Tag: President of Ukraine

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 April 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a meeting on the issue of bringing to justice those Russian war criminals who have committed and continue to commit crimes on the territory of Ukraine.

He reminded that a strong team of lawyers has been formed in our country, which prepares lawsuits in international courts. At the same time, according to Andriy Yermak, it is necessary to create a system to identify all these criminals and obtain the necessary information about them.

In particular, the so-called Book of Torturers has already been initiated – a collection of information about every Russian war criminal involved in atrocities in Ukraine.

“The main goal, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said many times, and I think this is the opinion of every Ukrainian today: everyone who has committed these horrible crimes in our country, wherever he may be, must be punished,” stressed the Head of the Office of the President.

Andriy Yermak noted that all the necessary resources of our country and foreign partners who strongly support Ukraine in this issue will be involved in this.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President Andriy Smyrnov believes that now it is necessary to synchronize the efforts of all pre-trial investigation bodies in the exchange of information obtained about specific war criminals – both privates and officers of the enemy army.

The process of identifying and verifying the data obtained must continue until the last of these criminals is identified.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 April 2022.

To stop the war, it is necessary to continue to support Ukraine, including with weapons, as well as to increase sanctions pressure on Russia and those who adopt terrible decisions to exterminate Ukrainians. This was stated by Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak in an interview with Fox News.

He thanked the American people and the US leadership for the assistance to our country, in particular for the recent decision on $ 800 million in defense support.

“There has never been such international support in our history. This is a historic moment. First of all, for the world, which has demonstrated that unity is possible,” Andriy Yermak said.

At the same time, he stressed that the war continues and the Ukrainian state needs further assistance.

“At the moment we do not have enough (weapons – ed.). We keep getting them. I hope that at the most important moment we will be ready, and our partners will do everything that was agreed and on time. Sometimes in life it is important to receive things on time,” said the Head of the Office of the President.

According to him, Ukraine needs MiG fighters, but will also welcome F-16s or other new aircraft.

Andriy Yermak stressed that the war continues, the Russians continue to destroy Ukrainian cities and kill people: military and civilians, including women and children.

“Therefore, it is clear that the existing sanctions are not enough,” he said.

According to the Head of the Office of the President, an international expert group has been set up at the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, co-chaired by Andriy Yermak and Director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), Former US National Security Adviser Michael McFaul. The main goal of this group is to analyze the sanctions imposed on Russia and develop proposals to increase sanctions pressure.

In particular, he noted, the group of experts came to the conclusion that it is necessary to impose a full embargo on Russian energy and sanctions against all Russian banks.

It is also necessary to expand the circle of individuals subject to sanctions, as many Russians support the war, in particular by participating in decision-making and carrying out orders to exterminate the civilian population of Ukraine.

“Recognition of Russia as a state – sponsor of terrorism will allow launching additional sanctions mechanisms. After all, the main goal of any sanctions is to stop the war. It is important to put pressure on Russia, on Russian business close to the Kremlin in order to stop the adoption of heinous decisions,” the Head of the President’s Office said.

Andriy Yermak is convinced that the Ukrainians will definitely win, but the support of friends is important in the war.

“Our victory will be common. This will be the greatest victory of Ukraine and at the same time the victory of the United States. Probably that in the future this struggle will be called Ukraine’s war for freedom,” he concluded.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 April 2022.

Ukraine has promptly prepared the relevant legal framework, draft statutory documents for the earliest possible launch of a special tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression against our state. This was stated during a briefing by Deputy Head of the President’s Office Andriy Smyrnov.

“Currently, consultations are being held with partner states and international organizations, and the optimal format for the establishment and operation of the tribunal is being determined,” he said.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President noted that the idea of establishing a special tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine was supported by hundreds of European and world intellectuals, leading international lawyers, public figures who signed a statement on the need to establish it.

According to Andriy Smyrnov, daily work on the Book of Torturers is being carried out in coordination with the President’s Office together with the Ukrainian pre-trial investigation bodies, intelligence agencies and the Ministry of Digital Transformation. This is a set of information about every Russian war criminal involved in the war and atrocities committed and being committed in Ukraine.

“A huge amount of information is being researched and verified, which will later be available to our citizens and the entire civilized world,” said the Deputy Head of the Office of the President.

In addition, according to him, the Office of the President together with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine have developed mechanisms to recover funds from the Russian Federation frozen abroad to compensate for losses.

“We have several plans to achieve this. The main one is the signing of an international agreement, which will provide for the lifting of immunity from the funds of the Russian Federation and directing them to the affected citizens and legal entities, as well as the restoration of infrastructure. Plan B is the enactment of the relevant law in each jurisdiction where funds have been frozen. In some countries, such bills have already been registered,” said Andriy Smyrnov.

He noted that the relevant talks with international partners will be held this week.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 April 2022.

Economic Adviser to the President Oleg Ustenko is confident that European countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas, and the London lawyers and bankers who serve the oligarchs from the entourage of Russian President Vladimir Putin are also complicit in war crimes committed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. He stated this in an exclusive interview with the Observer.

Oleg Ustenko considers the failure of major western economies to impose an immediate embargo on imports of oil and gas from Russia unacceptable.

According to him, Kyiv is monitoring which companies continue to trade with Russia, and this will have legal consequences.

“We know the name of the ship, the flag, the name of the captain, the volume of oil, we know how much money was paid for that oil, the port of destination, the company who sold the insurance. We are going to work with this information,” the Adviser to the President noted.

“If Russians are committing war crimes, even genocide, whoever is supplying Russia with this bloody money is guilty of the same war crime,” he emphasized.

Therefore, according to Oleg Ustenko, Ukraine will have the absolute right to prosecute such accomplices.

“Maybe in a year, maybe in 10 years, but we are going to find these accomplices of war crimes,” the Adviser to the President said.

He called for the imposition of much tougher international sanctions on Russia, as well as for immediate measures to direct the frozen assets of the Russian Central Bank to cover Ukraine’s urgent needs. The sale of frozen assets belonging to oligarchs subject to sanctions must also begin as soon as possible with the proceeds going towards Ukraine’s defense and its postwar reconstruction.

“We will both win and rebuild our country. We need funds for this, and Russia must compensate every hryvnia of our losses,” he said.

In addition, in an interview with The Guardian Oleg Ustenko said that the death, destruction and atrocities committed by the Russian army in Ukraine should be a convincing argument for the West, in particular for Europe, in favor of giving up Russian oil and gas and strengthening punitive sanctions against the Kremlin.

He estimates that Moscow receives about $ 1.4 billion a day from the sale of energy, with most of the money coming from Europe.

“Imagine how many missiles and bombs you can buy for that kind of money,” the Adviser to the President said.

According to him, some people in Europe still have extremely narrow thinking. They believe they can help Ukraine, but they do not understand that by supplying this money to Vladimir Putin, they are funding his military machine.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Annalena Baerbock promised last week that Berlin would end imports of Russian oil by the end of the year, phasing gas out later. Oleg Ustenko calls this schedule “unacceptable”. According to him, an immediate oil embargo would mean short-term fuel price inflation, followed by a market correction as supplies from other nations kicked in.

For gas, Oleg Ustenko admits the transition would be harder. In the meantime, he adds, payments to Russian gas suppliers should be held in escrow, to be unlocked when the war is over. This would choke off Russia’s revenue stream and provide a financial incentive to end the aggression.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 April 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin who arrived in Ukraine on a visit.

At the beginning of the talks, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of the visit of American high-ranking officials to Kyiv at this crucial and important moment for the Ukrainian state.

“We appreciate the unprecedented assistance of the United States to Ukraine. I would like to thank President Biden personally and on behalf of the entire Ukrainian people for his leadership in supporting Ukraine, for his personal clear position. To thank all the American people, as well as the Congress for their bicameral and bipartisan support. We see it. We feel it,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The President of Ukraine discussed with the United States delegation the current priorities for the belligerent state – defense assistance, strengthening sanctions on Russia, financial support for Ukraine and security guarantees.

The Head of State noted that the $ 3.4 billion in defense support already provided by the United States is the largest contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The President of Ukraine stressed that this assistance already helps in bringing Ukraine’s defense capabilities to a qualitatively new level, which is extremely important for our defenders who are defending their homeland on the frontline.

Particular attention was paid to the sanctions policy, which should be further strengthened and become an important element of influence on the aggressor. “We understand what the next steps on this track should be. And we count on the support of our partners,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, handing over to the American side the Action Plan to strengthen sanctions on the Russian Federation developed by the Yermak-McFaul international expert group.

Discussing ways to increase financial support for Ukraine, both to promote the economy and to further rebuild our country, the President of Ukraine stressed the importance of expanding the opportunities for Ukrainian goods to access the American market.

The parties also discussed the peace process and prospects for strengthening the anti-war coalition. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine sees the United States as a leader among the future guarantors of our country’s security.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 24 April 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak expects an increase in the defensive support for our country from international partners, as well as increased sanctions pressure on Russia, which will allow to end the aggressive war and sit down at the negotiating table. He told it on French TV channel TF1.

“Currently, Mariupol remains the most tragic and tense point on the map of Ukraine. That’s where the fierce fighting is taking place. As for the information that the Russians have gained control of the city… No, that’s not true. Yes, they are in the city, but the area where the Ukrainian heroes stand remains under the control of our soldiers. They are there together with civilians, there are even children there,” Andriy Yermak said.

He stressed that the Ukrainian authorities continue to fight and do everything to save the lives of these people.

According to him, the military-political leadership of the country is in constant contact with the fighters who remain in Mariupol, and receives firsthand information about the situation in the city.

“The struggle for Mariupol does not end. This is a Ukrainian city. And it will always be like that,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

Andriy Yermak confirmed that Ukraine will now need heavy weapons to counter Russia more effectively.

“This is something that will allow us to protect our sky during the constant bombing. These are tanks. These are remedies against ship attacks. MLRS and more. But I would like to emphasize once again that our partners have an exhaustive list. We look forward to even greater support. With this support and a strong sanctions policy, we will surely win,” he said.

Andriy Yermak reminded that a group of international and Ukrainian experts has been set up pursuant to the instructions of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy who are analyzing the effectiveness of the current sanctions and developing proposals for new restrictive measures. An action plan to strengthen sanctions on the Russian Federation developed by the Yermak-McFaul international group of experts has already been presented.

“It contains clear, definite sanctions that we will propose to our partners – the EU and its member states, as well as the United States, Great Britain and other countries – to apply against Russia. The fact that the war in Ukraine continues, our people, our children are being killed, makes it clear that the current sanctions policy is insufficient. It needs to be strengthened. It needs to be updated, new sanctions need to be developed constantly. And I would like to emphasize that the EU’s support for a full embargo on energy, Russian gas and oil, is very important to us. Also the application of sanctions against all Russian banks. It is important to elaborate sanctions recognizing Russia as a country that sponsors terrorism. Also, in my opinion, the issue of including Russia in the FATF blacklist should be considered, following the example of other countries to which such measures have already been applied. And much more,” Andriy Yermak said.

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine also noted that in a situation where a full-scale war is being waged against our state virtually throughout the territory, it is difficult to negotiate with an aggressor who ignores not only international law, but also the laws of war.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 24 April 2022.

Ukraine and Ukrainian citizens not only demonstrated great internal unity, but also managed to unite European countries and the whole world around them. This was emphasized by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference for international and Ukrainian media in Kyiv.

The Head of State noted the incredible unity within the country after the beginning of the war. “And it must stay with us until the end of the war, after the war… I think this is a great victory and our great weapon,” he said.

The President is convinced that Ukraine has done everything possible to unite the countries of the European Union politically like never before.

“We addressed the parliaments. And sometimes, may some European countries excuse me, behaved impudently. But understand: because we are at war and our people are dying, we can’t do otherwise – there is not enough time,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

According to the Head of State, thanks to Ukraine, European countries have begun to understand the true meaning of NATO’s existence, as some European high-ranking officials have said in private conversations.

“Is the Alliance able to unite quickly and resist aggression?” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He stressed that Ukraine is fighting for its existence and for peace, but it needs powerful weapons for this.

“Ukraine has done a lot to unite the world. And now that this union exists, weapons are needed. And this is the last union we need. Here, all countries need to become courageous people and courageous leaders together. And not only for us, not only for our victory, but also for themselves,” the President of Ukraine summed up.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 23 April 2022.

Ukraine would like Pope Francis to join the rescue of people in the east of our country, in particular to help unblock the humanitarian corridor in Mariupol, because His Holiness is trusted by many people and his mission is from God. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference for international and Ukrainian media in Kyiv.

“I really wanted him to come from the very beginning, to support our people in the east of the country. I wanted him to try to unblock the humanitarian corridors to Mariupol,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to him, the Ukrainian side addressed the Holy See with such a request.

“It is too early to tell, but we are waiting for him. We are waiting because he has a mission – a mission from God. He is trusted by a large number of people, I think this is important,” said the President.

The Head of State stressed that Ukraine is grateful to the Holy See and personally to Pope Francis for his support – during speeches and prayers at various events, he supports Ukraine and condemns Russian aggression.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also recalled his personal meeting with His Holiness during an audience in the Holy See when they discussed the story of the Ukrainian military Vitaliy Markiv.

“And he helped as much as he could. And we returned our military. Because we have to fight for every person. At least these are my rules of life,” the President of Ukraine summed up.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 23 April 2022.

Everyone who gave criminal orders to kill civilians during the Russian military invasion of Ukraine will face the court and get a fair punishment, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced.

“I believe that everyone will definitely face the tribunal, the court. Everyone who gave these shameful orders to kill people, children – everyone. That’s for sure, I’m sure of it, I believe in it,” the President said during a press conference for international and Ukrainian media.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, criminal cases in international courts usually take a long time, several years, but Ukraine will wait for a fair verdict.

“We will wait. And if people like me don’t see it, our children will. Believe me. I am sure that there will be the last nail in the policy of this state,” the President said.

He stressed that Ukrainians are interested not in the name of the tribunal that will convict the criminals, but in the outcome of this process.

“Whether it is The Hague, Ukraine, other processes… It’s not about the name, it’s about the number of years and the number of people. It’s about how many people will be sentenced for a large number of years of imprisonment,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President emphasized that the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine is working with the investigative bodies of partner countries to organize such a trial.

“We believe there will be an international tribunal. We believe there will be a result of it,” the President summed up.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 23 April 2022.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the Georgian people are fraternal for Ukrainians, but the return of the Ukrainian ambassador to Georgia is possible after the Georgian authorities support Ukraine. The Head of State said this during a press conference for international and Ukrainian media in Kyiv.

“I will say frankly: we are truly fraternal nations, but I do not understand the position of the leaders of your state. That’s why I perceive it bitterly… I don’t understand why sanctions are not imposed. I have heard the message “we must protect our economy”. What economy? They (Russians – ed.) have already taken part of the territory of Georgia, almost reached Tbilisi,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

At the same time, according to him, the Georgian people are one of the nations that are really close to Ukrainians. The President noted that Georgia is a neighbor of Ukraine, and the Georgian people have supported Ukrainians starting from the first revolution and ending with the current war by providing volunteer and humanitarian assistance. In addition, Georgians are fighting on the side of Ukraine and expressed their support on the streets of Tbilisi.

“We have a war with Russia, and we definitely do not want conflicts with Georgia. I am sure we will never have conflicts… We will definitely return the ambassador to friendly Georgia as soon as we feel the support of Ukraine from your government,” the President said.