Tag: President of Ukraine

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

A full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine could not be repulsed at once because the enemy was advancing simultaneously from several directions and used a large amount of manpower. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with the host of the United News telethon.

The Head of State noted that Ukraine was preparing for a full-scale Russian aggression, but no one knew the methods and scope of this invasion until the end.

“It’s one thing when you realize that tanks will go from Belarus. And another thing is that Russia will go to Ukraine through Belarus, another thing is that missiles are flying from Belarus. It seems that the difference is small. There were warnings that there could be an offensive from that side. But the difference is big: you are at war with the forces and means that are on the territory of Belarus, which pass through the territory of Belarus and go to Ukraine, or you are at war with two countries,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President stressed that Ukraine was preparing for various scenarios of invasion, and our state had sufficient information about the intentions of the enemy.

“In terms of the volume of forces used by the Russian Federation, which used everything, even the reserve, “quiet” mobilization… Concentration was in Crimea, in Belarus and in other areas… Along the borders, they concentrated a large number of forces a year before. I think that today no European country would be able to cope with such a volume,” the President said.

He noted that according to analysts, our state could not cope with the full-scale invasion of Russia, at least because Ukraine is 28 times smaller in area and still quite large territorially.

“When you are attacked by a large army, you cannot concentrate your forces around, for example, Kyiv. You need to look and provide air defense, tanks, equipment, infantry fighting vehicles, and most importantly – professional military personnel (throughout the country – ed.),” said the President.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that in order to protect such a territory, the army should have not 250,000 of servicemen, but much more. The Head of State reminded that at the beginning of the year he signed a decree to increase the number of personnel of the Armed Forces by 100,000 servicemen.

“But even 100,000 plus could not stop them (the aggressor’s troops – ed.). Today we have 700,000. You see the result of the work of 700,000 people who are at war,” the President said.

In addition, according to the President, at the beginning of the invasion, the enemy struck at the positions of the Ukrainian artillery and air defense forces. At the same time, as Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted, Ukraine was well prepared for the invasion, and there were many things that the enemy did not know about and that later worked against him.

The Head of State is convinced that now Ukraine must quickly provide its army with modern weapons that will protect the entire territory.

“NATO countries have the appropriate weapons – there are Patriots, there is powerful air defense equipment that can protect the sky from missile strikes,” he said.

The President stated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine should move from Soviet technology to the latest models of weapons used by NATO countries.

“But it’s a lot of money not only for re-equipment. We need to move from Soviet weapons to NATO models. And if you are a country that is not a member of NATO, how can you do that if you are not given licenses, you are not sold anything, as it was before the war,” said the President.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that some partners recommended that Ukraine dig trenches before the war.

“By digging trenches, it is impossible to do what we did. Because it is impossible to win a war with a shovel. They told us to dig trenches. And we told them: give us weapons,” the Head of State said.

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

Ukraine can win the war with Russia only on the battlefield, but the final dot will still be put at the negotiating table, because that is the only way to settle many difficult issues. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with the host of the United News telethon.

The Head of State noted that even today he can repeat the words he said three years ago after his election as President of Ukraine: we did not start this war, but we have to end it. However, the meaning of these words has changed.

“I really thought that the war could end with dialogue. But, unfortunately, I thought that this was a dialogue with the appropriate timing, that it would be possible to find answers to many questions and many decisions with the Russian side. I really thought so. And now it is a hybrid. That is why the war is so difficult. And the victory will be very difficult. It will be bloody, it will be in battle, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy,” the President explained.

At the same time, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that the end of the war will still lie in the diplomatic sphere, because there are a number of issues that can be resolved only at the negotiating table.

“We want everything back. And the Russian Federation doesn’t want to return anything. That’s why the ending will be at the negotiating table,” he said.

The Head of State also noted that the specific purpose and agenda of his future meeting with the Russian President, which is inevitable for registration of the end of the war, will depend on the moment when it will take place.

“Everything changes. There is a hybrid war, honestly, there will be a hybrid peace as well. And hybrid meetings. For example, if we met today, the issue of Mariupol would also be on the agenda. If we meet in two or three months, maybe this issue will not be on the agenda, or maybe it will. We don’t know,” he said.

At the same time, the President of Ukraine stressed that in any case the issues of the end of the war and the establishment of peace, deoccupation of Ukrainian territories, exchange and return home of Ukrainian military and civilians should be resolved at the negotiating table.

“A lot depends on us, but a lot depends on Russia, too. Without talking to them, we must then state the result we have. We want the territories back and this war to be over. But how and when it will happen depends on the time when the conversation with Putin will take place. I think that the conversation between Ukraine and Russia will definitely take place. But we don’t know in what format: with or without intermediaries, in a wide circle or in the format of bilateral conversation,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

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

Ladies and Gentlemen

Thank you for having the time for this very important meeting for me.

I would like to start my speech today with a short video – a documentary footage of the prehistory of current events in Ukraine, what is happening now, and where we are going.

Recently, it has become very popular to look for analogies to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the events surrounding this war. Historical parallels are always inaccurate. This is rather “yes, but…” than “exactly so”. But they allow us to imagine a possible future in the light of past experience.

Well, we are very pleased that the world has gone the path from the “second Munich” to the “second Lend-Lease” and the second frontline – this time the sanctions one – in a matter of months. However, today the attempts to turn today’s Ukraine, which successfully opposes one of the world’s largest armies, into the second Czechoslovakia look very strange. All this time we are emphasizing, and I will emphasize this again: it will not work. We will never give up.

More than anyone in the world, we seek peace. But fair peace is crucial for us. Peace at any cost is not an option for us. We did not start this war. We did not seize foreign territories. But we have to return and will return ours. Ukraine is Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk and Sevastopol. Our sovereignty and territorial integrity are not a compromise for us. This approach did not work in 1938, and now it will not work even more so. Russia’s political culture does not provide for a regime of dialogue. Its basis, as we all see, is terror, blackmail and coercion. And the language of power. Therefore, there is only one way to prevent the war in Ukraine from escalating into a war in the region and even a world war: to help Ukraine win. And as soon as possible.

First of all, weapons. I would like to take this opportunity to thank President Biden, both parties and the people of the United States for their military assistance. For unprecedented historical support and an inspiring example for others. America has reaffirmed its leadership in the free world by uniting democracies to resist Russian aggression against Ukraine.

We truly thank you for the Lend-Lease. Your weaponry saves thousands of lives today, every minute, every second. Not just our soldiers, but also civilians. Because for Russian terrorists who call themselves military, civilians are also perfectly legitimate goals. Just as infrastructure facilities. This means that any weapon for Ukraine is a defensive weapon. Our allies in America, Europe and elsewhere are well aware of this. But I must also tell you that we still lack heavy weapons. We still need high-precision missiles, we need drones, air defense systems, ammunition and much more. And very importantly, we are still waiting for the MLRS. I learned this word, like many Ukrainians, for life. We are still waiting for them.

That should not be the case. In the first, critical stage of the war, we spent too much time negotiating supplies, searching for these weapons. Meanwhile, people stopped tanks with bare hands in our cities. Now that we have a chance to completely liberate Ukraine from the aggressor, it is inadmissible to delay. We have very different potentials with Russia. Therefore, the liberation war of Ukraine, the war for freedom, should not turn into a war until the last Ukrainian. After all, it will not end there.

If successful, the Kremlin’s circle of historical reconstruction will continue to build its empire. Ukraine stands between it and the free world. It protects not only itself. Not only democratic values. It protects the way of life common to the West. Because, despite the hopes of short-sighted politicians, it will not be preserved. It will vanish if we do not win. Then voters will start asking them awkward questions. In particular, about betrayed heroes.

However, we do not care about their possible answers now. We need weapons. Without limits. Immediately. I would like to repeat once again: we are very, very grateful for the Lend-Lease. But I will allow myself a baseball term: this is the first base. We are not just set up for a home run. According to Wikipedia, our big goal is a grand slam. We need to move on. All bases must be reached.

So, the second thing I would like to talk about is the increase in sanctions pressure. To motivate Russia to stop the war, it is necessary to deprive it of resources – financial, technical, technological. More aggressive financial and energy sanctions are needed.

In March, the President initiated the creation of a special sanctions group. And after talking to our friend, friend of Ukraine Michael McFaul, we decided to create this group. I am happy that the Atlantic Council has joined this group as well. We have assembled a team of international and Ukrainian experts. Michael and I are co-chairs of this group, so it is often referred to as the Yermak-McFaul group. It is working on assessing and improving sanctions mechanisms. Today we can already talk about certain results of this group’s work.

We have already published two detailed documents on what sanctions are needed and how to implement them. These documents are in fact guides to sanctions policy. Due to lack of time, I will list only the key areas. I must emphasize at once that the United States, the European Union and other democracies have done a lot here. But most of the work is still ahead.

The Kremlin will be influenced only by a total ban and embargo on Russian energy. As it is both a key source of power for Russia’s imperial ambitions and a geopolitical weapon. We warned about this, by the way, at the beginning of the Nord Stream 2 project. Unfortunately, not everyone heard us then. The current situation provides a unique chance to overthrow Moscow’s energy dictatorship in the short term. In other words, the restructuring of Europe’s energy consumption today is what we believe is self-defense and investment in its development. In particular, green energy. Energy freedom and energy democracy seem to us to be the key to the future.

Full blocking sanctions are also needed against all Russian banks, starting with the largest. Payments for gas in rubles are categorically unacceptable. Sanctions should include disconnection from payment systems, freezing of assets and their subsequent confiscation.

All sanctions must be coordinated and synchronized. To achieve maximum effectiveness, secondary sanctions mechanisms against states, businesses and individuals that help Russia circumvent them are essential. This is where the United States can play a crucial role.

We move to the third base. Economic assistance to Ukraine. We are without exaggeration astonished by yesterday’s Senate decision on an additional 40 billion for Ukraine and are infinitely grateful for the strong support provided earlier. We also hope for the facilitation in the post-war reconstruction of our country as soon as possible. Obviously, we will need comprehensive resuscitation tools like the Marshall Plan. The opening of the markets of our allies and partners for Ukrainian goods would give impetus to the further recovery of our economy.

Post-war Ukraine, and we do not just believe, we are sure, will be a huge construction site, a field for innovation and investment. This is a chance to build a global showcase for the success of the community of democracies. At the infrastructural, technological, and, of course, value levels. After all, the crisis always opens up opportunities. Ukraine enjoys an unprecedented credit of confidence. We paid very dearly for it – human life. Thousands of human lives. But thanks to this the world saw that the contradiction between the politics of values ​​and realpolitik can be overcome. Those who support Ukraine today are making a value-based choice, but that choice will pay dividends. Today, even Hollywood and Silicon Valley are familiar with such things. And they are with us – at the call of the heart and with a view to the future. It is an organic union of freedom and entrepreneurship. Because Ukraine today is a frontier. The land of brave and sincere people. President Zelenskyy, our fighters and the entire Ukrainian people prove it every day.

At the same time, justice is when the aggressor pays for the restoration. And pays as much as possible. Therefore, the issue of reparations and compensation is extremely important for us. We need a legitimate international mechanism that will compensate for the losses caused by Russia and operate despite its categorical refusal to cooperate. By the decree of President of Ukraine Zelenskyy, a profile working group has already been established, which I have the honor to chair. Ukrainian and international experts, including Markian Kluczkowski, Jeremy Sharp, Amal Clooney and many others, are working on a project of such a mechanism, and we will soon present it officially.

Home base. Restored must be preserved. Ukraine will remain an outpost of democracy in Europe. Literally. So we need security. We need security guarantees. This war must be Russia’s last. And if Moscow is openly claiming that it is at war with the West in Ukraine, the West should make every effort to ensure the victory of Ukraine. So that Ukraine fully restores its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and Russia does not try to take revenge. It should be clearly understood that when we talk about security guarantees for ourselves, we are not asking. We offer to invest in our common future.

What do we see as these guarantees? The war taught us to believe only in facts. And here they are. We live among the wreckage of a world order. Russia’s presence in the UN Security Council paralyzes the organization’s activities. The OSCE has lost its meaning of existence. NATO is the only institution today capable of providing a reliable security umbrella to its members. However, its doors are open to everyone except Ukraine.

In such circumstances, we are forced to look for other options. After all, our goal is to deter Russia from new aggression. It can be a treaty or a system of treaties that will oblige the parties to prevent it. We intend to establish an international expert discussion to develop approaches to solving this problem. I think there are experts present who are ready to join this platform. So we will be glad if you come forward and let us know.

Unfortunately, the sad experience of the Budapest Memorandum has convinced us of one thing: any agreement between Ukraine and the guarantor states must be legally binding and duly ratified by the parliaments of these countries. Obviously, we do not see Russia among the guarantors, as it has based its policy on terror and systematic violations of basic norms of international law.

Ukraine has proven its resilience on the battlefield, so providing maximum opportunities for self-defense should be one of the cornerstones of this treaty. No security guarantees from third parties can completely replace Ukraine’s strong defense potential. So we expect the guarantor states to help in this. In particular, with the removal of all politically motivated restrictions on the supply of conventional weapons to Ukraine, as well as the deepening of military-technical integration and defense cooperation.

Due to the long-standing decision of Europeans not to irritate the Kremlin, Ukraine is not a member of NATO. But it can strengthen the defense capabilities of the Alliance’s Black Sea and Baltic fronts. This is a good offer, we think. In general, Ukraine’s deep involvement in multilateral formats that improve its integration with the international community is a significant security factor. Therefore, we will not accept alternatives to EU accession, which have recently been put forward again.

A lasting and flexible sanctions policy as a safeguard against revanchism must also remain one of the key factors in the security guarantees system.

We consider this set of measures to be basic. It could become a testing ground, and the basis for the creation of a global coalition of responsible states that will be ready to respond effectively to any aggression within 24 hours. I would like to recall that President Zelenskyy proposed such a format of cooperation in March. We call it U24, United24.

At the global level, this security system can start building a new architecture of international relations, reforming institutions and restoring the Westphalian principles of equality and respect for sovereignty. Here, the United States could also play a leading role in the process, once again creating a new model of global leadership.

Finally, I will return to the not-so-precise historical parallels that are often made today. In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait under the slogans “one people” and “response to preparations for aggression.” You all know well how it ended. Here it can be said without objections. This is not about history. It’s about the future.

I thank you all very much. And availing myself of this opportunity, I would like to thank you on behalf of all Ukrainians for supporting us, for working and contributing, I am sure, to the Ukrainian victory that will take place soon. Victory not only of Ukraine, but our common victory.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that entrants from all territories of our state, which are currently under the temporary occupation of the Russian Federation, should be able to enter Ukrainian universities under a simplified procedure. He said this during an online meeting with students and rectors of Ukrainian higher education institutions.

The President reminded that in 2020 a simplified mechanism for admission to Ukrainian universities for graduates from the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk, Luhansk regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea was introduced. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, entrants from the temporarily occupied territories of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions should have the same opportunities.

“The issue of the list of temporarily occupied territories needs to be worked out. I will instruct to prepare the necessary decisions,” the President stressed.

In addition, responding to the students’ appeals, the Head of State instructed Minister of Education and Science Serhiy Shkarlet to develop a mechanism for resolving the issue of payment under contracts for students from the temporarily occupied territories.

“Today we recognize the Kherson region as a temporarily occupied territory. That’s why I don’t understand why a student from the Kherson region has to pay money,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Head of State offered to develop a solution that would help remove this urgent problem for students from the temporarily occupied districts of the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv regions and Donbas.

The President also noted that he likes the motto “Education despite the war” and called on Ukrainian students to continue their studies, despite hostilities, because Ukraine needs smart, educated, professional people.

“Students must continue to acquire knowledge. I wish you to take all the knowledge you can. This is also a very important work for the benefit of our state. We need clever people who understand their profession. People who can really revive Ukraine, production, technology,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.

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

“Don’t ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up,” advises Gilbert Keith Chesterton in the book “The Thing”. That is, not understanding the reasons for the current state of affairs can lead to wrong actions that will worsen this state of affairs.

You are aware of our current state. Ukraine is successfully resisting one of the world’s largest armies. Much longer than the world expected.

It is important to understand clearly that no concessions could stop the Russian invasion other than unconditional surrender, a renunciation of national identity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Actual consent to colonial status.

Russia’s political culture does not provide for a regime of dialogue. Its basis is dictation. The language of power. And Russia gained strength in cooperation with the West. What its military-industrial complex is not able to make – and that’s a lot – Russia bought. Mostly for money from the export of raw materials. First of all, energy. And even after Moscow clearly demonstrated its imperial ambitions. In Georgia. In Ukraine. In Syria. Again in Ukraine. Oil went to the West. The money went to Russia. Business as usual continued.

This must end.

The current war must be Russia’s last. It must end with the full restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. That is our victory. Our common victory with the civilized world. After all, today Ukraine is defending not only itself. Ukraine today is Thermopylae of Europe.

Helping Ukraine is a way to resolve the contradiction between policy of values and realpolitik. It is not just a matter of moral choice, it is also an investment in European and world security. So let me paraphrase Chesterton’s statement: do not avoid participation in putting up the fence when you know why it is needed. And you know. It should consist of four parts. The first is weapons for Ukraine. The second is the continuation and intensification of sanctions pressure. The third is the establishment of reparation mechanisms and economic assistance. The fourth is building a reliable system of guarantees.

So, about these points.

The first is weapons. We still need it. We are very grateful to our allies for supplying it. We believe in the sincerity of your intention to fulfill your commitments. I must say that we still lack heavy weapons. We still don’t have MLRS. I learned this word, like many Ukrainians, for life.

This equipment can save the lives of our people. Not just the military. After all, for the Russians, the civilians of Ukraine are also legitimate goals. As well as civil infrastructure. That’s why wasting time is too expensive for us – in every sense.

The occupation and shelling of nuclear power plants by Russian troops and blackmail by nuclear strikes pose a threat of global catastrophe. The inability to exploit almost a third of our sown areas, the systematic destruction of Ukrainian agricultural and transport infrastructure by Russian troops, and the blockade of our seaports are elements of Russia’s overall strategy to put pressure on the international community. The threat of a food crisis and the risk of famine in dozens of countries, as the UN leadership warns, are absolutely real today.

Our goal is to establish peace as soon as possible. The longer this war lasts, the greater the risks to the entire planet. But this peace must be fair. Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is not a subject for compromise. Russia must liberate our territories, including the Ukrainian Crimea and the Ukrainian Donbas.

As you can see today, the Russian offensive is bogged down, they are moving to the defense, trying to retain the occupied territories and create the conditions for another agreement, which they will still violate soon. As was the case with the two Minsk agreements. This is unacceptable for us.

We can’t give the aggressor a chance to devour Europe piece by piece again.

That is why the second point is very important here, namely sanctions. Of course, they do not have such an immediate and direct impact on hostilities as the supply of weapons. But they can limit Russia’s ability to pursue aggressive policies. They are able to deprive it of the finances, technology and materials needed to restore military capabilities. Therefore, they must be long-term. Effective punishment of Russia will also deter other potential aggressors. The five existing sanctions packages are clearly not enough.

To this end, in late March, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took the initiative to create a “sanctions” group. After that, I invited my friend and friend of Ukraine, Michael McFaul, to gather leading international and Ukrainian experts who would promptly assess the work of sanctions and increase their effectiveness. This experience has already been very successful, and perhaps a similar format should be introduced in Europe. We are ready for this.

In April, our team presented an Action Plan to strengthen sanctions against Russia. Among the main goals are, firstly, a complete embargo on Russian energy, paralysis of the entire banking sector and access to financial markets. Due consideration should also be given to coordinating partner actions and secondary sanctions against states and companies that help the aggressor circumvent restrictions.

At the same time, it is important to conduct thorough investigations to neutralize Russia’s corrupt influence in Europe, America and other parts of the world.

Recognition of Russia as a sponsor of terrorism is also very important. This is a very powerful and very important step. As you know, the Seimas of Lithuania has already done that. And the US Senate has also already registered a resolution. These actions should serve as an example for other states.

On May 9, our team presented a Roadmap – a step-by-step strategy with detailed recommendations for the European Union on the implementation of energy sanctions.

This is extremely important. After all, since February 24, the European Union has paid $ 800 million a day for imports of Russian oil and gas. I emphasize that with this money the EU indirectly financed the Russian aggression against our country.

We have seen such facilitation before. In particular, during the attempt to implement the Nord Stream 2 project. You remember that we warned that Russia is considering and will consider such projects as geopolitical weapons. Warned about the inevitability of energy blackmail. But they didn’t want to hear us until it was too late.

Now we want to be heard immediately. We offer partners to use a unique opportunity to get rid of dependence on Russian energy in a short time. Destroy the energy dictatorship. And deprive Russia of geopolitical weapons. In other words, restructuring Europe’s energy consumption model today is self-defense and investing in its development and future. Energy freedom and energy democracy are the key to the future.

We therefore welcome the European Commission’s decision to impose a total ban on Russian oil imports. We welcome the determination of those governments that are implementing the energy embargo. Our Roadmap provides recommendations for reducing shocks for European economies. This includes regulated import tax (or tariff) and storage of funds for energy on a special escrow account.

We also welcome a similar initiative by the US government to impose tariffs on Russian oil by the European Union. Especially since the funds from the payment of duties may go to the Fund for Reconstruction of Ukraine.

Here we reach another extremely important problem. And this is the third point – the creation of an effective mechanism to compensate Ukraine for the damage caused by Russian aggression. We need to resolve some issues as soon as possible. National courts and international arbitrations have no jurisdiction, the European Court of Human Rights cannot enforce its decisions, and the UN is almost paralyzed by Russia’s presence in the Security Council.

Sources of compensation can be the already mentioned special taxes and duties on Russian energy and transactions, as well as public and private property. However, Russia’s foreign assets are protected by sovereign immunity, and the rights of oligarchs are protected by the inviolability of private property. And this is despite the fact that Russia itself ignores international law, and the capital of Putin’s so-called wallets is mostly of criminal origin.

Therefore, we need a legitimate international mechanism that will compensate for the losses caused by Russia and will operate despite its categorical refusal to cooperate. The Presidential Decree has already established a profile working group, which I have the honor to chair. Ukrainian and international experts, in particular Markian Kluczkowski, Jeremy Sharp, Amal Clooney and many others, are working on a draft of such a mechanism, and it will be presented soon. We consider reparations agreements as an element of Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. Among such measures, we also expect the regime of maximum admission of Ukrainian goods to the markets of our allies and partners, the launch of the so-called Marshall Plan for Ukraine.

The case of Ukraine’s reconstruction can be a success story for the whole of Europe, as it will be a huge construction and investment platform that can give impetus to the development of European economies. A number of countries are already taking care of the restoration of our regions. For example, Denmark has taken patronage over the Mykolaiv region, Great Britain is ready to be engaged in the Kyiv region. This format should be extended to other regions. Ukraine can become a global showcase for the success of the community of democracies, absorbing all the best both in terms of infrastructure, technology and values. After all, the crisis opens up opportunities.

But these assets need reliable protection. That is, we move on to the fourth point.

The war taught us to believe only in facts. And here they are. The current system of international relations has been destroyed by Russia’s efforts. Every day of war is a stress test for global structures. In particular, the issue of rescuing people from Mariupol is a very hot topic today. This is the biggest test for both the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations in 70 years. I must note that the United Nations and personally Secretary-General, Mr. Guterres, with whom I am in constant contact several times a day, is now taking a very active part in the humanitarian mission in Mariupol. However, this is about the consequences of aggression, and I would like to talk about preventing it.

NATO is the only institution today capable of providing a reliable security umbrella to its members. However – I must say this – because of the national selfishness of a number of states, it continues the policy of double standards. The Alliance, maintaining the illusion of open doors for Ukraine, opens them widely to other countries. In such circumstances, we are forced to look for other options. Look for them together with our partners.

What will be the main security contours of Ukraine itself?

I would like to emphasize here that we do not consider an alternative to membership in the European Union. We consider any proposals for its “substitutes” that we have heard recently unacceptable by definition. For us, integration into the European Union is not only a way to modernize, reform the state and increase GDP, but also one of the factors in ensuring our security.

If you take to the streets of Warsaw or Vilnius, or Prague, or Paris, or Vienna, or any European capital, ask ordinary passers-by which country could protect them from Russia in the event of an attack. I am sure that many of them will name our country, Ukraine. Name a country that is not currently a member of NATO, not a member of the European Union. Today, after this war, we are definitely able to strengthen these organizations. We can definitely become a valuable asset for them. And ordinary people in Europe and the world today understand this. Isn’t it time for politicians to listen to the opinion of their voters?

We have an extremely negative experience of the Budapest Memorandum. We see attempts by some major powers to reconcile Ukraine with Russia on the Kremlin’s terms. In this situation, we have to insist that future security guarantees are legally binding and ratified by all participants.

Obviously, we do not see Russia among the guarantors, as it systematically denies the fundamental principle of international law Pacta sunt servanda (“Treaties must be fulfilled”). It is inadmissible to even discuss the possibility of saving the face of the aggressor state and the terrorist state. Our dead and injured will not allow us to do that.

The common goal of Ukraine and the guarantor states should be to deter Russia from aggression in the future. First of all, it means ensuring Ukraine’s defense capabilities. We have shown the whole world that we are capable of resisting the forces of the enemy that are at times superior.

But in the future, we hope that the guarantors will remove all politically motivated restrictions on the supply of conventional weapons to Ukraine and will help quickly restore and maintain its defense capabilities at the appropriate level. Especially during the reconstruction of Ukrainian industry.

Another key factor in the security guarantee system must remain a long and flexible sanctions policy.

This set of security measures could become a kind of testing ground in the future – the basis for creating a global coalition of responsible states that will be ready to respond effectively to any aggression within 24 hours. Let me remind you that our President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed such a format of cooperation back in March. We call it U24, United24.

To build this system, we will have to modernize international law. First of all, expand the definition of aggression to include the tools of modern hybrid warfare in it.

Basic international organizations need to be reformed. Common sense tells us that no country can be a member of the UN as long as it behaves like a terrorist and an aggressor. It must lose all rights in the UN and other organizations on the first day of the aggression.

In the long run, the U24 security system should become global. After all, our world is becoming more integrated. And if someone because of size, wealth or ambition believes that he has the right to reject the rules of civilized coexistence… Well. Apparently, it is exactly about them Robert Frost said: “Good fences make good neighbors.”

Thank you very much for your attention. Thank you very much for your support. And keep in mind that our victory, which, I am sure, will happen soon, will be our common victory. And Ukrainians will never forget all the efforts of our friends and partners. Because today this war for freedom is not only Ukrainian. It is global.

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

The values that the Ukrainian people defend in the fight against the aggressor are the national idea around which our country and the whole world are united. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an online meeting with students and rectors of Ukrainian higher education institutions.

“Sometimes we look for a national idea… Each of us can have our own national idea. But look at the common values we defend – this is the national idea. Independence, our Ukraine,” the Head of State said.

According to him, the Ukrainian people have united, defending important things from the enemy: our Ukrainianness, our children, our culture.

“We are all united now. We understand exactly who we are, how we are different from our neighbors, who are fighting for what. We are the same. An equally beautiful country. And we are all united. Finally, our people are united. Unfortunately, for such a bloody reason, but finally it happened – the unification of the people, the state, society, mentality, ideas, the unification of the present, and therefore there will be the unification of the future. This is wonderful,” the President stressed.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainians not only united themselves, but also united other countries around them. And interest in Ukraine is now felt all over the world – both among politicians and ordinary citizens: people want to come to Ukraine and look at our heroic people. And this is a change in the world’s mentality, the Head of State is convinced.

“We could not believe that we were such a nation. We are a great Ukrainian nation. Both Europe and the United States are shocked and doubt whether they could do so or not,” he said.

“I am proud that Ukrainian is fashionable in the world. This sounds very cool. Ukraine is number one in the world today. I am proud of everything that belongs to the history of Ukraine, starting with the language and our traditions,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

According to him, Ukrainians deserve such recognition of the world and such an attitude, although now they are going through perhaps the most difficult and very bloody stage.

However, the President expressed his firm conviction that this war will end, Ukrainian cities will be unblocked, our army will be rearmed, modern air defense will be created so that the security situation allows our country to live and develop despite some neighbors.

The President also stressed that Ukraine needs young people and expressed hope that after the end of the war, Ukrainians who went abroad will return.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that today he is glad to see energy and confidence in Ukrainian students.

“Confidence is what has united our people and given strength to our army. And it helped the Armed Forces of Ukraine to become twice as big thanks to the confidence of our people,” the Head of State said.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 18 May 2022.

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak emphasizes that Russia’s aggressive war against our country may end sooner if the Ukrainian army receives the weapons on which negotiations are underway and there are agreements with partner countries. Prolonging the war is a risk for the whole world, he said on the American television channel MSNBC.

Andriy Yermak noted that now the Ukrainian military is succeeding on the frontline, for example in the Kharkiv region. At the same time, very heavy fighting continues in Donbas, which is an unnecessary reminder of the horrors of this war.

According to him, Ukrainians have already shown the world that they will fight for complete victory.

“And, of course, we are confident of our victory. And I am convinced that this will be a victory not only for Ukraine, but also for all our friends and partners,” Andriy Yermak said.

The Head of the Office of the President suggested that there are certain forces and people in the world who may be interested in making this war very long.

“But I can say that the longer this war lasts, the greater the risks for other countries, for the whole world that this war will affect not only Ukraine. At first, it will affect states that have borders with Russia, and then it may be a war involving even more countries,” he said.

Andriy Yermak noted that today the Ukrainian nation is showing how not to be afraid and fight. And if Ukraine receives in time everything that was agreed on with our partners and friends, it will win and will do it as soon as possible.

In particular, the Head of the President’s Office noted that Ukraine is waiting for the US Senate to approve a bill on the allocation of almost 40 billion US dollars in support of Ukraine and for President Joseph Biden to sign it.

“It’s vitally important. And we are very grateful to the American people, President Biden and his administration, Congress, the Democratic and Republican parties, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and everyone who is involved and continues to support and help Ukraine,” he said.

Andriy Yermak reminded that a team of leading international and Ukrainian experts (Yermak-McFaul group) has developed an Action Plan to strengthen sanctions against Russia, and one of its key elements is a full embargo on Russian energy.

He noted that everyone is currently watching the ongoing discussions and consultations in the European Union on the sixth package of sanctions against Russia, and expressed hope that this decision will be made.

“Because we see the reaction and position of societies in European countries that fully support my country and the struggle of Ukrainians. Because they understand that today Ukraine is defending not only itself, its independence and freedom, but also the freedom and independence of the whole world, especially Europe,” the Head of the President’s Office concluded.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 18 May 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak spoke by video conference with renowned American film actor, director and producer Robert De Niro and producer Jane Rosenthal, co-founders of the Tribeca Film Festival, which emerged in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Andriy Yermak thanked the Hollywood legend for his support of Ukraine and his position on the terrible war waged against our state by the Russian Federation.

“When we are supported by people like you, it inspires, gives energy and strength,” he said.

The Head of the Office of the President stressed that today Ukraine is fighting not only for itself and its freedom, but also for the entire free democratic world.

Jane Rosenthal noted that it is very difficult to observe what is happening in Ukraine.

“We are trying to do everything possible to help Ukrainians,” she said.

In particular, the producer offered to show the video address of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the participants and guests of this year’s Tribeca festival, which will take place on June 8-19. Andriy Yermak supported this idea.

The Head of the Office of the President also invited Robert de Niro and Jane Rosenthal to consider joining support for the United24 project initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which should unite people from all over the world to help Ukraine.

Andriy Yermak invited Robert De Niro to visit Ukraine at this crucial time, when the opportunity arises. The actor said he was looking forward to that opportunity.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 18 May 2022.

Russia will be able to circumvent EU sanctions and continue to earn crucial cash from its oil sales. That is why Ukraine insists on a ban on transporting Russian oil by EU-flagged vessels. This was stated by Adviser to the President of Ukraine on Economic Issues Oleg Ustenko in a comment to Politico.

The EU countries are now actively discussing the sixth sanctions package against Russia. In particular, they are negotiating whether it will envisage a prohibition for EU-flagged ships from transporting Russian oil to third countries. It is stated that this European Commission idea was shot down by Greece, Malta and Cyprus over concerns their shipowners would lose out to rivals and their economies would take a hit.

Global Witness, a climate advocacy group, estimates that vessels owned or managed in Greece, Cyprus or Malta, or sailing under their flags, have picked up at least 150 million barrels of crude from Russian ports between February 24 and May 10.

According to a Lloyd’s List report, Greek shipowners actually stepped up their Russian oil deliveries in April: accounting for 76 out of 190 tankers shipping crude or oil out of key Russian ports compared with 30 out of 172 tankers in the same period last year.

According to the publication, in 2021 Russia received 45% of budget revenues from oil and gas sales.

Oleg Ustenko said Russia’s oil exports are earning around $1 billion a day — making it crucial to stop shipments immediately.

“You can imagine how many missiles and bombs they can buy in order to bomb our cities, to kill our citizens, to rape our women,” he said.

“Politicians on the EU side are talking about money and we are talking here about lives,” Oleg Ustenko noted.

Foreign vessels are vital to Russia’s ability to ship oil. This should be blocked immediately, the President’s adviser is convinced.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 17 May 2022.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva is on a working visit to the Czech Republic scheduled for May 16-18.

During a meeting with Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala on Tuesday, Ihor Zhovkva conveyed words of profound gratitude from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Czech government and the Czech people for their strong support in countering Russian military aggression.

“The Czech Republic is one of Ukraine’s key European partners, which provides significant political and practical assistance to Ukraine and is one of the five key suppliers of weapons to our country,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

In the context of the reconstruction of Ukraine, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic was invited to consider the possibility of patronage over one of the cities or regions of our country.

During a meeting with President of the Senate of the Czech Parliament Miloš Vystrčil, ways to strengthen the parliamentary dimension of cooperation between the two countries were discussed. Ihor Zhovkva thanked for the uncompromising position of the Czech Parliament on Russian aggression, in particular for the recently approved Senate resolution in support of Ukraine, which recognizes Russia’s actions as genocide of the Ukrainian people.

The agenda of the meeting with Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský included the coordination of the efforts of Ukraine and the Czech Republic to overcome the challenges associated with full-scale Russian aggression against our state. In particular, the results of the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council held the day before were discussed. The interlocutors agreed on the need to further strengthen sanctions against Russia and to impose a sixth package of sanctions as soon as possible, which must include an oil embargo.

The Deputy Head of the President’s Office thanked the Czech Republic and the Czech people for providing temporary shelter to more than 300,000 Ukrainians who were forced to leave their home due to the war, and for creating all necessary conditions for their comfortable stay.

The key topic of Ihor Zhovkva’s meeting with Minister of European Affairs Mikuláš Bek was to attract the support of the Czech Republic in the implementation of Ukraine’s aspirations to become a member of the European Union. In this context, the Czech side’s attention was drawn to the importance of the approval by EU member states of the decision to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate country for EU membership in the near future. Ihor Zhovkva called on the Czech side not only to support such a decision, but also to make efforts to persuade other EU states, which are still showing a more restrained position.

Mikuláš Bek outlined the priorities of the Czech presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2022 and presented some initiatives to consolidate the financial support for our country. Ihor Zhovkva thanked his interlocutor for the fact that Ukraine has a special place among these priorities of the presidency.

“We look forward to the active role of the future Czech presidency of the EU Council in supporting the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. Despite all the challenges to the security of our country, despite Russia’s military aggression and numerous casualties and destruction, Ukraine is confidently moving towards the dream of membership in the European Union. And on this path we are assisted by true friends, such as the Czech Republic,” Ihor Zhovkva said.

The key topics of the meeting with Head of the Foreign Department at the Office of the President of the Czech Republic Rudolf Jindrák were the priorities of the Czech presidency of the EU Council and the importance of coordinating the parties’ efforts to combat Russian aggression. Ihor Zhovkva made special emphasis on the need to increase the sanctions pressure on the aggressor state.

Meetings with representatives of the Czech and Ukrainian business circles are also planned during the visit. Possibilities of attracting business to the reconstruction of our state, as well as prospects for expanding trade and economic cooperation, which will be opened in the process of Ukraine’s integration into the European Union, will be discussed.