Tag: President of Ukraine

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 7 June 2022.

First Lady Olena Zelenska called on the world, and in particular the United States, not to get used to Russia’s war against Ukraine, because if that happens, the war will never end. The President’s wife stated this in an interview for the American TV channel ABC, which she gave in Kyiv.

The conversation was interrupted for 40 minutes by an air alarm – this episode was also seen by American viewers.

“I really want the whole world, and Americans as well, not to get used to this war. Yes, it is far from you, it lasts long, and you can get tired of it, but please do not get used to it, because if everyone gets used to it, this war will never end. Don’t get used to the pain. And when you start thinking that there may be some reason for this war, it means that you are in the zone of Russian propaganda. Be careful, hear the truth,” she said.

Olena Zelenska also stressed that Ukraine is not ready to give up its territories in exchange for “peace”, as some Russian and world politicians suggest: “We are not ready to give up our territories. You can’t lose your territory and be calm in the future. The aggressor will not stop at part of our territory, they will not stop until they destroy us. So we have no choice – we must fight for our independence.”

The First Lady is convinced that Ukrainians will endure this war. But today our citizens are experiencing terrible tragedies.

“There are children who have seen their parents being killed. Here, in the Kyiv region, for example, there are boys who saw their mother killed and had to bury her themselves,” she said.

According to the President’s wife, Russian soldiers are resorting to destruction and violence, because Russia’s goal is to “destroy everything that makes us Ukrainians and distinguishes us from them.”

The First Lady also spoke about the National Program of Psychological Assistance to War Victims, which was launched at her initiative.

“The big problem is that Ukrainians are not used to consulting a psychologist, so we need a large-scale communication campaign,” she said.

In addition, Olena Zelenska noted the great role of Ukrainian women in this war, each of whom does her best for the victory: “I have always been convinced that Ukrainian women are the best. And finally the world will see the face of a Ukrainian woman.”

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 7 June 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak met with the parliamentary delegation of the Republic of Korea headed by Leader of the ruling People Power Party Lee Jun-seok.

At the beginning of the event, Andriy Yermak stressed the importance of the Korean delegation’s visit to Ukraine at this crucial time for our country, and thanked for Korea’s consistent support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The Head of the President’s Office noted that today our country’s main task is to win this unprovoked war started by Russia.

According to Andriy Yermak, Ukraine’s goal is to achieve peace as soon as possible, because the longer the war lasts, the greater the risks for the whole world. At the same time, he stressed that our country especially needs military assistance to win.

“We are confident that this will be our victory and the victory of our friends and partners,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

During the meeting, the parties noted the importance of the fact that the high-level Korean delegation saw the situation in Ukraine personally, as well as visited Bucha and Irpin, where it had an opportunity to see the consequences of horrific war crimes committed by Russian invaders.

This visit and its results will also help identify key areas for further deepening cooperation between the two countries, in particular during the reconstruction of Ukraine’s regions, which have suffered enormous damage as a result of the war.

In this context, Andriy Yermak announced the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to invite democracies to take patronage over a region or a city in Ukraine that needs to be restored, and invited the Korean side to join this ambitious project.

The Head of the Office of the President and the delegation of the Republic of Korea also discussed some promising areas of post-war cooperation, in particular in the field of innovative automotive industry. Andriy Yermak suggested discussing these and other potentially interesting joint projects during a video conference with members of the government and business representatives of the two countries.

Separately, Andriy Yermak touched upon the issue of work carried out by the Ukrainian side together with partners in the development of a multilateral agreement on security guarantees for Ukraine.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 6 June 2022.

The Yermak-McFaul International Working Group on Sanctions against Russia presented a Roadmap for individual sanctions. The document defines the objectives of individual sanctions, the principles of their application, comprehensively names all categories of persons against whom personal sanctions should be imposed, and proposes a strategy to increase sanctions pressure.

The purpose of individual sanctions is to increase pressure on the ruling elites of the regime, and thus help end the war against Ukraine. The Group proposes to impose sanctions on those categories of persons for whom it will be the fastest and most effective. That is, it is proposed to choose those categories of persons, personal sanctions of the democratic world against which will be the most painful.

The following types of persons subject to sanctions are offered in order of priority: oligarchs, senior government officials, key corporate executives, including foreigners, Russian propagandists, political party leaders, family members, and proxies. The Group also proposes to consider introducing individual sanctions against all Russian athletes. The appendix to the document explains in detail who belongs to the appropriate category.

The number of potential candidates for sanctions will be at least 12,000 individuals and 3,000 legal entities. The immediate priority is given to the 100 wealthiest people on Russia’s Forbes list.

According to the white paper, the sanctions coalition should focus on those who have been able to avoid sanctions in most or all jurisdictions. Examples are Vladimir Potanin, owner of Norilsk Nickel and other large assets, Andrey Bokarev, co-owner of Transmashholding and other significant assets; and Iskander Makhmudov, co-owner of Transoil, Transmashholding and other significant assets.

The key sanctions mechanisms should be the freezing of assets, the ban on entry into the countries of the sanctions coalition, and the termination of powers in Western companies. It is crucial to involve as many countries as possible in a coalition of sanctions. If a person is subject to sanctions in one jurisdiction, all other jurisdictions should be the case. The role of the Ukrainian government in making any decisions on sanctions is emphasized.

Also, according to the Group, any attempts by senior government officials, heads of corporations and board members, propagandists, and members of political parties to transfer property to their family members or proxies should be carefully monitored and prevented. Any assistance in transmitting or receiving such assets should be grounds for imposing sanctions.

This roadmap and the previous papers of the Yermak-McFaul Group – Action Plan for Strengthening Sanctions and the Roadmap for Energy Sanctions have been provided to all key decision-makers. It is vital to continue to increase sanctions pressure on Russia.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 June 2022.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha met with a delegation of the Ukrainian World Congress, which included UWC President Paul Grod, UWC First Vice President Stefan Romaniw, UWC Vice President Lenna Koszarny, Ukrainian Canadian Congress President Alexandra Chyczij, UWC Executive Director Sonya Soutus, Director of UWC Mission to Ukraine Serhiy Kasyanchuk, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Ihor Michalchyshyn.

Andriy Sybiha thanked the Ukrainian World Congress and non-governmental organizations of Ukrainians abroad for their comprehensive support for our state from the first minutes of the full-scale Russian invasion. He also noted the efforts of Ukrainians abroad in the context of providing humanitarian assistance to the Armed Forces and the affected population of Ukraine.

The parties agreed that international actions, appeals and calls of foreign Ukrainians to the governments of the host countries are important.

“We must overcome the aggressor due to the joint coordinated actions of our international partners and the voice of Ukrainians abroad,” said the Deputy Head of the President’s Office.

According to Andriy Sybiha, an extremely important task for Ukrainians abroad is to conduct effective information campaigns, in particular in those countries where there is a large Ukrainian community, as well as to counter Russian propaganda.

“Ukrainians are shedding blood to stop the onslaught of the enemy. Our priority is to restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Andriy Sybiha said.

Ways of further support from the Ukrainians abroad aimed to effectively counter Russian aggression were discussed separately. In this regard, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President called on Ukrainian NGOs abroad to play an active role in ensuring important decisions made by governments of various states to support Ukraine, especially in the defense, financial and economic spheres.

The parties coordinated further steps to consolidate joint efforts to increase defense, financial and humanitarian assistance, as well as to provide adequate care for internally displaced persons from Ukraine.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 June 2022.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Dear Mayors of the United States of America!

I am grateful for the opportunity to address you today.

The United States has become a true leader in Ukraine’s international support. This is defense, financial and political support. And it is based on a sincere connection between all nations who equally value freedom. On the fact that we, Ukrainians and Americans, equally understand the dangers of tyranny.

The world has seen various tyrannies. At different times. Under different flags. And all of them are united by the fact that they despise the rights and freedoms of ordinary people. Tyrants do not recognize the rights and freedoms of local government. And it is usually the free people in the cities which still choose freedom that put an end to the history of tyrants.

And to put an end to this, tyrants must not be allowed to enjoy ties to the free world. Any ties.

You know that dozens of American cities maintain the so-called “brotherhood” with the cities of the Russian Federation. Chicago and Moscow. Jacksonville and Murmansk. San Diego – Vladivostok. Albany and Tula. What do these connections give you? Probably nothing. But they give Russia the opportunity to say that it is not isolated, even after beginning such a war.

Each of you sees how the Russian army wages war and what it is doing to the peaceful cities of Ukraine. Its cruelty is no different from the tyrannies of earlier times.

Mariupol was a port city, an industrial center with half a million people. Russia simply destroyed it. There is nothing there but ruins.

Just as the city of Volnovakha and dozens of other cities that the Russian army burns daily. Burns with bombs, missiles, artillery.

Just imagine – since February 24, Russia has used almost 2,500 different missiles against Ukraine. The vast majority of them were aimed at cities. At city infrastructure. And some of the most deadly Russian missiles are designed and manufactured in Yekaterinburg. Which, by the way, is still a sister city of San Jose.

I’m sure many of you have seen and heard what Russian soldiers did in our city of Bucha. Mass killings, torture of people. The bodies of the killed locals laid on the streets while Russian soldiers remained in the city.

One of those Russian brigades that did all this against our people in Bucha was a brigade from the Khabarovsk Krai of Russia. And the capital of this region – the city of Khabarovsk is still a sister city of Portland. What for? I leave you this question.

Now, in order to restore normal life in Bucha and in the Bucha community, almost 2,000 buildings need to be rebuilt. You understand better than anyone else what this means for any city, when 2,000 houses are destroyed or damaged by missiles and hostilities. These are ordinary houses, ordinary schools, sports facilities, medical institutions.

In total, as of February 24, 3,620 settlements in Ukraine faced Russian occupation – both large cities and small towns. In each of them there is destruction. Many of them are simply not suitable for civilized life. This is the reality that Russia has brought. When there is no connection in cities, there is no electricity, there is simply no water. When bombs and missiles can destroy any building – even a kindergarten or university. When the whole city can just be burned.

But I believe that Ukraine will be able to defend freedom, and tyranny will definitely lose. People will again be able to live peacefully and safely in Ukrainian cities. And to make it happen faster, we have planned an ambitious project to rebuild Ukraine after this war.

I invite you – your cities, your companies, your business and professionals – to take part in this project. You can also become the people who choose to defend freedom and thus put an end to the history of tyranny.

Thanks to the leadership of the United States and the support of all our partners, Ukraine’s bravery receives the necessary weapons to fight for freedom. But the economic advantage of a free world must also be demonstrated.

That is why we are already inviting our partners to join the reconstruction of Ukraine. Take patronage over a city, region, or industry that has been destroyed by Russian strikes. And rebuild them with the latest technology. This may be the largest economic project of our time, which will strengthen Ukraine, each country and each company that will participate in the post-war reconstruction. You can join the implementation of this great project. This will definitely mean economic growth, innovation and new social opportunities for both our country and your cities.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

The beginning of the annual Conference of Mayors of the United States this year coincided with the 100th day of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. There are many issues on your agenda that concern the internal life of your country, your cities and communities. But remember – the full-scale war in Europe and the destabilization of world markets, which occurred because of Russia, directly affect the lives of every nation and all cities of the free world.

Therefore, call for even more pressure on Russia. Don’t help it justify itself. Don’t maintain ties with it. And please do not allow those who have become murderers to call you their brothers and sisters.

Help Ukraine. Help even more. Participate in the reconstruction of our cities, our communities that are liberated from the occupiers.

Thank you very much for your attention.

Glory to Ukraine!

 

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 3 June 2022.

Pursuant to the task from Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Tymoshenko met with President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe Leendert Verbeek and Secretary General of the Congress Andreas Kiefer.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko stressed that this visit is very important for the support of our country and people.

He noted that Russia’s military plans to capture Ukraine have failed, but the Kremlin continues hostilities, sending troops to our country.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko stressed that Ukraine will continue to resist Russian aggression and does not intend to give up its territories and people. At the same time, as a result of the Russian invasion, many cities and infrastructure facilities in our country were destroyed, thousands of Ukrainians died, and millions were forced to flee their homes.

“I am grateful for the clear and decisive position of the members of Congress as regards Russian aggression. It is very important for us to continue the total pressure on the aggressor state,” he said.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President also said that despite the war, several meetings of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine were held, which allowed central and local authorities to stay in touch, resolve urgent issues and plan reconstruction measures.

“The initiative of the President of Ukraine is that for each region there is a state that will take patronage over its reconstruction. This applies to all regions, not just those affected by the war or currently occupied. Because the Head of State has a vision that this is a chance to change the country,” Kyrylo Tymoshenko said.

Therefore, according to him, catalogs were prepared for each region, which contain all the information about the destroyed and damaged infrastructure.

“Here we hope for your help, either in terms of targeted projects or in the framework of cooperation between cities and communities. Because it is important for us to start rebuilding, for example, schools before the beginning of the school year on September 1 or building housing for people who lost it,” said the Deputy Head of the President’s Office.

Leendert Verbeek said that he had met with several leaders of Ukrainian cities affected by the war. He noted that the main goal of the Congress is to establish a dialogue between municipalities from different countries and exchange experiences.

Andreas Kiefer stressed the importance of effective cooperation between central and regional authorities. According to him, the transfer of responsibility to the local level and mutual trust are important for the construction of a new and modern Ukraine.

The parties also touched upon the organization of education for schoolchildren in Ukraine and for those who were forced to go abroad with their families to escape the war. In particular, they noted the need to adapt or combine school programs in Ukraine and those countries where children stay.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko also noted that today the Ukrainian authorities are working to attract business to rebuild schools that were damaged as a result of the Russian invasion. There is also the issue of reorganizing the ways of transporting pupils to educational institutions from those settlements where schools were completely destroyed.

The Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe noted that he had already discussed with representatives of European organizations the possibility of contributing to the reconstruction of the affected regions of Ukraine.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 3 June 2022.

During a working visit to the Portuguese Republic, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva met with the country’s top political leadership.

During a conversation with Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa, Ihor Zhovkva expressed gratitude on behalf of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the strong support for our state in combating full-scale armed aggression. The interlocutors reaffirmed their willingness to enhance cooperation in the context of Ukraine’s implementation of its intentions to become a full member of the European Union.

“I had a good opportunity to make sure that Portugal, which is geographically far from Ukraine, understands the concerns and needs of Ukrainians very well – we are sincerely grateful for the help provided. This means that it will definitely not be against a symbolic decision for Ukraine – the status of a candidate for EU membership,” said the Deputy Head of the President’s Office.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to the prospects of involving Portugal in the post-war reconstruction of destroyed facilities in the regions of our country.

“It will be a good opportunity to build a part of Portugal in Ukraine – with its sun, warmth and always positive attitude to life,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

In a conversation with President of the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic Augusto Silva, the role of the parliamentary dimension of bilateral cooperation in ensuring support for Ukraine was highly praised. The parties highly noted the importance of the historic address of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Assembly of the Republic and the people of Portugal on April 21, 2022.

“I am glad that after the formation of the new Assembly of the Republic you have already begun to actively engage in a constructive dialogue with your Ukrainian counterparts and clearly condemned the Russian aggression in Ukraine,” said the Deputy Head of the Office of the President.

The whole spectrum of bilateral relations was discussed in detail with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal João Cravinho. The interlocutors focused on increasing the sanctions pressure on the aggressor, accelerating the provision of heavy weapons to Ukraine, receiving financial assistance, as well as the prospects of Ukraine obtaining the status of candidate for EU membership.

“The support of the world community, in particular Portugal, is important for the consolidation of fundamental principles of international law, the task of which is to guarantee the security of sovereign countries,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President and the Foreign Minister of Portugal also discussed the prospects of deepening Ukraine’s integration into the EU internal market, which will allow the Ukrainian economy to gradually recover.

During a meeting with Minister of National Defenсe of the Portuguese Republic Helena Carreiras, the current security situation resulting from Russia’s armed aggression was discussed in detail. Ihor Zhovkva thanked the Portuguese partners for their practical assistance and stressed that in order to liberate the territory temporarily occupied by the occupiers, the supply of weapons from our international partners should be much larger.

“Every day of delays in the supply of weapons costs too much for our society, so we are hopeful that Portugal will be able to approve appropriate decisions as soon as possible,” said Ihor Zhovkva. The issue of available facilities for the treatment of wounded Ukrainian servicemen in Portugal was raised separately.

The conversation between the Deputy Head of the President’s Office and Secretary of State for European Affairs Tiago Antunes focused on Ukraine’s practical steps towards European integration. Ihor Zhovkva expressed hope that after the positive conclusion of the European Commission in June, the relevant decision on granting our country the status of a candidate country for EU membership will be made by the leaders of the member states.

“Ukraine has not stopped working on the Copenhagen criteria for a single day, so we hope that the member states will recognize the importance of Ukraine’s integration, which will only strengthen the European Union, in particular in the field of security and economy. In this context, the support for Ukraine’s accession to the EU by the citizens of Portugal, which reaches 87%, is very important,” said the Deputy Head of the Office of the President.

Tiago Antunes said that the Portuguese side is ready to share the experience gained in the process of Portugal’s accession to the EU.

Pursuant to the agreements reached between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa in Kyiv, Ihor Zhovkva met with Portuguese Minister of Education João Costa and Parque Escolar Head Luis Silva Andrade. The Portuguese side was provided with information on the situation resulting from the destruction of more than 1,888 educational institutions, and was invited to join the rebuilding of the educational infrastructure. Ihor Zhovkva also thanked the Minister for providing study opportunities for Ukrainians who arrived in Portugal after February 24, and for preparing for holding the Ukrainian National Multidisciplinary Test in Lisbon.

“We appreciate that in difficult times, Ukrainian citizens have found a safe haven in Portugal and have the opportunity to attend secondary schools and study the Portuguese language,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine also met with President of the Parliamentary Group of the Socialist Party in the Assembly of the Republic Eurico Dias and former Chairman of the Portugal-Ukraine Friendship Group, Member of the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic Diogo Leão. The parties expressed confidence that the newly formed Portuguese Parliament would continue to develop close cooperation with the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, in particular within the parliamentary assemblies of numerous international organizations.

“We have high hopes that after the formation of a new friendship group with Ukraine in the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic, bilateral inter-parliamentary cooperation will be significantly intensified,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

During a meeting with Head of the Civil House of the President of the Portuguese Republic Fernando de Melo and Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the Portuguese Republic Maria Amélia Paiva, support for the Ukrainian people was expressed on behalf of President of the Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President informed his Portuguese colleagues about the steps that Ukraine will take to restore its territorial integrity and expressed hope for increased support from Portugal in this regard.

During a visit to Cascais, Ihor Zhovkva met with its mayor Carlos Carreiras. Gratitude was expressed for providing proper living conditions for 2.5 thousand Ukrainians and the care they receive from the local community. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President visited the Emergency Aid Center built and fully equipped in Cascais in record time as part of the SOS UCRÂNIA campaign in support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.

“I am really impressed by what I saw and by the living conditions organized with the active help of Mr. Carreiras,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

During a meeting, the ceremony of signing the Memorandum of Intent between the Municipality of Cascais and the city of Bucha took place (the mayors signed the document online). This Memorandum formalizes the close ties that have already been established between the two cities.

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

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska held a conversation with First Lady of the Republic of Latvia Andra Levite and wife of the President of the European Council Amélie Derbaudrenghien.

The interlocutors, in particular, discussed the National Program of Psychological Assistance to Ukrainian Victims of War and the program of prosthetics and rehabilitation of victims of hostilities.

“Before the war, I was involved in programs on a barrier-free environment for all Ukrainians. It is obvious that after the war, the demand for a barrier-free environment – both physical and psychological – will increase, because we have many injured people both physically and psychologically. So we are already working to ensure that they have a full life,” said Olena Zelenska.

The wife of the President of Ukraine also discussed with the First Lady of Latvia the issue of education for Ukrainian children abroad. In particular, Andra Levite will present bilingual alphabets to Ukrainian children temporarily staying in Latvia.

“This is a very nice contribution to the continuation of education for Ukrainian children, I am sure they will learn a new language. And it is very valuable for us that Latvia has supported our project “Books without Borders”, when Ukrainian children’s literature is published abroad under Ukrainian layouts. Our families often left with nothing at all, let alone books. And each of these books will be a bridge to home, to a quiet life for children,” said Olena Zelenska.

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

Good afternoon!

Thank you very much for this opportunity!

Mrs. President Čaputová!

Mrs. President von der Leyen!

Mr. Prime Minister Heger!

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Dear friends!

Thank you for the honor of speaking to you today.

This year, for the first time in its history, the Bratislava Forum is organized in such a way that its panels will be held not only on land, but also on water. On a ship on the Danube.

And it seems to me that this image is important. Because today discussing the challenges to European security and stability, the threats to all humanity in a comprehensive way is simply impossible without taking into account everything that is happening on water.

One of the most important targets for the Russian army in Ukraine today is bridges across rivers. There are occasions when the Russian army strikes missiles three times at the same bridge to completely destroy it.

It is impossible to overestimate the threat that Russian aggression has created for the water potential of our entire part of Europe – the center and east, the Black Sea basin.

The nature of the fighting of the Russian army is frankly barbaric. They just destroy absolutely everything. Both residential buildings and industrial enterprises are being brutally bombed. In particular, environmentally hazardous chemical plants, metallurgical plants, etc.

Fighting in Donbas has created a threat of groundwater pollution since 2014. If the flooding of coal mines in Donbas continues – among them, for example, the Yunkom mine, where an underground nuclear explosion took place in 1979 – poison and even radioactive contamination can get not only into the rivers of Ukraine, but also into the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Of course, speaking about the security challenges associated with our waters – the waters of rivers, the waters of the seas, it is impossible to avoid the blockade of Ukrainian ports by the Russian Federation. Because of this act of aggression by the Russian state, the world is on the brink of a food crisis.

And it’s not just a food problem. This is a shortage in the market. This is a catastrophic rise in prices for basic products. This is a threat of hunger for tens of millions of people in different countries. If this is not prevented, we will get the problem of political chaos in some countries in Africa and Asia. Consequently, the migrant crisis in Europe, when people from countries suffering from hunger will seek salvation.

Also, the food crisis will inevitably lead to large-scale protests in European countries. Many governments will have to explain to protesters on the streets of various European cities why our continent has been taken hostage by one state – Russia – and one person – in Moscow – who ordered the naval blockade of Ukraine.

And now I have mentioned only a few consequences and only in one area of many in which we have extreme threats. Extraordinary challenges. How should we respond to all this?

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Let’s remember the Danube River again. It equally enriches different nations and different cities. Bratislava, Vienna, Budapest, Linz, Regensburg, Belgrade, Izmail and others. Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Romania, Serbia, Hungary, Moldova and Ukraine.

For the Danube to remain clean and safe, for its economic potential, including transport, to work in full, the cooperation of all countries to which nature has given this river is needed. Therefore, unity is needed. Mutual understanding is needed. We need the ability to speak and negotiate for the common good. And these, by the way, are the key things for a peaceful and free life in Europe. This is what Slovakia can do. This is what Ukraine can do. This is what other partner states can do. And this is what Russia deliberately ignores.

Does it try to hear someone? Understand? No.

Does Russia recognize common interests? No. It sees only its own, and treats them quite specifically. Not as the interests of the entire Russian people, but as the selfish desires of a handful of state owners.

And how does Russia perceive the very concept of unity? Only as an attempt to subdue others, to make them dependent on it, to destroy their identity. This is how they interpret unity – when the other and any diversity is simply destroyed.

And this is exactly what they are doing on the territory of Ukraine. They are trying not just to kill people, but to erase the very fact that there is our state, that there is Ukraine. And that Ukraine seeks to be a full-fledged part of a united Europe.

This is an openly anti-European policy of Russia. And such a policy obliges Europe to react, to react in a principled manner.

First, to support Ukraine even more actively. With weapons, finances, politically. We are grateful for the help we already receive. To everyone who helps us. But arms supplies need to be increased. Because it is on the battlefield in Ukraine that it is decided whether freedom in Europe will be preserved for all nations without exception.

And right now on the battlefield in Ukraine is a situation that could provide a turning point in the confrontation. Right now, these days, when Russia will lose the war against Ukraine, the freedom of Europeans will win for decades to come.

Secondly, these are sanctions. The main purpose of the European Union’s sanctions packages is not just to harm Russia, but to make Europe independent of Russia, to sever all critical ties between Russia and European countries that Moscow uses as a weapon, including the energy one.

That is why I consider it unacceptable when so much time is spent discussing the sanctions package, in particular the sixth one. These are all our people, these are all our days. More than a month!

Of course, it is good that the sixth sanctions package has finally been agreed. But it must start working immediately so that it is possible to move on to the preparation of the seventh sanctions package. Every remaining link between Europe and Russia is a rope that the Russian state will try to turn into a stranglehold.

Thirdly, we must strengthen the unity of Europe, true unity. And the main step in this direction should be to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate for membership in the European Union, and subsequently full membership. There can be no temptation in Russia to assume that European countries will not support Ukraine in this matter.

Because if Russia feels that Europe is weak and can leave Ukraine without the obviously necessary decision on candidacy, it will be one of the biggest destabilizing factors for the continent during Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

We must respond to all the challenges and dangers that the Russian Federation has created against us. Politics, economics, military sphere, food, environment, migration – there is no area of our lives in which there is no catastrophe, crisis or threat of catastrophe or crisis due to Russia’s actions.

The quality of our answers directly depends on only one thing – our unity. Any division in Europe is a chance, a chance for Russia. For it to continue its aggressive policy.

I believe you are aware of this. So, I believe that we will be able to protect our continent and our people from everything that threatens us today. But we also have to think about tomorrow. About what will happen after the victory, together with you, we believe in our common victory over tyranny.

That is why Ukraine is already working on a large-scale United 24 initiative. It is a system of tools that can, when fully built, protect not only our state, but also other nations from the threat of armed aggression, natural disasters and anything that can destroy lives.

We aim to make sure that every state that needs help can receive it in 24 hours. Unfortunately, there is no such tool in the world today. Although it is obvious that there is a need for it.

So, I urge you to familiarize yourself with how the first element of this future infrastructure works. Fundraising platform that allows you to accumulate funds from different sources for different needs, including defense, infrastructure, medical, social. Anyone without any bureaucracy can decide for themselves how to help a state in need.

Gradually, we will add other tools to United 24. Diplomatic instruments, sanctions, technical tools – together with you. They will significantly upgrade the existing global security architecture. I am sure that the need to update it will also be one of the key topics of your discussions.

So, pay attention to the Ukrainian proposals. And do not forget that the state, for which anything is a weapon or a way to aggression, is trying to destroy us all. Including your peaceful and beautiful Danube.

Defend us! Defend yourself!

Glory to Ukraine!

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

Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhny had a phone conversation with US President’s National Security Advisor Jacob Sullivan and United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley.

The conversation took place the day before, a few hours before the announcement by US President Joseph Biden of a new $ 700 million defense aid package for our country, which includes HIMARS and munitions.

As part of the ongoing dialogue, the parties discussed the security situation in Ukraine, as well as a new package of military assistance from the United States, which also includes Mi-17 helicopters, Javelin missiles, tactical vehicles, radar stations and munitions.

Andriy Yermak and Valerii Zaluzhny thanked the United States for its assistance and raised the issue of the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to repel Russia’s armed aggression.

“We have discussed future arms supplies to our army,” said the Head of the President’s Office.