Tag: President of Ukraine

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

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva had a telephone conversation with Minister of European Affairs of the Czech Republic Mikuláš Bek.

The interlocutors discussed the results of the visit of President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to Ukraine on September 15. The significant progress of our country in implementing the recommendations of the European Commission regarding EU membership and the true democracy of Ukrainian society, which shares and defends European values on the battlefield, were noted.

“In less than three months, Ukraine fulfilled about half of the recommendations of the European Commission. We are on an optimistic path to their full implementation by November of this year,” Ihor Zhovkva emphasized.

The parties coordinated joint political and practical steps for Ukraine’s advance on the European integration track. They also discussed Ukraine’s participation in the high-level EU events that will take place during the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union until the end of 2022, in particular, in the informal meeting of EU heads of state and government on October 6 and 7 in Prague (Czech Republic).

“We expect that the leadership of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU will influence the opening of a window of opportunity for the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union in the near future,” said the Deputy Head of the President’s Office.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 September 2022.

The Head of Presidential Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Valerii Zaluzhny held a phone conversation with the US President’s National Security Advisor Jacob Sullivan and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley as part of the ongoing dialogue.

The parties discussed the actions Ukrainian side is taking to de-occupy its territories.

Jacob Sullivan and Mark Milley congratulated Ukraine on the successful counter-offensive operation in the Kharkiv region, resulting in liberation of almost 400 towns and villages.

The interlocutors discussed in detail the provision and needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to continue the de-occupation of Ukrainian territories.

Separately, Andriy Yermak emphasized the Russian missile terror attacks against civilian infrastructure on the Ukrainian territory. He said, Ukraine should get reliable security guarantees ASAP to prevent further aggression. Andriy Yermak told the interlocutors about the concept of the Kyiv Security Compact he had presented with former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen earlier this week.

Andriy Yermak and Valerii Zaluzhny thanked the USA, President Joseph Biden, Congress and the American people for supporting Ukraine in its struggle for independence and freedom of the whole of Europe.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 September 2022.

A priority for Ukraine today is to obtain air defense and anti-missile systems that will protect citizens and civil infrastructure from constant attacks by Russia. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with media representatives following a meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the availability of modern air defense systems will contribute, in particular, to the return of Ukrainians home from abroad.

“The issue is to guarantee their security. This is a complicated issue. Security is air defense. I don’t know how to solve it very quickly, but air defense and anti-missile defense are a priority for us today,” he said.

According to the Head of State, there are certain positive decisions regarding the supply of NASAMS and IRIS-T anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine.

“We expect several IRIS-T systems. We haven’t received any yet. Just as we expect NASAMS from the US – and we are grateful for approving this process,” the President said.

According to the Head of State, Ukraine is determined to actively work on the issue of air defense systems provision with such countries as France, Italy, and Germany.

“I have not yet received a positive response from Israel. There are not so many states capable of guaranteeing the closing of the sky for us, at least from the point of view of air defense. And this issue should be resolved with these states,” he explained.

The President emphasized the importance of speeding up the process of providing our country with air defense systems, because Ukrainian civilians die every day from the aggression of the Russian Federation.

“I would like all countries capable of providing Ukraine with heavy equipment to open this window. We are grateful for all the aid they provide to strengthen the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” he said.

The President noted that the recent success at the front, primarily in the Kharkiv region, was made possible thanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the fact that Ukraine received the aid it requested.

“Not all yet, but we received it. It is very important that partners support us with what we need. All actions on the battlefield are specific operations that must be backed by specific weapons. Then there will be a concrete result. And we don’t even need to talk about the courage and intelligence of our Armed Forces, everything can be seen from the results,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

For her part, Ursula von de Leyen noted that the European Commission welcomes the joint approach of the EU countries to providing Ukraine with the armed support it needs for its defense.

“This is a general recommendation for all member states of the European Union. The EU itself does not possess any military equipment, but facilitates this process through the funding of the European Peace Facility. But this is the responsibility of EU member states on a bilateral level,” she said.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 September 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen took part in the unveiling of a symbolic plaque on the Walk of the Brave on Constitution Square in Kyiv dedicated to the European leader.

“In times of war, we gather on this square not by a coincidence, as here are the names of world leaders who supported our state, our people, our economy and during this war stood by our side against the aggression of the Russian Federation. I would like the name of the honorable President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to appear on this Walk today,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during the ceremonial unveiling of the plaque.

The Ukrainian President also presented the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise of the 1st degree to the President of the European Commission. Ursula von der Leyen received it for significant personal merits in strengthening interstate cooperation, support of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and a significant contribution to the popularization of the Ukrainian state in the world.

The President of the European Commission thanked Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the awards and emphasized that she was happy to be in Kyiv.

“I sincerely thank you for the order I received today. It is a great honor for me. I accept it on behalf of millions of Europeans who support the Ukrainian people. This is a great symbol of the connection between Ukraine and the European Union,” she said.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the European Union has stood by our country in its heroic struggle against the aggressor. The leadership of the President of the European Commission plays a key role in the broad support for Ukraine from the European Union in the defense of sovereignty, territorial integrity and common European values.

Ursula von der Leyen personally convinces the leaders of EU member states of the need to provide Ukraine with heavy weapons and increase sanction pressure on the Russian Federation. Her dedication to the unconditional victory of Ukraine contributed to the adoption by the European Union of important decisions regarding the financial support of our country, including unprecedented macro-financial aid and recovery planning.

She also makes significant efforts to deepen the European integration of our country and implement the key priorities of the agenda of Ukraine-EU relations.

From now on, the name of Ursula von der Leyen on the Walk of the Brave in Kyiv will be next to the names of statesmen from Great Britain, Poland, Latvia and the Czech Republic.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 September 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen who is on a visit to our country.

The Head of State thanked the President of the European Commission for the visit and noted her important role in the defense and financial support of Ukraine during the war.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked Ursula von der Leyen for her efforts on Ukraine’s acquisition of the status of a candidate for membership in the European Union.

“Today we had a substantive conversation. It is important that Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen came to us after the annual State of the EU Report,” said the President.

The Head of State noted that on Wednesday, during the visit of First Lady Olena Zelenska to Strasbourg, the intention of the European Union to allocate 100 million euros for the reconstruction of 74 Ukrainian schools was announced.

“This program is big, and the destruction is big, but step by step we have to bring life back to Ukraine. And we bring it back thanks to our warriors, our people. I think that today we are very positive and motivated by the daily de-occupation of certain towns and villages. So for us, this is a big victory,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The Head of State noted that during the meeting with the President of the European Commission, the issue of energy challenges facing Ukraine and the EU was discussed.

“We see the Russian enemy strike our CHPP and other energy infrastructure. There will be many challenges this winter, and here we all need to work together, as these are difficult challenges for both Ukraine and the European Union. We understand that we all have to help each other,” said the President.

The Head of State noted that due to Ukraine’s accession to the common energy system of the EU, European countries will be able to receive cheap Ukrainian electricity, and our state will receive budget revenues, which will help fulfill obligations regarding the payment of salaries and pensions.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Ursula von der Leyen for the decision of the European Commission to allocate a €5 billion tranche of financial aid from the European Union to Ukraine.

According to the President, the parties also discussed the possibility of receiving the next tranche by the end of the current year and the preparation of macro-financial aid to Ukraine from the EU for the next year.

In addition, the interlocutors touched upon the issue of Ukraine joining the internal market of the European Union even before acquiring full membership in the EU.

“I am sure this will be one of our most important victories. We deserve it, and while we are still on the path to membership, we would like to join the EU internal market. This is important for us,” the Head of State said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen discussed the continuation of pressure on Russia, in particular through the adoption of the 8th sanctions package.

For her part, the President of the European Commission congratulated Ukraine and the Ukrainian Armed Forces on their success at the front and expressed her admiration for the bravery of the Ukrainian military.

Ursula von der Leyen also noted that our country continues to move towards EU membership.

“I note determination, huge progress on this path. We will support you with all our capabilities,” she emphasized.

The President of the European Commission noted the importance of increasing the supply of Ukrainian electricity to EU countries.

The parties also discussed the provision of macro-financial aid to Ukraine. Ursula von der Leyen said that the tranche of 5 billion euros agreed upon by the European Parliament is to be received in October, and assured that the work on support will be continued.

Regarding sanctions, the President of the European Commission emphasized the importance of exchanging details of work in this direction between the EU and Ukraine, so that the aggressor could not circumvent the restrictions.

In addition, the leaders discussed the issue of effective and fast recovery of Ukraine.

“We will never be able to compensate for what you are doing, your struggle for democracy, humanity, respect for international law. But what we can do is tell you that your European friends stand with you. And we will stand with you for as long as necessary,” Ursula von der Leyen assured.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 September 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with representatives of leading think tanks of Europe and the United States of America, whose visit to our country was organized by the Polish Institute of International Affairs.

The Head of State thanked the group of experts for visiting Kyiv during the war, which is another proof of the strong support for Ukraine from the free democratic world. The President noted that thanks to such solidarity, our country has already gained a number of important victories over the occupiers and will be able to completely liberate its territory.

“We will win thanks to the supply of weapons, tough sanctions against the Russian aggressor. In particular, we will overcome the famine that Russia provoked by blocking Ukrainian ports. But the main thing is the unity of the civilized world. The work of experts and scientists should contribute to this,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Head of State emphasized the need to increase defense support of Ukraine from the partner states. Critically important in this regard is the acquisition of air defense systems.

“Targeted shelling by the Russian aggressor of critical infrastructure facilities confirms the validity of our requests. The democratic world must provide us with the necessary defense and financial assistance. As soon as possible. This is important not only for us, but also for the world. Otherwise, all states to the west of Ukraine will be under threat. The sooner we receive such help, the sooner this war will end,” said the Head of State.

During the meeting, there was an exchange of views regarding the package of recommendations on security guarantees for Ukraine prepared by the International Working Group under the leadership of Andriy Yermak and former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. The President emphasized that without such guarantees it is impossible to talk about a stable Europe.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need to designate Russia a state – sponsor of terrorism for all the crimes it has already committed and is committing in Ukraine.

“For us, this issue is fundamental and obvious. After Bucha, Mariupol, Vinnytsia, Olenivka. After shelling of critical infrastructure facilities,” the President said. It was noted that the situation around the Zaporizhzhia NPP is nothing more than another manifestation of nuclear terrorism by the aggressor.

Particular attention was paid to the reconstruction of Ukraine, the creation of a compensation mechanism for the damage caused by Russian invasion, and the establishment of a special tribunal on the crime of Russian aggression.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 September 2022.

During a visit to Strasbourg, First Lady Olena Zelenska held a meeting with Vice-President of the European Commission for Promoting the European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas and European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides. The President’s wife thanked them for their recent visit to Ukraine.

“You draw the attention of European and world leaders to Ukraine and the problems we are forced to deal with due to Russia’s barbaric military aggression against Ukraine,” Olena Zelenska said.

The First Lady discussed with Margaritis Schinas the urgent need for international support for Ukrainian education, in particular, assistance in the implementation of the plan for the rapid restoration of schools. The Office of the President, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science and local authorities, created a list of 74 high-priority institutions in need of immediate restoration. The parties also discussed the issue of equipping schools and preschool institutions with means of fire safety and arranging shelters. Another topic of discussion was school buses to ensure transportation of students and teachers in the west of Ukraine. The available number of school buses is insufficient, part of the fleet was transferred to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. About 3,000 buses are needed.

In addition, the parties discussed educational and cultural projects for Ukrainians who became forced immigrants in the EU.

It was stated that children from Ukraine in the European Union need to study the Ukrainian language and literature, the history of Ukraine in their temporary European schools. The Government of Ukraine helps develop educational materials and provides them to partners. At the same time, educational institutions will need additional funding for high-quality teaching of Ukrainian subjects in schools, organization of groups, additional classes, clubs and weekend schools.

Olena Zelenska said that the “Ukrainian Bookshelf” project is being implemented in the EU countries on her initiative to distribute books in the Ukrainian language in the original and translations in the world’s leading libraries. In total, “Ukrainian bookshelves” were opened in 18 countries: Austria, Türkiye, Lithuania, Slovakia, Sweden, the Czech Republic, France, the Netherlands, Greece, Latvia, Finland, Jordan, Croatia, Lebanon, Japan, Belgium, Albania, Spain.

For his part, Margaritis Schinas said: “Ukrainian children can and should study in Europe, but they should use their knowledge to rebuild Ukraine. And everything they learn and acquire in Europe, they should invest in the reconstruction of Ukraine.”

Olena Zelenska discussed the medical evacuation of wounded Ukrainian soldiers and civilians abroad with the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides. About 1,200 patients from Ukraine were sent for treatment to EU member states.

They also discussed the issue of supporting Ukraine’s capabilities in the field of prosthetics for those who have lost limbs, and the National Program of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, which is being launched in Ukraine. They also touched upon the issue of psychological rehabilitation of children from hot spots.

“We understand the extreme importance for the European community of studying the Ukrainian trauma caused by the terrible war. Detailed understanding and forecasting of the consequences, necessary preventive steps, research of the impact on social and economic indicators both in Ukraine and in European countries – the European Commission could become a leading institution in the implementation of such an ambitious and important research project to study the impact of this war on society and economy in Ukraine and around the world, its traumatic consequences and ways to overcome these traumas,” Olena Zelenska is convinced.

During the visit, the First Lady also held a meeting with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. Olena Zelenska thanked her for visiting Ukraine in April, after the de-occupation of the Kyiv region.

“This became a powerful signal for Ukrainians that they are not alone and Europe will support us and will not allow the destruction of our state and our people. This is not only a sign of support, but also a clear signal that Ukraine, together with the democratic world, will win this war,” said the First Lady.

She also emphasized the importance of the debate on the human rights violations in the context of forced deportation of Ukrainian civilians and forced adaptation of Ukrainian children in Russia, scheduled for September 14 in the European Parliament.

“The situation of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, including children from specialized institutions who were forcibly relocated or deported by the aggressor state to its territory in violation of the norms of international humanitarian law is one of the most sensitive topics for our society,” said Olena Zelenska.

The President’s wife also discussed the topic of forcibly deported Ukrainians, including children, with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić who also visited the de-occupied Kyiv region in May 2022.

“We appreciate the efforts of the Council of Europe to implement the project “Protection of Children’s Rights in Ukraine”. But this is not enough. We need the real help of international partners in returning kidnapped children who ended up on the territory of the Russian Federation unaccompanied by their parents to Ukraine,” said the President’s wife.

Discussions began on the topic of creating a special tribunal to punish the crime of aggression against Ukraine and a compensation mechanism for reparation of damages caused by aggression.

“The authority of the Council of Europe as a leading international organization in matters of human rights protection is universally recognized. We very much hope that the Council of Europe will once again prove its leading role in the protection of human rights and make an appropriate decision in matters of responsibility for the crime of aggression,” said the First Lady.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 September 2022.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a video conversation with the newly appointed Diplomatic Adviser to the Prime Minister of Croatia Dino Mihanović.

Ihor Zhovkva expressed gratitude to the Croatian government for its firm political support to Ukraine, significant assistance to our country, in particular humanitarian aid provided to overcome the consequences of Russian military aggression.

“Ukraine highly appreciates the aid from our Croatian partners and the personal efforts of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on comprehensive support for our country,” he emphasized.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President informed the interlocutor about the current security situation in Ukraine, in particular, taking into account the results of the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces, as well as in the context of the threats to the region and the whole of Europe still remaining due to the presence of Russian occupiers in the territory of the temporarily seized Zaporizhzhia NPP.

During the conversation, the main attention was paid to the interaction between Ukraine and Croatia in the context of the implementation of our country’s strategic course for membership in the European Union. Ihor Zhovkva and Dino Mihanović coordinated positions on further cooperation in the process of Ukraine’s implementation of the recommendations of the European Commission.

“We are determined to ensure the proper dynamics of the implementation of the recommendations of the European Commission and count on the expert assistance of our Croatian partners who have modern experience in conducting the negotiation process on joining the EU,” Ihor Zhovkva said.

Separately, the parties discussed preparations for the first parliamentary summit of the Crimea Platform, which will be hosted by Croatia in October of this year. This event is designed to activate the parliamentary dimension of the work that Ukraine is doing together with international partners in the context of efforts to de-occupy Crimea.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 September 2022.

During a working trip to the Kharkiv region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on energy security issues in the region.

Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Oleg Syniehubov informed the President that 16 communities were fully de-occupied in the region, and 7 communities were partially de-occupied. About 6% of the region’s territory remains under occupation, while 32% of the Kharkiv region was occupied before the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian military.

According to Oleg Syniehubov, works are being carried out in the region to restore damaged infrastructure facilities, in particular in liberated settlements. Electricity supply lines, mobile communications and the work of medical institutions are being restored in the de-occupied territories.

The President emphasized the importance of restoring electricity supply as soon as possible in the territories liberated from the enemy.

“The de-occupation is ongoing, so we need to prepare a clear plan of action so that it is applicable in other areas that will be liberated,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko, who participated in the meeting via video conference, noted that the work of repair crews largely depends on the pace of demining the territories.

In view of this, the President called to ensure the work of a greater number of crews of energy workers and employees of the State Emergency Service in order to speed up the recovery process.

During the meeting, attention was also focused on the issue of the operation of CHPP and TPP in the Kharkiv region. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that today, in the conditions of war, it is necessary to develop a plan of measures to ensure reserve capacities of the energy supply system.

In addition, the Head of State got himself acquainted with the progress of restoration of a residential building in Kharkiv, which was damaged as a result of Russian shelling. The roof, walls and balconies are being repaired there, windows are being installed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky of the III degree to Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Oleg Syniehubov and the Order “For Courage” of the II degree to Mayor of Kharkiv Ihor Terekhov.

Oleg Syniehubov and Ihor Terekhov were awarded in accordance with the President’s decree of March 6 for a significant personal contribution to the protection of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, courage and selfless actions shown during the organization of the defense of settlements from Russian invaders.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 September 2022.

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska arrived in Strasbourg at the invitation of President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to participate in the announcement of the Report on the State of the European Union.

Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers such a Report at the plenary session of the European Parliament. Until now, there was no practice of inviting foreign guests or delegations to the announcement of the Report. The wife of the President of Ukraine became the first guest of honor at such a session of the European Parliament.

This year’s Report is devoted, among other things, to the EU’s response to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine (sanctions against Russia, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, support for displaced persons, increased investment in the defense of EU countries), as well as energy security issues (implementation of the REPowerEU plan to gradually abandon Russian energy carriers).

During the speech, Ursula von der Leyen announced the decision of the European Commission to allocate 100 million euros for the reconstruction of 74 Ukrainian schools in the framework of the Fast Recovery Plan. Institutions should be restored before the beginning of winter. Separate plans have been prepared for each school.

Olena Zelenska also personally met with the President of the European Commission. The First Lady thanked her for the invitation and solidarity with Ukraine in the fight against the Russian invaders.

“Millions of Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes and go abroad in order to save the lives of their children. We are grateful to European countries for sheltering our citizens and creating conditions for their temporary residence. We have to solve a large number of problems, and today I hope to discuss with you the needs of Ukrainians both abroad and inside the country in the fields of health care, education and culture,” said Olena Zelenska at the beginning of the meeting.

The interlocutors paid attention to the topic of medical assistance to Ukrainians, in particular to wounded servicemen and civilians. Assistance from the EU in solving problems with certain categories of special care medical institutions, implementing programs for psychological support of the population, and building Ukraine’s capacity in the field of prosthetics was also discussed. In addition, they discussed the urgent educational needs of Ukrainians abroad and at home, support from the EU in protecting and preserving Ukrainian cultural heritage.

“Ukraine must win, and we will do everything for it. This victory is not just a victory of Ukraine over Russia in the war, it is a matter of survival and the future of democracy. We will stand by your side until the end, no matter how long it takes,” said Ursula von der Leyen.

Olena Zelenska noted the role of the European Union in evacuating wounded Ukrainian servicemen and civilians abroad. On March 11, the European Commission introduced a standard medical evacuation procedure (MEDEVAC). Over this time, 1,187 people were transported from Ukraine to medical facilities in European countries.

The First Lady called on the EU to support the National Program of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, which is being implemented to help the population affected by hostilities, as well as the development of Ukraine’s capabilities in the field of prosthetics, facial reconstruction and treatment of post-traumatic disorders.

In addition, Olena Zelenska emphasized that the Ukrainian authorities are implementing the recommendations of the European Commission, which are necessary for the start of the negotiation process on our country’s acquisition of EU membership.

“Russia’s war is also aimed at hindering Ukraine’s European integration processes. However, these efforts of Russia turned into a fiasco. I want to assure you that the authorities of Ukraine are determined to make every effort to speed up our country’s path to full membership in the EU. Ukraine is ready to do all the necessary work in order to bring the start of negotiations closer,” the First Lady assured.

During the visit, Olena Zelenska plans to discuss these and other issues also with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić, Vice-President of the European Commission for Promoting the European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides.