Tag: President of Ukraine

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid a visit to the Vlasenko family, which got under the shelling by the occupiers during the evacuation from the town of Vorzel, Kyiv region.

The Vlasenko family moved to the Kyiv region from Crimea after the beginning of the Russian occupation of the peninsula, as they did not want to acquire Russian citizenship.

When Russia started a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the family decided to leave Vorzel for a safer place, but the car got under enemy fire.

Then the eldest 16-year-old daughter Katya covered her younger 8-year-old brother Ihor with her body and received significant wounds. Seeing his sister bleeding, Ihor got out of the car and started shouting at the occupiers for what they had done. Mother Tetiana also suffered shrapnel wounds. Father Roman carried the wounded daughter in his arms to help her.

The mother and daughter will undergo treatment for several months, but they managed to save their family and survive.

During a meeting with the Vlasenko family at the hospital, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted their solidarity, care and willingness to protect each other to the end, which saved their lives. The President wished the Vlasenko family a speedy recovery and expressed confidence that they would all soon celebrate Ukraine’s victory together.

“It cannot be otherwise when there are such strong families in our country,” the President said.

He presented a tablet for learning, flowers, sweets and fruits to the Vlasenko family.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also presented a toy to little Ihor, as the shelling hit the yard of the family house and the boy’s toys were damaged by shrapnel.

At the hospital, the President of Ukraine also spoke with other Kyiv residents undergoing treatment, a territorial defense fighter and the driver of the documentary journalist Brent Renaud who was killed in Irpin.

 

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

Immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine are among the key aspects of a peace agreement that could be signed as a result of negotiations with Russia to end the war against Ukraine. But strategically, our state wants to have a concrete mechanism that will guarantee its security in the future.

This was stated by Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podolyak in an interview for WP Wiadomości.

“Immediate ceasefire and immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine is one of the key aspects of the peace agreement. There is no other way. However, the negotiations are a large-scale process in which not only Russia and Ukraine are involved. Our partners also take an indirect part. Because we don’t just have to sign a treaty. We want to develop a concrete mechanism that will guarantee our security in the future,” he said.

Mykhailo Podolyak noted that the Ukrainian and Russian delegations are still defending their positions at the talks, so it may take some time to agree on the disputed issues. Unfortunately, the process is not as fast as we would like it to be.

“During this time, we must move closer to a peace agreement. First of all, taking into account the interests of Ukraine, which has suffered enormous destruction by the Russian Federation,” he stressed.

The Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office is convinced that after the signing of such an agreement, Russia will have no choice but to begin the immediate withdrawal of its armed forces from Ukraine.

“After the signing of the treaty, the Vienna Convention will enter into force for both parties. It makes it clear that a peace treaty can be annulled if the belligerent states do not withdraw their troops from the enemy’s territory. Therefore, any attempts to keep Russian soldiers on Ukrainian land will be legally groundless,” he explained.

Mykhailo Podoyak noted that in order to prevent Russia’s another violation of international law and treaties, Ukraine wants to spell out in detail a specific plan for the withdrawal of Russian troops, legally verify it and gain the support of international partners.

“Besides, it is foreign states that will guarantee the fulfillment of conditions and Ukraine’s security in the future. This will be a document that describes in detail the procedure in case of repeated aggression by Russia. This is an innovative formula authored by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which can become the basis for creating a completely new security system in Europe,” said the Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office.

In his opinion, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shown that the entire architecture of European security must be revised. That is why our state wants to end this war with a new coalition, so powerful that it will stop Russia if it wants to attack someone again.

Theoretically, now is the time to speak publicly about all aspects of modern challenges and openly assess the level of modern security contours. Do they cope with these challenges? Can they protect European cities from the barbaric bombings that Ukraine is experiencing today? Will Europe be able to finally get rid of the fear of the Russian Federation? It is obvious that the countries that will be the new guarantors of security will undertake certain commitments. “In the future, on the basis of today’s global crisis, a completely new alliance will be created, which will ensure the security of the whole of Europe,” Mykhailo Podolyak stressed.

The Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office stated that Ukraine would not agree to compromises that could damage its interests in any way. And it is not for the sake of such compromises that Ukrainians are now dying on the battlefields willing to fight to the end.

“We are not Russia. We know how and will continue to have a dialogue with our society. And we always hear our society. Unlike Russia, we can discuss any issues that should have been discussed long ago, but we will not agree to any ultimatum,” he said.

Mykhailo Podolyak noted that despite the complexity of this process, Ukraine must hold negotiations with Russia, as no one else wants to fight together with our state. We just have to understand that negotiations during the war are just another frontline.

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

As of March 17, nine humanitarian corridors have been agreed upon to evacuate residents of settlements affected by the Russian invasion. An information bureau for war prisoners has also been set up. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk.

In particular, an evacuation corridor from the city of Mariupol to the city of Zaporizhzhia has been agreed upon in the Donetsk region.

“We have asked for approval of this route and plan to send buses from the city of Zaporizhzhia to Berdyansk to gather people from Mariupol. We will also send a tank truck to refuel private cars on the route,” she said.

A number of humanitarian corridors are planned in the Kyiv region:

From Borodyanka to Zhytomyr.

From the village of Shevchenkove to the city of Brovary.

“We also plan to deliver humanitarian aid in the form of food and medicine to the cities of Hostomel and Bucha, the villages of Semypolky, Markivka and Opanasiv,” said Iryna Vereshchuk.

In the Kharkiv region, a humanitarian route from the city of Vovchansk to Kharkiv has been agreed upon.

According to Iryna Vereshchuk, work is underway to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to all settlements that are surrounded or blocked.

“We are stepping up our efforts to free captured civilians,” she said.

These include the release of Dniprorudne Mayor Yevhen Matvieyev, Melitopol District Council Chairman Serhiy Pryyma, Ivankiv Mayor Tetiana Svyrydenko, Shchastya Civil City Administration Chairman Volodymyr Tiurin, Skadovsk City Council Secretary Yuriy Paliukh and SES rescuer Oleksiy Danchenko.

Iryna Vereshchuk informed that in accordance with the Geneva Convention relative to the treatment of prisoners of war, the National Information Bureau was established on March 17.

“It is determined that the state enterprise “Ukrainian National Center for Peacebuilding”, which belongs to the Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories, will be a legal entity of public law and perform the functions of the National Information Bureau. We have informed the Red Cross through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the establishment of such a bureau and we hope that our work will be fruitful and productive for people, families who are waiting for their children to return home from captivity,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

 

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 16 March 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a video conference with International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan who is on a visit to our country.

The President noted the importance of the decision of the International Criminal Court to start an investigation into Russia’s horrific violations of international criminal law during the invasion of Ukraine.

The President also thanked him for the visit to our country at this difficult time.

“It is very important for us during the war, during the aggression of the Russian state against our people, that you reacted so quickly, so professionally,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He assured that the Ukrainian authorities are ready to provide maximum assistance to the ICC investigation team, which began working in our country in March. The Prosecutor General of Ukraine and relevant law enforcement agencies are involved in this work.

“Everyone understands what is happening. There are already two thousand war prisoners, there are witnesses, there are video testimonies and everything they said without pressure. All those who took people’s lives for nothing on our land must be punished. We will cooperate with you at the highest level,” the President said.

He stressed that no war crime or crime against humanity committed as a result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine should be left unpunished. Everyone guilty must be brought to international legal and criminal responsibility – from the perpetrators to the military-political leadership of the aggressor country.

Karim Khan, for his part, said that he had already had the opportunity to see photos and videos of the aftermath of the invasion and bombings in Mariupol and other cities – the suffering of people, including children and women.

“The law must now move forward and be used to protect these people,” the International Criminal Court Prosecutor said.

He stated that in order to support Ukraine in this struggle, a historically rapid unification of a large number of countries took place.

“They realized that the rule of law could not just live in universities and courts. It must be put into practice if we want justice,” Karim Khan said, adding that he looked forward to effective cooperation with Ukraine to receive information from all intercepted evidence in order to really get to the bottom of it.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that he was ready to do everything possible to facilitate the ICC investigation “so that all criminals could be brought to justice.”

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 16 March 2022.

The system operator of the Ukrainian power grid Ukrenergo, together with its European counterparts, has completed the integration of domestic and European energy systems. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“Ukrainian and European energy systems are already working synchronously,” the President said.

He reminded that on the night when Russia started the war against Ukraine, our state disconnected from the Russian and Belarusian energy systems and will never return.

“The enemy expected that the Ukrainian power system would collapse, that we would not be able to cope, so he seized the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, deliberately bombed and keeps bombing thermal power plants in Ukrainian cities and power lines. But the Ukrainian energy system has worked stably and steadily throughout the 21 days of the war, as recognized by Europeans. And starting from today we are no longer alone. As of today, Ukrainian electricity flows to Europe and European electricity flows to Ukraine,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to him, from now on the Ukrainian energy system has reliable energy reserves, which are located abroad, so it is protected from attacks by the invader.

“I am thankful to all the EU member states, personally to President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson and dozens of people from Ukraine and Europe who worked day and night during these days of war, so that today we can say this: Ukraine is in the “energy EU”. We now have a single energy circulatory system from Lisbon to Mariupol. Ukraine is in the “energy eurozone”. We cannot be defeated,” the President said.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 16 March 2022.

As of March 16, the Ukrainian side has not received a response on the approval of humanitarian corridors, and so far there are no guarantees for the safe evacuation of residents of settlements affected by the Russian invasion. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk.

“During the work of humanitarian corridors in the last few days, Russia has started gross violations of the ceasefire agreements. The invaders began firing at humanitarian convoys of buses, settlements and gathering places of people from which the evacuation of civilians was planned, as well as taking hostages of escorts,” she said.

Iryna Vereshchuk reminded that Oleksiy Danchenko, a rescuer from the State Emergency Service, remains in captivity. In addition, the invaders seized an intensive care hospital in Mariupol, took hostage 400 people, medical staff, and shelling is held from there now.

“We have not received a response to our proposals made yesterday to the International Committee of the Red Cross to open humanitarian corridors today. The issue of organizing humanitarian corridors today for Izyum and Mariupol remains open. In such conditions, of course, we cannot safely evacuate people,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

According to her, work is underway to organize the delivery of humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, to the captured or surrounded settlements of the Luhansk, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Chernihiv and Kherson regions.

Iryna Vereshchuk added that in case of change or opening of humanitarian corridors she will inform during the day.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 16 March 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki, Deputy Prime Minister of Poland Jarosław Kaczyński, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala and Prime Minister of Slovenia Janez Janša who arrived in Kyiv.

The President of Ukraine thanked the heads of government of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia for the support their countries provide to Ukraine, as well as for their personal visit to Kyiv.

“At a time when many ambassadors have left Ukraine in connection with the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, these dignitaries, leaders of their beautiful independent European states, fear nothing, care for our fate more, and they are here to support us. This is a great courageous, correct and friendly step. And I am sure that with such friends, with such countries, with such neighbors and partners, we will really be able to win,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters after the meeting.

The President noted that the talks focused on security guarantees for Ukraine, strengthening sanctions against the aggressor state, as well as the prospects of Ukraine’s membership in the European Union.

The interlocutors also touched upon plans to rebuild our country after the end of hostilities. In this context, international assistance in replenishing the relevant reconstruction funds already established by the Ukrainian government is important.

“We know for sure that everything we are discussing will reach the positive goal for our country, our security and our future,” the President stressed.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 March 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a meeting of representatives of the member states of the Joint Expeditionary Force chaired by Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson in the format of a video conference. During the event, the President of Ukraine presented his vision of how to stop Russian aggression and ensure lasting peace on the European continent.

First of all, the President thanked the partner countries of Ukraine for the support and assistance they provide.

“Our people will always remember who came to the rescue at the most difficult time for our state,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the world needs new security guarantees, as the old ones have proved their ineffectiveness.

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine destroyed everything that security in our region, and I am sure international security, was based on. The weight of the organizations we all hoped for. The force of international conventions. It has also called into question the world’s most powerful alliance, NATO,” the President of Ukraine stressed.

According to him, NATO has not yet plucked courage to close the Ukrainian sky to Russian missiles and planes, and Russian troops continue to bomb peaceful Ukrainian cities and kill people, blow up houses, hospitals and schools.

Therefore, as the Head of State noted, European countries, especially those bordering Russia, are now not sure that the Alliance will not be afraid to react if Russian missiles and planes fly to them. After all, Russian state propagandists are already directly saying that the war against Ukraine is just the beginning, that other European countries will be next. This is not denied in the Kremlin.

“We emphasize that we need new formats of interaction, new determination. And if we cannot enter NATO’s “open door”, then we must work with communities available, communities that will help us. Like yours. And have some guarantees. We would like to have reliable guarantees that will work for us. And also for you,” the President of Ukraine noted.

“We suggested a way. The way for Ukraine to be able to protect its skies and its people on its own. I would like everyone to hear this, especially those countries that have borders with Russia. We do everything to get planes. To get air defense,” he added.

The Ukrainian Head of State also stressed the need to increase sanctions pressure on Russia until its aggressive rhetoric and intentions change.

According to him, many global companies have not left the Russian market despite the imposition of tough sanctions against Russia. Some, having said they had left, are actually just waiting how this will end and when it will be possible to return.

“There is no international mechanism for influencing corporations today. If they ignore blood, the world can do nothing. And this is when the worst war since World War II continues. This needs to be addressed. Now. Before Russia goes further. The sanctions policy should be such that no one could even think of war. The question is not only in Russia – the question is in the future: what else can happen,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

According to him, the ban on the Russian fleet to use world ports, the complete disconnection of Russian banks from SWIFT, the recognition of Russia as a terrorist state, as well as an embargo on any trade with Russia are needed.

“We emphasize that this is necessary for us, but it is also necessary for you. For the whole world, for peace in Ukraine, in Europe,” the President said and thanked the UK and every country that has taken a moral position.

The Ukrainian President stressed that the “Russian military machine” can still be stopped to end the killings and, most importantly, the destruction of democracies.

“I think we all know this practice and these tragedies: missiles and bombs, helicopters and tanks, saboteurs and cyberattacks – all that is in the arsenal of today’s Russia. Everything will be directed against Europe if Ukraine does not survive. Therefore, I ask you: help yourself by helping us. You know what weapons we need. You know what means of protection we need. You know we crucially need airplanes. It would be extremely difficult for us without your efforts. I am grateful to you. But understand – we need more,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

He said that Ukrainian defenders captured Russian equipment on the battlefield and sent it back against the enemy, as well as used old Soviet equipment that had not worked for decades. However, this is not enough, because, according to statistics, there is 1 Ukrainian tank per 100 Russian tanks, and 1 Ukrainian military per up to 30 soldiers of the occupying forces.

“That’s why we really want you to help us. I am sure that you will be able to increase the volume and feel how it will strengthen your protection, your security together with ours. How this will make the world stable not only in our country, but also in your countries,” the President emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke in favor of strengthening the anti-war coalition and stressed that our strength lies in rapid action and solidarity.

“Our strength is in the truth. It is on our side. We can stop the war with Russia. So that peace that Ukrainians strive for comes. Peace that the world strives for,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 March 2022.

Nine humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of residents of settlements affected by the Russian invasion will open in Ukraine on March 15 at 9:00. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk.

According to her, evacuation of people from Mariupol is planned in the Donetsk region.

“Humanitarian cargo will leave Berdyansk for the city of Mariupol – tens of tons of water, medicines, products for people who are very much looking forward to it. And on the way back, the transport will take women, children and all those in need from Mariupol to Zaporizhzhia,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Corridors are opening in the Kyiv region in the following directions:

From the villages of Bohdanivka and Nova Bohdanivka in the direction of Brovary.

From the village of Bobryk in the direction of Brovary.

“We know about the huge problem in Ivankiv, we are working on this route. I sincerely hope that tomorrow we will be able to open this humanitarian corridor,” Iryna Vereshchuk added.

Evacuation from the cities of Sumy, Trostyanets, Shostka, Lebedyn and Konotop to Poltava is planned for March 15 in the Sumy region.

A humanitarian corridor from the village of Oskil has been agreed upon in the Kharkiv region.

“I want to assure you that all the information you provide on Facebook and other channels comes to us and we process it. We promise not to leave anyone behind. We remember, we know and we really want to save you,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 March 2022.

The meeting was chaired by Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak with the participation of the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ambassadors of Ukraine to foreign countries. The event was dedicated to the protection of the rights of Ukrainian citizens who have temporarily left their homeland due to Russian aggression.

The attendees heard reports from the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ambassadors to Ukraine’s neighboring countries who spoke about the current situation.

Particular attention was paid to the social protection of temporarily displaced citizens of our country during their stay in other countries, as well as strengthening the work of diplomatic missions with Ukrainians who today more than ever need attention and protection.

Based on the results of the meeting, the Foreign Ministry will summarize the current problems and propose urgent measures to eliminate them.