Tag: President of Ukraine

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

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a video conversation with the famous American actress, Special Envoy to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Angelina Jolie.

During the preliminary conversation, the Head of the President’s Office invited Angelina Jolie to Ukraine, after which she arrived in Lviv.

Andriy Yermak thanked the actress for her recent visit to Ukraine for humanitarian purposes, which inspired many Ukrainians and attracted the attention of Ukrainian and world media.

“Everyone you met was very happy. It is extremely valuable when an inspiring person like you communicates with those who are having a hard time now, shares energy and feelings with them,” he said.

For her part, Angelina Jolie thanked for the assistance in organizing and supporting her trip to Lviv. She noted that she was very touched by the communication with Ukrainians she met and volunteers who help others a lot.

“I am deeply committed to helping them in every way possible for me, especially the children. I will do my best for children in your country,” she said.

Andriy Yermak and Angelina Jolie discussed the need for practical steps to address the problems facing Ukrainian children due to the war, including forced relocation, parting with loved ones, physical and psychological trauma.

The actress spoke about her readiness to cooperate with responsible persons and structures that directly take care of children’s problems in order to properly organize all the necessary activities and provide practical assistance.

The Hollywood star said she is also very worried about the fate of children left without care, those who stay in the temporarily occupied territories or were deported.

Andriy Yermak reminded that the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska takes great care of children’s problems and barrier-free environment.

He also informed Angelina Jolie about the launch of the United24 project initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which should unite people from all over the world around the desire to help Ukraine. He asked her to consider joining the initiative.

The Head of the Office of the President invited Angelina Jolie to visit Ukraine again.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 5 May 2022.

Unbreakable people of the bravest country!

Usually I address Ukrainians at this time and in the same way every night, when I summarize the events of the passing day. Every night – from the first day of this full-scale war of Russia against our state of Ukraine.

Every night I report to the public on what has been done to protect the state. On what the Armed Forces of Ukraine managed to achieve. On how we help our people. And on what international negotiations took place.

For example, today one of the notable news was the news of my conversation with you, Boris. Every time such negotiations take place, it is important for my country, for Ukraine. And no less important, I’m sure, for Britain. Because it is about steadfastness, courage and about the leadership that we demonstrate together – the Ukrainian and British nations. In defense of freedom. Our common freedom.

Russian troops today, as every day during this war, have continued to bomb our cities and our people. For example, my traditional morning meeting with the military, with the leadership of the army, with government officials and diplomats was accompanied by the sound of an air-raid siren. This is our reality. Missile strikes every day.

The day before yesterday – on the day when you, Boris, addressed our parliament, the Russian army launched 15 missile strikes at Ukraine. And this can be called a certain “Russian compliment” to your brilliant speech and our fruitful interstate cooperation. Because yesterday there were only 7 such strikes.

Obviously, Russia is annoyed by our proximity – Ukraine and Britain. So this means that we are really strong in defending freedom in Europe.

In general, during this war, the Russian army has used 2014 missiles against Ukraine already. 2682 appearances of Russian fighter jets in our skies have been recorded. Each of these “arrivals” is the death of our people, the destruction of our infrastructure.

If we take only the medical infrastructure, to date, Russian troops have destroyed or damaged almost 400 health facilities. These are hospitals, maternity hospitals, outpatient clinics.

In the temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine – in the east and south – the situation with access to medical services and medicines is just catastrophic. Even the simplest medications are missing.

Russia has brought to Ukraine and Europe such problems that we could not have imagined a few months ago. This is in fact a complete lack of treatment for cancer patients. This is an extremely difficult or impossible access to insulin for diabetics. It’s the inability to perform surgery… It’s just a lack of antibiotics! These are the consequences of the Russian occupation for a part of our land, for a part of our people, which we must liberate from the invaders.

And we will definitely do it. In particular, due to your support.

Today the rescue operation from Mariupol was continued. With the assistance of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. People are on their way to safe territory.

More than 150 people from Azovstal and more than 300 people from Mariupol and its suburbs who were evacuated by the humanitarian corridor this week are already receiving all the help they need. Medical, document renewal, financial assistance, communication with relatives, friends and families.

Currently, Russian shelling and assault of Azovstal do not stop. But civilians still need to be taken out – women, children. Many children who are still there. Just imagine this hell! And there are children! More than two months of constant shelling, bombing, constant death nearby…

We expect an effective regime of silence. We are doing everything to find a solution to save our military. Heroes who defend Mariupol against the occupiers prevailing in the number of troops. There are different units there. They have many wounded. But they do not give up. They are holding positions.

We do not give up either. Every day, the whole team is looking for an option that will ensure the safety of these people. And I am grateful to everyone who helps. To all those who offered mediation and are making efforts to save Ukrainians.

Today I addressed the participants of the high-level donors’ conference held in Warsaw. It is also an element of our protection, an element of protection for the whole of Europe. Because it is not only on the battlefield that the fate of our state and the future of the continent is being decided now. But also in the economic field, in the field of readiness of world leaders to unite to rebuild Ukraine after this war and give stability and security to the center and east of Europe.

We have the result. It has been announced that $ 6.5 billion has been raised at this conference. And this is good. But this is only part of what is really needed to restore normal life throughout the territory where Russia has brought the war.

That is why we need a modern analogue of the Marshall Plan for Ukraine. Stronger participation of the free world and international institutions is needed. I spoke about this today at the conference.

However, we call for the cooperation and support of each and everyone. Everyone for whom freedom matters. That is why United24 was launched today – a global initiative that will unite people from all over the world around the desire to help Ukraine. And I invite you to join this initiative!

The initial component is a platform of the same name to raise funds to support our struggle. United24. Its main goal is to increase donations to Ukraine. Just a few clicks – and everyone can join the direction that they find most useful right now and for themselves.

Because Ukraine needs up to $ 7 billion a month to cover the state budget deficit. In total, it has been calculated that already more than $ 600 billion is needed to rebuild what the Russian army destroyed. Just imagine this scale!

That is why every manifestation of support, every sincere help to Ukraine is important. In particular, yours today.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Friends!

If everyone in the world – or at least the vast majority – were steadfast and courageous leaders as Ukraine, as Britain, I am sure we would have already ended this war and restored peace throughout our liberated territory for all our people.

But we still have to fight. Fight. As you, Boris, said, addressing our Verkhovna Rada the day before yesterday, we are still writing one of the most victorious chapters in our history.

And now we can assess the significance of this chapter, in particular, by the following fact: 11,672 of our defenders have already been awarded state awards for courage and effective defense of Ukraine. In a little over ten weeks. 11,672 people.

And a few minutes before this address, I signed a decree awarding another 286 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is on the shoulders of these brave warriors and their brothers-in-arms that Ukraine and, to be honest, the whole of Europe are now standing.

And I thank you for your really effective support of this struggle.

Bravery is rightly believed the first of human qualities as it guarantees all others.

Thank you, Britain!

Thank you, Boris!

Thank you all!

Glory to Ukraine!

 

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 5 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a video conference with the 43rd President of the United States of America George W. Bush.

“It is a great honor to meet you. I would like to thank the United States of America, the American people. I saw how people in the United States treat us on social networks, they take to the streets, support Ukraine with flags,” the President said.

The 43rd President of the United States expressed his support for Volodymyr Zelenskyy and all the Ukrainian people in the fight against the aggressor.

“Your courage is very important for further success. If you continue to do what you do, you will always have our support if you continue to fight as you do now,” said George W. Bush.

The President of Ukraine stressed that our state feels real help and sincere support from the United States.

“Americans are sincere, open-minded people, and I feel it. We have common values. I feel that it is from the heart,” the President said.

The 43rd President of the United States noted the resilience of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine in resisting the invaders.

“Your country has been invaded by forces that want to kill innocent people. And the fact that you stand firm inspires Americans,” said George W. Bush.

For his part, the President of Ukraine recalled the tragic events that took place in the United States on September 11, 2001. He noted that at that time many Ukrainians sympathized with the American people and shared the pain of relatives and friends of the victims of the terrorist act.

“Our conversation is important to me because you are an example of a strong leader,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President invited the 43rd President of the United States to visit Ukraine at his convenience.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 5 May 2022.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva discussed the security situation and implementation of Ukraine’s European integration strategy with Adviser to the Prime Minister of the Portuguese Republic Fernando Morgado.

Ihor Zhovkva expressed gratitude for the strong political support of our state, as well as for providing assistance to Ukrainian citizens temporarily staying in Portugal.

The parties also discussed the possible participation of the Portuguese Republic in the reconstruction of the regions of Ukraine after the war.

“Portugal’s active participation in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine will be a significant contribution to the rapprochement of our nations and bring our country even closer to the European community,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President thanked the interlocutor for Portugal’s strict compliance with the EU sanctions imposed on Russia, and expressed hope that they would be further strengthened in order to stop aggression and restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

During the conversation, special attention was paid to the implementation of the European integration strategy of our state.

Ihor Zhovkva stressed the importance of the European Union’s adoption in the near future of a political decision to grant our country the status of a candidate for EU membership.

“This would be an important symbolic step of European partners towards the Ukrainian people who today protect the security of the whole of Europe,” he said.

The interlocutors also discussed further measures of political dialogue at the highest level.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 5 May 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a meeting with Damon Wilson, an American expert on foreign policy and President of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Kyiv. Andriy Yermak noted the partnership cooperation between Ukraine and the United States.

“In this difficult time, we understand who our friends and strategic partners are. And, of course, the United States plays an extremely important role in supporting Ukraine,” he said.

The Head of the President’s Office noted the successful visit to Ukraine of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, as well as the visit of Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.

“And, of course, we are waiting for President Biden,” Andriy Yermak added.

The Head of the Office of the President stressed that despite significant support from the United States, Ukraine needs more weapons, as the war continues and the whole world sees the situation in the southeast of our country, including Mariupol. According to him, negotiations with Ukraine’s partners take place daily at all levels.

“People’s lives in Mariupol depend on how quickly we get help. We ask everyone: please save our people, children, wives,” he said, adding that the time is running out and it’s a matter of days already.

In addition, special attention is paid to the sanctions policy. The Head of the President’s Office stressed that it is important for sanctions to be effective. A special international expert group has been set up for this purpose.

Andriy Yermak also noted the work with partners on security guarantees for Ukraine, which should not be a repetition of the Budapest Memorandum.

“Ukraine wants to be sure after the war that this will not happen again. The second Budapest Memorandum is completely inadmissible. We hold daily consultations with our partners on the security future of Ukraine… These should be clear, legally fixed commitments, guarantees,” he said.

According to the Head of the Office of the President, if there is no effective mechanism in the world to stop the war and prevent its beginning, it is the verdict for the entire world security system, so we need to build a new one.

The Head of the President’s Office stressed that it is important for Ukraine that this war does not become protracted, because by exhausting Russia, it will at the same time take the lives of Ukrainians and destroy our cities and infrastructure.

“For us, the protection of our people, Ukrainians, comes first. It is very important for us that our heroes stay alive. That their families stay alive and that our cities are not completely destroyed,” Andriy Yermak emphasized.

Therefore, according to him, this war should end as soon as possible, but on Ukrainian terms. It is important for the Ukrainian economy to begin to recover and for the citizens of our country, who went abroad to flee the Russian bombing, to return home, because they strive for that return.

Damon Wilson noted the struggle of Ukrainians and the support of the United States for Ukraine’s efforts in this struggle.

“Ukraine is creating history, its democratic future right now. The American people support Ukrainians in their struggle for freedom and democracy. And the whole Congress, our people, the whole American politicum stands together with Ukraine. We will do everything possible to support the Ukrainian people so that Ukraine wins this war, de-occupies its territories and restores peace,” he said.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 5 May 2022.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Smyrnov met with a delegation of the international non-governmental human rights organization Amnesty International led by Secretary General Agnès Callamard.

Agnès Callamard stressed that Amnesty International seeks to focus the attention of as many countries as possible on the problem of the war in Ukraine. In particular, the organization plans to interact with representatives of the media and civil society.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President noted that Ukraine needs strong support from the international community in documenting war crimes committed by Russia in our country. According to him, the International Criminal Court is already working on the cases in which evidence of Russian crimes during the war in Ukraine is being investigated, but the inevitability of punishment for top officials of the aggressor country must be inevitable.

Andriy Smyrnov stressed the importance of establishing a special international criminal tribunal, which will be able to quickly assess the evidence of crimes of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

“Active multi-level consultations are underway at various international platforms on the need to establish and launch a mechanism for such a tribunal,” said the Deputy Head of the Office of the President.

He noted that last week the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted two resolutions calling for the establishment of an international tribunal.

“Ukraine’s representation at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and the President’s Office is involved in the negotiation process with allied countries, with which the model and forms of operation of such a tribunal are being discussed,” Andriy Smyrnov said.

“Given the obvious signs of aggression, all the evidence that the civilized world has seen, the horrible crimes committed by the aggressor country – Russia, in my opinion, the assessment of this fact should be given as soon as possible. And the entire military-political leadership of the aggressor country must bear severe and unavoidable responsibility for this,” he stressed.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President noted that among the issues being discussed is also the location of such a tribunal.

“We are in favor of it being located in Ukraine. In Bucha, Irpin, Borodyanka or in Kyiv. Ukraine is ready to provide full technical and organizational support for the work of such a tribunal,” Andriy Smyrnov said.

He stressed that the new tribunal should not be overburdened with a large number of powers in order to avoid conflicts of jurisdiction with other international judicial institutions. However, time must show how quickly the existing international institutions will be able to assess the convincing evidence of Russia’s war crimes against Ukraine and its citizens.

“Ukrainian society, its citizens tortured by Russian war criminals, all those who have endured any form of suffering as a result of Russia’s war against Ukraine, destroyed Ukrainian business – all are waiting for answers to these questions. And this legal assessment must be given within a reasonable time. Both politically, in a global context, and legally – in the judiciary,” said the Deputy Head of the Office of the President.

Andriy Smyrnov also informed the Amnesty International delegation about the work of Ukraine’s judicial system in wartime.

During the meeting, Amnesty International representatives presented the President’s Office with a vine sapling. Human rights activists said the plant was brought from the Syrian region, which was completely destroyed by the Russian army. This is a gift from the Syrian people, which supports the democratic aspirations of Ukrainians.

Andriy Smyrnov noted that he would personally hand over the vine sapling to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 5 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy initiated the creation of the United24 global project, which aims to unite people all over the world in their desire to help our country.

The first component of United24 is the fundraising platform of the same name in support of Ukraine. The main goal is to increase the amount of donations for the benefit of our state, to ensure the efficiency and transparency of their distribution.

“Today, the world’s attention is focused on Ukraine. Our brave struggle against a much larger invader who invaded our land to destroy us, our European values, and in return is strongly repulsed, inspires people in many countries. Foreign governments are supporting Ukraine in this fight by providing military, humanitarian and political assistance. Ordinary citizens help our immigrants fleeing the war – open the doors of their homes to Ukrainians, share bread and clothes, teach our children. Citizens of different countries around the world come to the squares of their cities with blue and yellow flags to express support for Ukrainians and constantly ask: how else can we help?” the Head of State noted.

According to the President, the United24 project allows everyone to join in supporting Ukraine and provide real assistance to Ukrainian citizens affected by this unjust war.

“Everyone can make a donation in one click from any country. These can be individual conscious citizens, entrepreneurs, and large technology corporations. We are fighting the enemy every day, fighting for the values of freedom and democracy, and United24 will become the digital service that will unite the entire civilized world to support Ukraine,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

United24 aims to unite the world to support Ukraine, from governments to international foundations, from industrial giants to fashion brands, from movie and music stars to public and political figures, and citizens from around the world.

The task of the United24 fundraising platform is to become the main window for collecting charitable donations in support of our state. Assistance will be distributed in three areas: defense and demining, humanitarian and medical assistance, and reconstruction of Ukraine.

All funds will be directed to the accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine assigned to the relevant ministries. Fundraising reports will be provided by the NBU every 24 hours. The ministries will report on the allocation and distribution of funds once a week.

The Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Infrastructure are responsible for the effective use of donations. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov has been appointed responsible for United24’s activities by the government.

Deloitte Ukraine, a consulting and auditing company that is part of the international Deloitte network, is joining the United24 platform. One of the world leaders in the industry, one of the “big four” audit companies, will quarterly review the consolidated report of all ministries.

The initiative’s team will provide constant coverage of reporting both on the United24 platform and on the official pages of the initiative on social networks.

Other projects and programs will soon be added to the United24 fundraising platform.

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

Dear friends!

Danish people!

Today you celebrate the anniversary of the day that was a dream. It has long been a dream of freedom and peace. This dream has become a reality.

Five years. It was on this day that the five long years of Nazi occupation of your country came to an end. They lost. And freedom won. Life won.

Denmark and the whole world then celebrated and hoped that such a brutal war would be the last and that no one would want to destroy peace anymore.

They hoped that there would be no more feeling of mortal danger. That people can get rid of military habits. They hoped to forget forever about the light masking that was required. They hoped that air-raid sirens would no longer sound to report the real threat. That they can be turned on only once a year to remember the war that took place.

But the war came again. It is here and now. It is in Ukraine. And it is not going to stop on our land.

And it has already become as brutal as that war, the victory in which we all remember every year in May.

I remember addressing you and the Folketing on the 34th day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

I said then that Russia used 1370 missiles against our country. Today – already 1993 missiles. Just imagine how many lives they took.

Most of them hit non-military targets.

Then, on March 29, I told you that the Russian occupiers had destroyed 773 educational facilities in our country. And today – twice as much. 1584. These are kindergartens, schools, universities. This is what the Russian army is fighting against in Ukraine.

The invaders have already killed 220 Ukrainian children. And we do not yet know for sure the situation in the occupied territories.

But when I spoke to you last time, there were 144 names on the list of children killed. You see these terrible numbers grow. There were 144. Now – 220 children killed! They did not even have time to feel what life is like.

The Russian state is not yet ready to stop the war. They still dream of capturing Ukraine and other European countries. They still dream that freedom in Europe must disappear. But their dreams must not come true.

The dream of peace must come true. Our and your dream. Just like it was 77 years ago.

Right now in Ukraine it is being decided how people will live on our continent. Whether there will be peace. Not only for us, but also for our neighbors, for you and us.

Evil does not know what state borders are. Tyranny never stops at capturing just one country.

You are already helping us fight. We are grateful to you. Fight with weapons, with your “yes” vote for our accession to the European Union, with honesty in the issue of sanctions and with sincerity towards our people.

The sea of Ukrainian flags here today, the sea of flags on the streets of your cities shows that you understand everything.

No one will now say how many more days this war, unleashed by the Russian Federation, will last. But I believe that our Liberation Day is approaching.

I believe that just as I am addressing your people now, when you celebrate the anniversary of the liberation of your country, your representatives will address the Ukrainian people as we celebrate the anniversary of our peace.

Now, as every year, you light candles across the country in memory of that war and victory over evil.

And I ask you, when you see the warm light of candles, remember, please, about Ukrainian children. About those 220 children whose lives were taken by this war.

Remember that Europe can do its best to keep this horrible list of children killed from growing. Never again.

I am grateful to each and every one of you!

Thank you, Denmark!

Glory to Ukraine!

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres.

The President thanked the Secretary-General personally for his efforts to evacuate Ukrainian citizens from Azovstal.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed António Guterres about the successful completion of the first stage, during which 121 people were evacuated from Azovstal, and expressed hope for a successful continuation of the ongoing evacuation operation.

The President of Ukraine thanked the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which demonstrated the possibility of making progress in the most difficult humanitarian crises.

“The whole world has learned about the role of the UN and the ICRC in this. This has shown that international organizations can be effective,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also appealed to the UN Secretary-General to assist in the evacuation of all the wounded from Azovstal.

“The lives of the people who remain there are in danger. Everyone is important to us. We ask for your help in saving them,” the President said.

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

Today, the top priority is the maximum expulsion of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine, but the global goal is to restore the territorial integrity of our state within internationally recognized borders, because this is what all Ukrainians want. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his participation in the session of the Wall Street Journal CEO Council Summit.

“The goal of every Ukrainian is to restore our territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. I understand that everything at once is impossible. First, appropriate steps must be taken to stop the war, and then diplomacy will be in place,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the first stage in this war was to stop Russia’s advancement.

“The second stage is to make Russia withdraw troops from our territory as much as possible. The third stage is to restore territorial integrity as much as possible,” he explained.

According to the President, where it is possible to restore territorial integrity through dialogue, Ukraine will do everything possible, but only as an equal partner.

“We understand that it will be difficult to restore territorial integrity on the temporarily occupied Crimean peninsula. And yet, I believe that we will be able to move to the diplomatic path after showing our strength. Because any war ends with diplomacy,” the Head of State is convinced.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the main guarantee of victory is confidence in the Ukrainian people and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“And we are not retreating. That is, today is a new stage already. Somewhere, in some territories, we are blocked by the Russian military and equipment. There, we are waiting for the appropriate equipment to appear on our side, so that we can push and move forward. And in some areas we are moving forward already,” he said.

However, the President noted that he has not yet seen Russia’s desire to cease fire. “When both sides want a ceasefire, they do it. We’ve seen that for several years with the Russian Federation on the touch line in Donbas. They say that we are negotiating, then they violate (ceasefire agreements – ed.)” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Head of State pointed out that even when it comes to the regime of silence in the territory of Mariupol for the operation on the evacuation of civilians held jointly with the UN, shelling and bombing still take place.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that a ceasefire can be established only when he meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“If we have a meeting with President Putin, then there will be a ceasefire for the time of the meeting. Because otherwise there will be no meeting. And then, perhaps, we will agree with him personally. He must personally commit to a ceasefire. And preferably do it publicly,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

At the same time, the President of Ukraine noted that the ceasefire does not mean that Russian troops can stay where they are now and there will be some frozen conflict.

“We will not agree to a frozen conflict,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.