Tag: President of Ukraine

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 28 March 2022.

The most important issues in the negotiations with Russia are security guarantees, neutrality and Ukraine’s nuclear-free status; “denazification” and demilitarization are not discussed at all, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview for Russian media from “Zygar” YouTube channel, “Rain” TV channel, “Meduza” portal, “Kommersant” and “Novaya Gazeta”.

The Head of State noted that at the beginning of the talks the Russian Federation issued a public ultimatum. It contained the same items that were discussed in the media, in particular the so-called denazification and demilitarization.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this was an informational throw-in that Russia usually resorts to when it delays negotiations, but wants to pretend that the process is ongoing and something is being done.

We do not discuss “denazification” and demilitarization at all. I said that we will not sit at the negotiating table at all if we talk about some kind of demilitarization, some kind of “denazification”. For me, these are completely incomprehensible things,” the President said.

At the same time, he noted that the issues of guarantees of security, neutrality, nuclear-free status of our country remain the most important, as Russia calls NATO enlargement one of the reasons for invading Ukraine.

The Head of State noted that this issue has been deeply elaborated, and Ukraine is ready to agree on it only if it has guarantees fixed on paper.

“I want it not to be another piece of paper like the Budapest Memorandum. We are interested in turning this paper into a meaningful agreement, which will be signed by all guarantors,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Verification of this document must also be carried out in the parliaments of the guarantor countries, and a referendum on this issue must be held in Ukraine.

“The Russian side needs assurances that this will happen. Therefore, the referendum. Because only the people can decide that there can be such a status and such guarantors. The referendum will take place in a few months, and the amendments to the Constitution will take at least a year. According to our current legislation,” the President stated.

At the same time, the Head of State stressed that holding such a referendum will be possible only after the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine. After all, when active hostilities continue in the country and troops of another state are present, “no one will ever recognize the results of this referendum.”

“We must have agreements with President Putin. The guarantors will not sign anything if the troops are not withdrawn,” he said.

“We met and agreed. Our agreement with him. With signatures, seals, even blood, doesn’t matter. And that’s enough to start the process of troops withdrawal. The troops must be withdrawn, the guarantors will sign everything, and all this will start working. Ratifications in parliaments, a referendum in several months, and only then – amendments to the Constitution,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adding that his personal meeting with President Vladimir Putin is needed for that.

As for the issue of the Russian language in Ukraine, the President believes that it can be resolved through mutual respect for the languages of all neighboring countries, which should also be documented.

“In general, I would like to cut off this constant argument about language. We all speak the way we want and the language we want. We have more than 100 nationalities in the country. That’s why I said: only a mirror respect for the history, languages, cultural values of all neighbors. I accept that. I am sure that our people will accept it if they want. Because all this will be decided one way or another by the people, the voters,” he said.

The President stressed that every next day of the war calls into question the use of the Russian language in Ukraine in general.

“People themselves will not want to perceive and speak this language, watch movies and so on. Especially when they try to instill love for the language through blood, as happened in the case of Ukraine. People themselves will not want that,” he said.

As the Head of State explained, if any national minority wants to open an educational or other institution, make publications in its own language, there should be mirror steps regarding the Ukrainian language.

“Respect for the languages of neighboring nations. I am interested in such an agreement, I want to sign it. I want to sign it with all neighboring countries. I am interested in Russia, Hungary, Poland – we have many historical issues, Romania and so on. We have many national minorities. And this agreement will be enough to respect certain languages both inside the country and abroad. Therefore, the issue of language, I am sure, will be off the agenda, because it will be resolved,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 27 March 2022.

International corporations that have left the Russian market fairly quickly and completely will be awarded a special Peace Award by the Office of the President of Ukraine. This was announced by Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak.

“With great gratitude from the Ukrainian people at this turning point in our history. They deserve the respect of Ukrainians and people around the world. After all, indifference and silence are complicity,” he stressed.

Andriy Yermak noted that Ukraine continues to work actively with global brands for them to leave the Russian market.

“Our goal is not a single penny to the budget of the aggressor country. Quite a few companies have already supported Ukraine and are leaving the Russian market. And I am convinced that those who still have doubts must make the right choice. It is impossible to support war crimes, it is inadmissible to conduct trade with war criminals and make money on the killing of civilians,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

Andriy Yermak is convinced that the “Peace Award” is very important today, because we live in a critical moment when the issue is point-blank: to support the evil that kills women and children, or to choose a democratic world.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 27 March 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the defenders of Mariupol had a choice to leave the city and save their lives, but they did not want to leave their wounded brothers-in-arms and the bodies of the dead there. The Head of State spoke about this in an interview for Russian media from “Zygar” YouTube channel, “Rain” TV channel, “Meduza” portal, “Kommersant” and “Novaya Gazeta”.

“There are our troops inside (the city of Mariupol – ed.). Where Russian troops can enter, they have entered. They did not enter certain parts of the city. Because there are our men who refused to leave despite their appeals,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he regularly communicates with the defenders of Mariupol and members of their families.

“Every two days I get in touch for sure… I also told them that I understand everything, we will definitely come back, but if you feel that you need to leave and you feel that it is right and that you can survive, do it. I understand what it looks like for the military, but do it. I gave them that choice. And they said: we can’t, the wounded are here, we will not leave the wounded. Moreover, they said they would not leave the dead,” the President said.

The Head of State also said that there was an attempt to agree with the Russian side on the removal of the bodies of killed soldiers and civilians lying in the open air, but such removal was not allowed.

“The reality is that the city is blocked by the Russian military, all entrances and exits from Mariupol are blocked, the port is mined. The humanitarian catastrophe in the city is obvious. Because food, medicine, and water can’t be delivered. The Russian troops are shelling humanitarian convoys and killing drivers,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

According to him, due to the shelling, many humanitarian convoys returned without reaching Mariupol.

The President also confirmed that in the framework of the agreements, people were leaving the city using civilian transport, but Russia also organized the forcible removal of Mariupol residents to the occupied territories.

“According to our data, more than 2,000 children were deported. Which means they were abducted. Because we do not know the exact locations of all these children. There were children with and without parents. It’s a catastrophe, it’s horrible,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to him, these people are being taken by the Russian side to replenish the “exchange fund”.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 27 March 2022.

The Ukrainian side is ready to exchange Russian prisoners of war for Ukrainian prisoners of war before the end of hostilities. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview for Russian media from “Zygar” YouTube channel, “Rain” TV channel, “Meduza” portal, “Kommersant” and “Novaya Gazeta”.

“Lists are being compiled. Our military, I know, made lists. There are lists of all those who are in captivity. I don’t know if everyone is interested in them. Politicians, I think, are not very interested in them. I’m just not sure that the Russian side needs these lists,” the Head of State said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that he stood for exchanging prisoners of war without waiting for the end of the war.

“It is not necessary to act according to some generally accepted canons: like let’s wait until the end of the war, or let’s capture more… I do not understand that. I believe that there is an agreement to exchange everyone for everyone, we have this number – let’s exchange for this number. Let’s not measure: 10 for 10, 11 for 11,” the President said.

He also noted that Ukraine does not want to leave the corpses of Russian soldiers on its territory, but wants to hand them over to the relatives of the dead.

“They (the Russian side – ed.) first refused, then offered us some bags… It all looks like… You know, even when a dog or a cat dies, people don’t do so. These are garbage bags. I don’t understand what people think, what the parents of these children think,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that for him, as the President of a warring country, such an attitude is unacceptable even towards soldiers of an enemy state.

“It’s not cattle. And why is it dreadful? Because if this is the attitude towards their own people, then what is the attitude towards everyone else? And we are definitely not “friends” for the Russian government,” he concluded.

 

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 26 March 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda held a video conference. The President of Ukraine thanked his Polish counterpart for sheltering Ukrainian refugees.

Andrzej Duda said that as of now, Poland has sheltered 2.3 million Ukrainians. According to him, the country provides them with everything they need.

The presidents and representatives of their offices discussed the functioning of Ukraine’s energy system in Europe’s single energy network. The energy ministers of the two countries were instructed to continue consultations after the talks.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated the need to prevent shelling of Ukrainian cities from the air. The President of Ukraine expressed disappointment that Soviet-made aircraft available in Eastern European countries, in particular Poland, have not yet been handed over to our state. Although both these countries and the United States have publicly stated their readiness to make such a decision.

“The price of delay with planes is thousands of lives of Ukrainians, which we are losing from missile and air strikes on peaceful Ukrainian cities,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

According to him, aircraft, tanks and long-range air defense systems would allow Ukraine to really defend freedom throughout our territory and drastically change the course of hostilities.

“If the partners do not help Ukraine with planes and tanks, and they have such opportunities, there is a high risk that Russian troops will pose not only a missile threat to the territory of our neighbors – friendly Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and the Baltic States, but also direct general military threat. On their borders, near their cities. And they will go further,” the Ukrainian Head of State said.

As the conversation between the Presidents was coming to an end, Lviv was hit by Russian missiles. Lviv is located 50 kilometers from the Polish border.

After the conversation, Volodymyr Zelenskyy contacted the defenders of Mariupol who also said that the city was under devastating airstrikes. Nevertheless, the military assured that they are determined to defend Mariupol.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 26 March 2022.

One of the key elements of the negotiations on ending the aggressive war launched by the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine is the creation of a system of clear and reliable security guarantees for our state. This was stated by Advisor to the Head of the President’s Office Mykhailo Podolyak in an interview for the German media Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

“Ukraine insists on a system of security guarantees, which will include countries that are ready to provide these guarantees, including in the military sense. Many other things depend on it,” he stressed.

According to Mykhailo Podolyak, such a system of guarantees is impossible without the participation of the United States of America in the first place.

The Advisor to the Head of the President’s Office noted that there is some progress in the negotiations with the Russian side in the working subgroups, but in general the progress is not yet what the Ukrainian side would like it to be.

He also stressed that Ukraine would not exchange situational success for global security instruments.

“The Russian side likes to organize a “leak” of some information, some versions of the talks in the media, hoping that in our country, where there is an open discussion, there will be speculation, emotions and conflicts,” said Mykhailo Podolyak.

According to him, the issue of territorial integrity is extremely important for our state. Therefore, such a difficult issue as the future of the temporarily occupied Crimea and ORDLO should be decided only by the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia.

The Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President believes that the peace talks will begin to yield fruit when Russia realizes that it will suffer more losses from the continuation of this war than Ukraine.

“For this to happen, we need effective operation of our army. And this requires that our partners adequately help us. If you do not want to make a no-fly zone, give us air defense systems so that we can close the skies ourselves, so that our peaceful cities are not bombed. Second, give us weapons to unblock cities like Mariupol. Third, sanctions such as the oil embargo, maximum restrictions on financial transactions, etc. are needed,” Mykhailo Podolyak explained.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 26 March 2022.

On the Day of the National Guard of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the NGU servicemen who showed personal courage and dedication in repelling the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against our state.

“I want to thank everyone for your service. For your work, for protecting our territorial integrity, sovereignty, all our families,” he said.

“Please take care of yourself, take care of your families, take care of your children’s health. All this is important and will be needed for us, for our future, which we are building and will build together with you,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy added, presenting the awards.

In particular, the award was received by:

NGU soldier Andriy Yesaultsev who showed courage during the evacuation of personnel from Antonov Airport.

Major Oleksandr Solonko who defended Kyiv Airport and, despite heavy rocket fire from the enemy, kept the defense and destroyed an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group. During the battle, Oleksandr Solonko captured five saboteurs.

Soldier Roman Bereza who showed courage during the fire contact with the paratroopers of the aggressor who fired at the military unit.

Senior Lieutenant of the medical service Maryna Riazantseva who came under mortar fire from the occupiers near the village of Horenka, as a result of which a battle broke out with an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group. As a result of the projectile explosion, Maryna Riazantseva was shell shocked, but despite the pain continued to provide medical care to the wounded soldiers and evacuate them during the enemy shelling.

Senior Sergeant Makym Tkach who saved the battle flag during the withdrawal of personnel from the location of the military unit.

In addition, the Head of State conferred the military rank of Brigadier General upon Colonels of the National Guard Volodymyr Barziuk, Oleksandr Biletsky, Oleksandr Bilous, Vitaliy Kozaletov and Kostiantyn Pletko.

The press release published by the President of Ukraine on 26 March 2022.

As of March 26, ten humanitarian corridors have been agreed in Ukraine to evacuate people from settlements affected by the Russian invasion. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk.

In the Donetsk region, the evacuation of people on private transport is planned from Mariupol to the city of Zaporizhzhia.

According to Iryna Vereshchuk, Mariupol residents can refuel their cars for free in Berdyansk at 87B Melitopolske Highway. At the same time, due to the blockade of buses by the occupiers at checkpoints, there will be no centralized evacuation of Mariupol residents today.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that people can turn to humanitarian headquarters in Berdyansk to get the necessary help and shelter. Their contacts: 3-62-76, 3-52-52, (097) 551-59-17 and (050) 439-75-29. Mariupol residents can also call the call center in the city of Zaporizhzhia: (095) 220-41-11, (067) 220-41-12 and 0800-503-508.

The following routes have been agreed in the Kyiv region:

From the village of Plesetske to the city of Fastiv. The meeting place is the village council building at 57 Tsentralna Street.

From the village of Severynivka to Bilohorodka. The meeting place is 20 Ivana Mazepa Street.

From the urban-type settlement of Borodyanka to Bila Tserkva. The meeting place is 331 Tsentralna Street.

From the villages of Chervona Sloboda, Rozhiv and Sytnyaky to Bila Tserkva. The meeting place is a shopping center at 46 Lesi Ukrainky Street, Chervona Sloboda village.

Evacuation buses will depart from Bila Tserkva, Fastiv and Bilohorodka.

“Slavutych, Dymer, Ivankiv – we hear you and we know that you need routes (for evacuation – ed.). We are working on it,” Iryna Vereshchuk stressed.

In the Luhansk region, evacuation buses and humanitarian aid will be sent from the city of Bakhmut. Agreed corridors: from the city of Rubizhne (meeting place – 11 Chekhova Street); from the urban-type settlement of Nyzhne (meeting place – 13 Parkova Street); from the city of Lysychansk (meeting place – GTV, quarter of 40 years of Victory, 324 Sosyury Street); from the city of Popasna (meeting place – 42 Pervomayska Street); from the city of Severodonetsk (meeting place – 28 Khimikiv Avenue) and from the city of Hirske (meeting place – 13 Haharyna Street).

“According to our information, the occupiers have planned a demonstration action today – they are going to forcibly deport ethnic Armenians, Azerbaijanis and Meskhetian Turks from the city of Kherson to the temporarily occupied Ukrainian Crimea… The Russians understand that they are losing control, so they resort to propaganda – take people to Crimea, which is still under their control. However, these steps are futile and criminal,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Iryna Vereshchuk stressed that Kherson residents are actively and massively protesting against the occupation.

“Kherson and Kherson residents, you are our heroes!” she said.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 26 March 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on energy-supplying countries, including Qatar, to increase energy production in order to deprive Russia of opportunities for energy blackmail and thus contribute to stabilizing the situation in Europe. He stated this during a speech in the format of a video conference at the Doha Forum – 2022.

The Head of State addressed the participants of the event: “The topic of this year’s forum in the beautiful, peaceful and respectful city of Doha is the challenges for the new era. But, unfortunately, not everyone on our planet perceives reality adequately and understands that we need to prepare for new times. Russia, as we see, wants a time when peaceful coexistence of nations on equal terms was impossible on earth. Can we allow this?”

He stressed that after a full-scale attack by Russia, which is 28 times bigger, Ukraine has been defending itself on the battlefield and couldn’t find justice in the world for 31 days already. Russia, on the other hand, is threatening to use nuclear weapons, spreading this fear on the planet and “boasting that it can destroy not only a nation, but also life on earth with nuclear weapons.”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the need for real reform of international institutions and UN mechanisms to ensure security.

“So that someone 28 times bigger does not think he can do anything he wants. And that the nuclear status of the state does not serve as a permit for any injustice against other states,” the President said.

According to the President, Ukraine is a country of diversity and peaceful coexistence of ethnic groups and religions. More than a million Muslims live in our country, who are now also suffering from Russian bombing.

“In 31 days of this war, Russian strikes damaged at least 59 buildings of spiritual significance. Mosques, churches, religious educational institutions. More than 200 schools were destroyed or damaged. Dozens of hospitals. Russia does not stop even before the bombing of hospitals! Russian troops purposefully strike at places that ordinary civilians use as shelter,” the President said.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during the Russian invasion, about 10 million people, mostly women with children, have already become migrants in Ukraine, and more than 3.5 million Ukrainian citizens have been forced to go abroad in search of security.

The food crisis will come after the migration crisis, said the President. After all, Ukraine is one of the world’s most important food exporters.

“Wheat, oil, corn and other agricultural products from our country are the basis of stability and internal security of many countries in different parts of the world… Russian troops mine fields in Ukraine, blow up agricultural machinery, destroy fuel reserves needed for sowing. They blocked our seaports. Why are they doing this? Our state will have enough food. But the lack of exports from Ukraine will hit many nations in the Islamic world, Latin America and other parts of the world. Where some invaders still dream of going to strengthen their old privileges,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

He urged to unite the efforts to prevent food shortages in the world due to the war. In particular, by strengthening the sanctions policy against Russia.

“All the restrictions that have been imposed on Russia are aimed at only one thing: for Russia to start seeking peace, so that it does not pose global threats. I call on all states to join. Russia must seek peace. It must end the war against Ukraine. It must stop all attempts to break global stability and return to the world the old disgusting habits of those who sought colonies and instilled inequality,” said the President.

Also, in his opinion, the refusal of European countries to purchase Russian oil and gas is only a matter of time.

“The responsible states, in particular the State of Qatar, are reliable and reputable suppliers of energy resources. And they can contribute to stabilizing the situation in Europe. They can do much to restore justice. The future of Europe depends on your efforts! I urge you to increase energy production! So that Russia understands that no state should use energy as a weapon to blackmail the world,” the President of Ukraine stressed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the whole anti-war coalition to work even harder for Russia to seek peace.

“So that people in the world can really prepare for new times, for a new era. Instead of thinking about how to adapt to the return of the old horrors: wars of invasion, famine and despair that leads to uprisings,” the President summed up.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the preparation of a program to support internally displaced persons, which provides for the construction of temporary housing for citizens who have fled the areas of hostilities.

“Officials are preparing a new support program for our IDPs from the war zones. Regional administrations have been given a clear task to quickly allocate land for the construction of temporary housing for displaced persons. I want to emphasize once again – this is temporary housing. Once we establish peace, we will begin the immediate, large-scale reconstruction of our state. But now people need a temporary home. Their home. And it is better to have a home in Ukraine than somewhere abroad,” the Head of State emphasized.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, all the details of this support program will be presented by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.