made due to the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, on the basis of the proposal of the National Security and Defense Council and in accordance with Ukrainian law.

The Military Command, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, other executive bodies and local self-government bodies, must ensure the measures and powers envisaged by the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Regime of the Martial Law” necessary to ensure Ukraine’s defense, public safety and state interests.

Due to the imposition of martial law in Ukraine, the constitutional rights and freedoms of man and citizen provided for in Articles 30-34, 38, 39, 41-44, 53 of the Constitution of Ukraine may be temporarily restricted, temporary restrictions on the rights and legitimate interests of legal entities will also be imposed.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine must immediately put into effect a plan to implement and ensure measures of the legal regime of martial law in Ukraine, and provide appropriate funding.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine together with local state administrations and other state bodies, institutions, enterprises, organizations of all forms of ownership are instructed to immediately bring a single state civil protection system, its functional and territorial subsystems ready for the fulfillment of tasks in a special period.

Also, regional, Kyiv city state administrations and local self-government bodies must establish defense councils and provide assistance to the military command in introducing and implementing measures of the martial law regime.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine must ensure that the UN Secretary General and foreign officials are duly informed about the imposition of martial law in Ukraine, restrictions on human and civil rights and freedoms, which is a deviation from the obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the extent of these deviations and the reasons for such a decision.

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

This morning Russia launched a new military operation against our state. This is an unjustified deceitful and cynical invasion.

There are strikes on military and other important defense facilities, border units are under attack, the situation in the Donbas has degraded.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine, all special and law enforcement agencies of the state are on alert. The National Security and Defense Council is working in an emergency mode.

Martial law will be imposed.

Our diplomats are informing the world about what is happening. Ukrainians will never give up their freedom and independence to anyone. Only we, all citizens of Ukraine, have been determining our future since 1991. But now the fate of not only our state is being decided, but also what life in Europe will be like.

Whether at least something of the force of international law remains will depend on the world’s fair and just response to this aggression.

Civilians of Ukraine should stay at home. Warn your loved ones about what is happening. Take care of those who need help.

All thoughts and prayers are with our soldiers.

Glory to Ukraine!

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of big business operating in our country. The event was attended by owners and top managers of the largest Ukrainian companies and business groups.

The Head of State thanked the businessmen for hearing the signal from the authorities at a difficult time for Ukraine, and together with other high-ranking officials informed them about the current situation.

“It is important to me that you are in Ukraine. I am not interested in any conflicts or misunderstandings between us in any issues. We must all go through this difficult period with dignity and protect Ukrainians,” the President stressed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that about 2 million Ukrainians work for the enterprises of business representatives present at the meeting.

“We protect our state, our citizens, as well as your companies. Therefore, you will have to protect them together with us – both companies and the people who work for them,” he said.

The Head of State urged the businessmen to be in Ukraine these days, next to their teams.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the state is working to ensure that the situation in the economy is stable, and that the national currency is stable.

Business representatives stressed their readiness to cooperate with the authorities to resolve all the issues that arise today.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes that the Ukrainian army is ready for any scenario, but the details will not be disclosed. The President made this statement to the media following a meeting with the Presidents of Poland and Lithuania in Kyiv.

“Only I and our army will know the clear steps regarding the defense of our state. And believe me, we are ready for anything,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The Head of State noted that he could not predict the personal decisions of the President of Russia or the actions of Russian-controlled formations in the occupied territories of Donbas.

According to him, since the Budapest Memorandum is no longer working, Ukraine needs new security guarantees.

“It is no secret that Budapest is not working. We clearly understand that currently Ukraine is not in any of the security alliances. We protect Ukraine ourselves with the support of our partners. But it is Ukrainians who are dying. That is why Ukraine needs security guarantees, clear, concrete, right now,” the President said.

“It is very important to have the support of other partners. And given that we now have 150,000 Russian troops on the border, temporarily occupied territories, I believe that Russia should be among those countries that provide clear security guarantees. It is no secret, I have repeatedly invited the President of Russia to sit down at the negotiating table and speak. Because this is a matter of dialogue, not a matter of conditions,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy added.