Tag: President of Ukraine

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 September 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Minister of Defense of the Italian Republic Lorenzo Guerini who arrived in our country.

At the beginning of the conversation, the Head of State expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi, his government and the entire Italian people for their constant support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, its struggle for its existence, as well as for the shelter and sensitive attitude towards the temporarily displaced Ukrainians. Italy’s leading role in granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership was noted.

“Despite domestic political issues, the situation in Ukraine remains very important for Italy,” the President noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed the interlocutor about the state of affairs at the front and emphasized that strengthening the Armed Forces is a vital priority for Ukraine today.

Separately, the parties focused on the need to continue sanction pressure on the Russian Federation.

Lorenzo Guerini conveyed to Volodymyr Zelenskyy greetings from the President, the Prime Minister and the people of Italy.

The Minister of Defense of the Italian Republic said that he visited Irpin and Hostomel and saw with his own eyes the destruction caused by the Russians.

Lorenzo Guerini also expressed admiration for the heroism of Ukrainians with which they defended these and other cities of their country.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 September 2022.

During her visit to New York, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part in the HeForShe global summit and the Women in Conflict forum within the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. The President’s wife spoke about the situation of Ukrainian women in wartime conditions.

The HeForShe Summit under the auspices of UN Women is a United Nations solidarity movement for gender equality that brings together prime ministers, presidents, CEOs, opinion leaders and celebrities from around the world to act jointly to achieve such equality. This year, Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida took part in the event.

During her speech at the summit, Olena Zelenska emphasized the need to talk about equality between men and women even in the 21st century.

“In times of upheaval, inequality is felt much more acutely. War exposes the nerves. So I ask the whole world, everyone: if you are an employer, what doors will you open for Ukrainian women who have been forced to leave their homes? Will you give them a decent paying job and a fair weekend? If you are a law enforcement officer, how will you respond to violence and exploitation of migrant women? Can you prevent them from becoming victims of human trafficking? Can you protect them like the citizens of your countries? If you are a local resident, would you have the strength to hear a refugee woman? A refugee child? Will your empathy and patience be enough until they can return to a peaceful Ukraine? Your answer, even if you don’t voice it, is very important. Because it is about equality here and now,” said Olena Zelenska.

The First Lady also held a meeting with UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous. The interlocutors discussed the necessity and relevance of further development of the network of shelters, training of specialists to work in them.

“The war will add to the problems caused by domestic and gender-based violence. I called on UN Women to join in solving the problem of crimes of sexual violence by the military and to keep it under their control. We have to create conditions so that our women feel safe, and then they will start testifying,” said the President’s wife.

In addition, on the second day of her visit to New York, Olena Zelenska took part in the opening of the Women in Conflict forum.

The event was also attended by: President of the European Council Charles Michel, UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth Jayathma Wickramanayake, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) Louise Mushikiwabo, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad and others.

Olena Zelenska told what Ukrainian women need the most now.

“Ukrainian women need victory the most. I am saying this after we found whole families killed by Russia in the recently liberated Izyum. Employees of the emergency service and police officers who exhume the bodies are crying because it is impossible to withstand. That’s why Ukrainian women do not need abstract “peace”, they need victory over the evil that has done it. So that it could no longer kill any child, any mother,” said Olena Zelenska.

She also emphasized the importance of psychological support for Ukrainian women who have experienced violence from Russian soldiers: “According to psychologists, a woman who has experienced violence can testify only when she feels completely safe. So we need to create such security for our women. So that they feel that they can finally speak and be heard. That there is no threat or condemnation. Currently, the National Program of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support operates in Ukraine. Its goal is to work with the psychological consequences of war. To cover the whole country with psychological support. And my call is to involve the entire international experience in order to create a special program of support and rehabilitation for Ukrainian women.”

The First Lady called on the world to support Ukrainian women.

“Look: these are women just like you. Who had plans and a normal life. And now they are fighting for it. Yes, they are heroes, but do they have to be? Is it normal in the world where we want to live for a woman to die heroically, covering her children? Should Russian aggression continue, becoming a convenient TV show for the whole world? This is not a rhetorical question. I think everyone who has empathy knows the answer,” Olena Zelenska summed up.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 September 2022.

Ukraine returned 215 people, including 124 officers, from Russian captivity. Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak reported this to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an online call with the released defenders.

In particular, 108 warriors of the “Azov” regiment and other formations of the National Guard of Ukraine, as well as servicemen of the Ground and Naval Forces, the territorial defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service, the National Police, employees of the Security Service, the State Special Transport Service and the State Customs Service were released.

“Among those released are commander of “Azov”, Hero of Ukraine Denys Prokopenko (“Redis”), Serhiy Volynskyi (“Volyna”), acting commander of the 36th separate brigade of marines, Svyatoslav Palamar (“Azov”), Oleg Khomenko (“Azov”), Denys Shleha from the National Guard of Ukraine, Hero of Ukraine Yevheniy Bova, commander of the 1st separate marine battalion. Kateryna Polishchuk (“Ptashka”) also returns,” Andriy Yermak reported.

Defenders Maryana Mamonova, Yana Shumovetska and Anastasiya Chernenka who were captured while pregnant were also released.

“This is the most powerful result in the release of prisoners during the entire period of the full-scale invasion,” stated the Head of the President’s Office.

Acting Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk, Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence Dmytro Usov and Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets met 200 released Ukrainians.

“Today we directly exchanged 200 citizens of Ukraine for Mr. Medvedchuk. I would like to point out that Medvedchuk is not just Putin’s close friend, but a well-documented state traitor. His guilt is fully recorded in the relevant materials,” said Vasyl Maliuk.

He noted that during the work on Viktor Medvedchuk’s cases, a number of subversive networks were neutralized, state traitors were detained and a large amount of information was obtained, which is used in counterintelligence activities.

In addition, 5 more citizens were released in exchange for 55 Russian prisoners.

Almost all of the released are already on the territory of Ukraine, except for the five Azov commanders, who, according to the agreements reached earlier with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, are in Türkiye under his personal guarantees of protection. Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov and Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrskyi are currently with five “Azov” warriors.

“Congratulations, our men, our heroes, on your return. Glad to see everyone since we’ve been speaking only by phone earlier. We are extremely proud of what you have done for our country. We are proud of each of you,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a video call with the released defenders of Azovstal.

The Head of State noted that they are now safe in Türkiye, and the next step is their return to their homeland.

“Glory to Ukraine! Mr. President, everything is fine with us, the health conditions are acceptable. I’m thankful to you and the entire team,” said Denys Prokopenko, commander of the “Azov” regiment.

The fighters expressed gratitude to the team and the Ukrainian people on behalf of all defenders of Azovstal.

Kyrylo Budanov reported to the Head of State about the completion of another stage of the exchange of prisoners of war and assured that the work on the release of all Ukrainian citizens continues.

In addition, at the request of international partners, Ukraine achieved the release of ten foreigners – defenders of Ukraine, citizens of five partner states. The released foreign defenders were sent to Saudi Arabia on September 21. Head of the State Property Fund Rustem Umerov is with them.

“This is a tremendous success and I am grateful to everyone involved in this operation – everyone who has done this titanic work. I sincerely congratulate our heroes on their return home. We will provide them with all the necessary aid – medical, social and any other. We continue to work on the release of all our citizens who are being held captive by the occupiers,” Andriy Yermak said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the preparation of this release operation was long and hard. He expressed gratitude to the President of Türkiye, as well as to all those who dealt with this issue from the Ukrainian side, in particular to Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk, Head of the State Property Fund Rustem Umerov, Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrskyi, as well as Dmytro Usov and Dmytro Lubinets.

“Thank you guys. I believe that this is truly a great victory for our state, for our entire society. And most importantly – for the families of our defenders, who will be able to see their loved ones in safety,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President noted that, according to the information available to him, many of the prisoners were sentenced to death, so the release saved their lives.

The Head of State also emphasized that Ukraine remembers all its citizens and will try to save every Ukrainian.

“We will do everything to save everyone who is in Russian captivity. We value every life! This is what distinguishes us from the enemy,” the President noted.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 21 September 2022.

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska arrived in New York for the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. The wife of the President of Ukraine began her visit with a series of meetings with the first ladies and gentlemen of the countries of the world. The meetings were dedicated to the expansion of cooperation between the states.

In particular, she met with First Lady of Poland Agata Kornhauser-Duda and First Lady of Lithuania Diana Nausėdienė within the Lublin Triangle.

The Lublin Triangle is a platform for tripartite cooperation between the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Poland and Ukraine aimed at deepening regional cooperation in the security, economic, social and humanitarian spheres. The decision to establish the format was made on July 28, 2020 by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Jacek Czaputowicz who signed a declaration on the launch of a new regional association.

“Today, we are starting the format of dialogue of the first ladies within the Lublin Triangle,” the wife of the President of Ukraine emphasized.

She also noted that this year’s session of the General Assembly is special, because the security situation in Ukraine as a result of Russia’s war against our country should not leave anyone indifferent.

“The high-level segment of the UN General Assembly is a unique opportunity to draw additional attention to the threats caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine, to emphasize its global dimension,” said the First Lady.

Olena Zelenska thanked Poland and Lithuania for their solidarity and invaluable support for temporarily displaced citizens of Ukraine who were forced to seek refuge abroad due to hostilities and received it from fraternal Poland and Lithuania.

For her part, Diana Nausėdienė initiated the unification of the efforts of the first ladies and international non-governmental organizations for the joint development of projects and initiatives.

The wives of the leaders of Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland also discussed the issue of helping children as a priority of tripartite cooperation, issues of health care, education, implementation of projects on social protection and children’s rehabilitation.

“An important direction is the humanitarian projects implemented in Poland and Lithuania, for which I am especially grateful to you, dear first ladies. Together with Mrs. Agata, we patronize the “Books Without Borders” project. In its framework, 120,000 copies of books in the Ukrainian language have been published. I also observe with great pleasure the work of the Ukrainian Center, which has been operating in Vilnius for more than three months and has become a real corner of Ukraine in Lithuania,” said Olena Zelenska.

She also appealed to her colleagues to introduce the Ukrainian language as a modern foreign language into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools in their countries.

The wife of the President of Ukraine suggested that these and other joint projects be implemented in the framework of the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.

“I am sure that the Summit shouldn’t function one day only. Therefore, I would be grateful for the opportunity to conduct, with your participation and assistance, appropriate measures to support not only Ukraine in different parts of the world,” said Olena Zelenska.

The First Lady of Ukraine also held a meeting in the format of a brunch, which was joined by a wider circle of participants: First Lady of Latvia Andra Levite, First Lady of Poland Agata Kornhauser-Duda, First Lady of Lithuania Diana Nausėdienė, First Lady of Estonia Sirje Karis, First Lady of Suriname Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry, wife of the President of the European Council Amélie Derbaudrenghien, wife of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga Fiona Sovaleni, husband of the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Gauthier Destenay, wife of the Prime Minister of Malta Dr. Lydia Abela.

The brunch was held at the initiative of Olena Zelenska in the framework of the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen and was intended to bring together the spouses of heads of state and government to discuss the global agenda. The first ladies and gentlemen talked about how their countries live today and what issues concern their peoples.

“I sincerely believe that the power of first ladies and gentlemen can improve the world. It may not find a way out of crises, but it can facilitate and mitigate the processes that these crises cause. Or even more – prevent them. We can and do this thanks to our social, educational, humanitarian and cultural projects. We are able to do it softly, not with the strength of our muscles,” said the wife of the President of Ukraine.

In addition, at the meeting, Olena Zelenska spoke about her plans to create a permanent online platform based on the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen. According to her, the platform will help unite to find joint solutions and create projects.

“This year, in the framework of the Summit, 23 first ladies united around drawing the world’s attention to the events taking place in Ukraine and finding solutions that will positively affect our common future. In a format that will operate continuously, the first ladies and gentlemen will be able to discuss the current challenges of today, important for them and their countries, and share their own experience of implementing projects. The Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen is intended to become an international platform for sharing experience and implementing joint projects for the well-being of people in the world,” concluded the wife of the President of Ukraine.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 20 September 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a video conference meeting with the Members of the US House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

The event was also attended by: Deputy Heads of the Office of the President Roman Mashovets and Andriy Smyrnov, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine Oleksandr Lytvynenko.

Andriy Yermak informed the congressmen about the situation at the front. He emphasized that in more than six months of a full-scale war against Ukraine, Russia was unable to achieve its goal of conquering our country and suffered heavy losses. And this happened thanks to the courage of the Ukrainian nation and the help of international partners.

The Head of the President’s Office emphasized that Ukraine not only repelled the onslaught of the aggressor, but also began to conduct successful counteroffensive operations, which made it possible to liberate almost 8.5 thousand square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in the east of the country.

“And I want to sincerely thank the American people, members of Congress, the White House Administration and President Biden for helping Ukraine from the first day of the war. This success is our common victory, a victory of freedom and democracy. And our goal is and always will be the complete liberation of the entire Ukrainian territory from the occupiers as soon as possible and the restoration of the full sovereignty of Ukraine within internationally recognized borders,” he emphasized.

At the same time, Andriy Yermak noted that the war continues, the Russian army still has large forces, so Ukraine needs further support and strengthening. He noted that the list of needs of our country and the Armed Forces is well known to the military-political leadership of the United States, fruitful cooperation and coordination on these issues has been established.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President Roman Mashovets informed the congressmen about the urgent needs of Ukraine.

For his part, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Andriy Smyrnov focused on the initiative of the Ukrainian side regarding the establishment of a special tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. In his opinion, this is no longer an issue of war in our country, but an issue for the entire civilized world, and the support for this process by the US as a key democracy is extremely important.

“It’s a matter of courage to call a spade a spade, to call international criminals international criminals,” noted Andriy Smyrnov.

Chairman of the US House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Adam Schiff expressed support for the President of Ukraine and all Ukrainians who bravely defend their country, and congratulated them on a significant success in certain areas of the front. He noted the importance of the received information regarding the situation on the battlefield and the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 20 September 2022.

The leadership of the United States of America in supporting Ukraine in the fight against the Russian aggressor will contribute to the further strengthening of the defense capabilities of the Ukrainian army and victory. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his online participation in the meeting of The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), a separate panel of which was devoted to Ukraine.

During a conversation with the 42nd US President Bill Clinton, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the United States of America is an indicator of democracy for the entire civilized world, to which other countries are compared. Therefore, it is important that they remain leaders in supporting Ukraine and exerting pressure on Russia.

“When the US gives Ukraine artillery, then other countries support us and also provide it. When the US designates (the country – ed.) a sponsor of terrorism, the democracies of Europe will also support this initiative. Therefore, when you ask me how the United States can help, it is to be a leader,” the Head of State said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the world and, in particular, the US, has already done a lot to support Ukraine and strengthen our army, which resulted in the de-occupation of a number of Ukrainian territories.

“Our troops have internal resilience – it is their love and respect for their homeland, for Ukraine. But on the battlefield, hands and eyes are not enough. Weapons are also very important. And here I want to thank both President Biden and the US Congress for the bipartisan support of Ukraine,” he said.

The Head of State also called on the US to encourage other democratic countries to provide more assistance to Ukraine, in particular to provide the necessary weapons.

“They have the artillery we need, the appropriate weapons. And here, politically, the United States could put pressure,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted and added that this issue was repeatedly discussed with congressmen, senators, as well as at the level of presidents.

He expressed his belief that in the issue of fighting the aggressor, one cannot stand aside and not express a position clearly.

“You cannot balance between good and evil, light and darkness. You have to choose a side. Every subject, every state is open, free. So they can choose a side, but they can’t be in the middle,” said the President and emphasized that Ukraine is fighting precisely for values – for freedom.

The Head of State noted that the US and the world community should force Russia to sit down at the negotiating table after its troops leave the territory of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of preserving the unity of the free world in matters of sanction pressure on the aggressor. This especially applies to those countries where there is Russian lobbying.

“It is very important not to lose a united Europe, and then the combined volume of these sanctions will definitely hit both Russia’s military-industrial complex and the economy. And they will definitely feel it. But the main thing is that it should be felt not by the leaders of the Russian Federation, but by their society. And society feels it when citizens’ wallets are affected, when their rights and freedoms are restricted. And here it is very important to introduce visa restrictions for the Russian Federation. Russian society will know that it must also bear responsibility for this war. Because they elected these leaders. And they should feel the tangible price of this war,” the President said.

According to the Head of State, the most important sanction measure that must be applied to Russia is to designate it a state – sponsor of terrorism.

He also reminded that the Ukrainian side recently presented recommendations on security guarantees for Ukraine prepared by the international working group led by Andriy Yermak and former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. These recommendations should become the basis of the future compact on security guarantees for Ukraine, which, according to the President, could be an example of security for all states that are not members of NATO.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke in favor of such partners as the United States, Great Britain and EU countries joining the circle of guarantors of the security of our state.

“I think it is very important that the USA become the first country to sign these security guarantees with the Ukrainian side,” he summarized.

Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) convenes global leaders to create and implement solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. This September, CGI will convene alongside the United Nations General Assembly. During this meeting, more than 1,000 attendees will come together to drive action on climate change, inclusive economic growth, health equity, the refugee crisis, and more.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 20 September 2022.

As Ukraine demonstrates resilience on the battlefield in the fight against the Russian aggressor, representatives of global business should demonstrate resilience in supporting the Ukrainian economy. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting in the format of a video conference with members of the Management Committee of one of the largest investment companies in the United States and the world, Goldman Sachs.

The Head of State emphasized that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion by Russia, Ukrainians have demonstrated unity in society and resilience on the battlefield. The state institutions of Ukraine also withstood – the National Bank, the financial sphere did not stop working, wages and pensions were paid, other transactions were carried out, etc.

As Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted, thanks to the reforms that took place in our country before the war, Ukraine was able to repel large-scale cyberattacks by the Russian Federation, and digital state services remained available to all citizens.

According to the President, demonstrating this resilience to partners, the Ukrainian authorities are calling to support the economy of our country, invest and create new jobs.

“We are real partners, and therefore we expect resilience from you as well. We ask businesses that were on the territory of Ukraine before the full-scale invasion to stay and continue to invest,” said the President.

“Support us now – we really need it. Support our economy now, and you will win in the future,” urged the Head of State.

According to him, despite the fact that investments during the war are risky, after the victory of Ukraine, investors will enjoy the benefits, as Ukrainians will receive a strong motivation to rebuild the country.

“If you support our economy today, Ukraine will be very grateful to you tomorrow, and you will definitely feel it,” added Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President of Ukraine emphasized that the world is more powerful than any aggressor state when it unites.

“And we showed it. We showed that when the world is united, helps us with weapons, helps us with finances, we can oppose any colonialist power,” he emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of preserving unity in Europe, in particular on the eve of the winter period.

The Head of State reminded that Russia provoked the energy crisis in the world long before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and during the war it created a food crisis by blocking the export of food through Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea. But it was thanks to the unity of the world community that the issue of grain export was resolved.

“We united, we put pressure and ensured a food corridor. Many countries in Africa, Asia and Europe received agricultural products from us. This is what the world did when it united and exerted pressure,” the President said.

Therefore, according to him, it is now important that the world community does not give in to the energy blackmail of the Russian Federation, maintains and increases the sanctions pressure, in particular on the energy resources of the Russian Federation.

The Head of State emphasized: if you give in to Russia’s blackmail and make situational concessions, this will not prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. On the contrary, Russia will try to dictate its terms whenever it does not like something.

“Today, the European Union, some states are not dealing with the issue of aid to Ukraine or the issue of the energy crisis this winter – they are dealing with the issue of their capability in the future, the independence of their children, the influence of any external entity on their territorial integrity,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced.

He also emphasized that non-compliance by individual countries with the sanctions introduced on the Russian Federation may encourage the Russian leadership to increase blackmail and resort to escalation. Therefore, according to him, it is important to designate Russia a state – sponsor of terrorism.

The President noted that the sanctions pressure affects Russia, particularly its economy and GDP, but ordinary Russian citizens still hardly feel the effect of strategic restrictions.

“It is extremely important for us that they feel this. Then they will understand the price of this war unleashed by their leader. Then the entire community within Russia will begin to put pressure on its authorities. And this is also fair, because it is inadmissible that anyone in the world feels this war, primarily Ukraine, but Russia definitely does not feel it. It cannot be so. The price of war should be tangible,” the Head of State summarized.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 19 September 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, the world’s largest investment manager, Larry Fink discussed the possibilities of driving public and private investments into Ukraine.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Chairman and CEO of BlackRock Larry Fink met over a video conference to discuss how BlackRock Financial Markets Advisory could provide pro bono advice to the Ukrainian government on setting up a reconstruction fund in support of the recovery of the Ukrainian economy. This could include advice on the structure, investment process, governance and use of proceeds for a fund. The goal of the fund would be to create opportunity for both public and private investors to participate in reconstructing and rejuvenating the market economy in Ukraine by delivering fair and just returns to investors.

“We’ve shown that we know how to win on the battlefield. Another important task for us is to achieve victories in the economy as well, and to be an attractive country for investors,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President emphasized that Ukraine is interested in attracting global capital that will create new jobs and facilitate the economy’s growth.

“The investment attractiveness of our country is of particular importance. It’s important to me that a structure like this be successful for all parties involved. We are capable, and we want to restore a normal investment climate,” the Head of State said.

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

Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak held a meeting with the heads of foreign diplomatic missions. The meeting was devoted to the issue of our country’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the creation of an ad hoc criminal tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

The meeting was attended by the heads of the embassies of the United States, France, Canada, Italy, Slovakia, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Germany, the UK and the EU Delegation to Ukraine. Andriy Smyrnov and Roman Mashovets, deputy heads of the Office of the President, also took part in it.

Initially, Yermak noted the positive news that has recently been coming from the front from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and thanked the partner countries for the help provided to our state and heroic people in the fight against the bloody aggressor.

At the same time, he said that even during such a terrible full-scale war, Ukraine is moving along the path of reforms, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is fundamentally committed to this.

In particular, the head of the Office of the President reminded that Ukraine seeks to join the OECD and the OECD Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transactions. Our country’s application for the OECD membership will be considered at the meeting of the OECD Council at the end of September this year, and the official request to join the OECD Working Group should be considered at the meeting of this body on October 10-14.

Yermak asked the diplomats to promote their countries’ support for the relevant decisions.

“Thanks to its unique experience in supporting the post-war reconstruction process, the OECD should act as one of the key international players during the reconstruction of Ukraine. But it is important for us not just to restore the Ukrainian economy after the war. We strive to build an extremely successful democratic country,” he said.

According to the head of the President’s Office, participation and membership in the OECD Working Group on Bribery is also very important for Ukraine, because our state works hard to make processes in its public and private sectors as transparent and accountable as possible.

“Post-war Ukraine should become extremely attractive for investments. For this, every investor must be sure that his legal rights and interests are protected. Therefore, we are working on strengthening anti-corruption institutions, reforming the justice system, strengthening all law enforcement agencies,” Yermak said.

United States Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, for her part, expressed her support for Ukraine’s desire for membership in the OECD and the OECD Working Group on Bribery.

“I believe that this is a very positive signal regarding Ukraine’s commitment to fighting corruption and continuing reforms. This will be an important signal for international investors, in particular the American business community,” she said.

The head of the President’s Office also briefed the heads of foreign diplomatic missions on Ukraine’s initiative to establish an ad hoc criminal tribunal, the mandate of which will extend exclusively to prosecute the crime of aggression.

“We call on your countries to support this idea, because the crime of aggression must not go unpunished. The crime of aggression, for which the world did not have the courage to punish Russia in 2008, when it came to Georgia. The crime of aggression that the world ignored when Russia came to Crimea and eastern Ukraine,” he said.

Yermak reminded that yesterday another mass burial of innocent tortured and killed people was found in the city of Izium, liberated from the Russian occupiers.

“All these war crimes must be investigated and every guilty person must be punished. In addition, this is another argument for recognizing Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism,” the head of the Office of the President said.

According to Smyrnov, deputy head of the President’s Office, specific persons are guilty of the crime of aggression, its legal proof is as simple as possible and does not require complex examinations and numerous interrogations.

Smyrnov said that the Ukrainian side is finalizing the draft international agreement on the establishment of this tribunal to start negotiations on its signing.

Answering the question of Estonian Ambassador to Ukraine Kaimo Kuusk, he said that Ukraine is in favor of creating a tribunal based on an open international treaty to which various civilized countries will join.

“It’s key for Ukraine that this tribunal be as authoritative as possible from the very beginning. And this requires the support of your countries,” Smyrnov said.

Canada’s ambassador to Ukraine Larisa Galadza stressed the importance of bringing to justice those responsible for the horrific crimes committed during Russia’s war against Ukraine.

French Ambassador to Ukraine Etienne de Poncins said that his country will support Ukraine in the investigation of war crimes by sending relevant specialists in the near future.

Yermak noted the importance of such assistance to ensure that all relevant actions take place quickly, since new and new crimes are opened with the liberation of the occupied territories.

“We believe that if we all continue working together now, we will bring our joint victory closer. Ukraine shows that it is possible. And once again I thank your peoples, countries, governments and leaders for their help and support,” he said.

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

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska continues video conversations with representatives of the countries that joined this year’s Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen. Last week, she talked to the wives of the heads of state and government of Poland, Germany, Ecuador and Greece.

The Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen is an international platform designed to create comfortable conditions for the exchange of experience and the implementation of joint projects for the well-being of people in the world.

“The video calls that we had within the framework of the Summit make it possible to deepen relations between our countries, to learn more about people’s lives and their needs. And this is all important for joint efforts and work on joint projects. Together we can do more than alone,” Zelenska said.

The talks are aimed at consolidating and deepening cooperation between the countries in the humanitarian, cultural, educational and social areas, as well as in the field of mental and physical health.

During a conversation with First Lady of the Republic of Poland Agata Kornhauser-Duda, the wife of the President of Ukraine expressed special thanks for caring for the youngest generation of Ukrainians, in particular those who need medical assistance, for organizing their treatment both in medical institutions in Poland and abroad. As reported, on the initiative of Agata Kornhauser-Duda, seriously ill patients were transported from a children’s hospital in Lviv to hospitals in the Republic of Poland (the cities of Łódź, Toruń, Kraków), as well as medical institutions in Italy and Germany.

During a conversation with the wife of the President of Germany, Elke Büdenbender, the First Lady of Ukraine talked about her initiative “Ukrainian Bookshelf,” within the framework of which editions in the Ukrainian language appeared in book chains and libraries of Germany.

“It is important that Ukrainians abroad have access to books in their native language. In the near future, we will expand the assortment of Ukrainian editions in Berlin and other cities,” Zelenska said.

In addition, the wife of the President of Ukraine offered Elke Büdenbender to become the patron of the “Stories of Better Times” book project in Germany. It provides for the publication and reading of books by domestic authors in Ukrainian, German and Dutch languages. They will be distributed in Germany, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands. The interesting part of the project will be the opportunity to read aloud the book on your own. According to the organizers, the initiative will help children overcome sadness, integrate into the environment of the host country and keep in touch with relatives who remained at home.

During the conversation with the First Lady of Ecuador, Zelenska thanked her country for condemnation of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine and for supporting relevant resolutions within international and regional organizations. The President’s wife also noted the joint activity of the first ladies – protection of children’s rights – and offered to exchange experience on the implementation of relevant programs.

During a conversation with the wife of the Prime Minister of Greece, Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis, Zelenska positively evaluated the children’s rehabilitation program in Greece, which has already reached more than 1,200 young Ukrainians. The First Lady of Ukraine also paid attention to the discussion of the issue of education for Ukrainian schoolchildren who are in the territory of Greece, in particular, the creation of the necessary conditions for studying the subjects of the Ukrainian school curriculum.

“It is important for us that those schoolchildren who wish to continue their education in Ukrainian schools remotely can do so without violating Greek legislation. Therefore, the priority for us is to introduce a flexible schedule and a simplified procedure for visiting Greek schools,” she said.

Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis expressed her understanding of the importance of solving this issue and promised to pay attention to it. In addition, the wife of the Prime Minister said that, according to the agreements with the first lady of the United States, three psychologists will soon arrive in Greece to help in the rehabilitation of a new group of Ukrainian children.

Earlier the first lady of Ukraine talked with the wife of the President of the European Council, the first ladies of Belgium, Austria, North Macedonia, Spain, Serbia, the Republic of Latvia, Belize, the wife of the President of Iceland. In total, Zelenska has already held 13 conversations.