Tag: President of Ukraine

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 February 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of parliamentary factions and groups of the Verkhovna Rada.

The meeting was also attended by Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov, Minister of Defense Oleksiy Reznikov, Head of the Security Service Ivan Bakanov, Commander-in-Chief of the AFU Valerii Zaluzhnyi, representatives of national security and defense bodies and the economic bloc.

The participants discussed the development of the situation on the state borders of Ukraine, as well as ways to respond to the risks that have arisen due to Russia’s recognition of terrorist formations in the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

The Head of State initiated the formation of the country’s Defense Coalition in the Parliament and stressed the importance of its creation at this time.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the representatives of the parliamentary factions to ensure the prompt adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of decisions related to strengthening the defense capabilities of our state. In particular, this applies to amendments to the state budget to increase expenditures on financing the national security and defense sector.

“We must be aware that such decisions require an immediate response from the Parliament. Therefore, I ask the leaders of the factions to ensure that the Verkhovna Rada makes decisions that will strengthen our defense sector as fast as possible. And this is exactly what can be resolved within the Defense Coalition, when everyone will work as quickly and harmoniously as possible,” the President said.

The Head of State also initiated meetings with representatives of Ukrainian business, at which they intend to consider the creation of an investment fund to help the Ukrainian army.

“It will be very good if Ukrainian business is actively involved in helping our army, our defenders, and Ukraine’s defense sector,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The participants of the meeting discussed possible formats of mediation of our partner countries in resolving the conflict in Donbas.

The meeting took place in a constructive, objective and trust-based atmosphere. Representatives of parliamentary factions supported the initiatives proposed by the President to strengthen the defense capabilities and external support of our country.

The people’s deputies also expressed their proposals on topical issues on the agenda.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 February 2022.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he had received a request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regarding the severance of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The Head of State said this during a conversation with the media following the talks with President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis in Kyiv.

“Immediately after our press conference, I will work on this issue. And not only this issue, but also our effective steps as regards escalation on the part of the Russian Federation,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that it was not the first time that Ukraine called on Russia to resolve the issue of de-escalation through dialogue at the negotiating table.

“We are ready to do it on any platform, and Russia knows it. And not only Russia. In recent months, we have consulted with almost all the leaders of the EU, the United States and the United Kingdom, and proposed various formats of dialogue in which the Russian Federation would be present,” the President reminded.

The President stated that on February 21, by recognizing illegal formations in the occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the Russian Federation gave the answer that everyone saw.

“Ukraine must respond to this by defending its sovereignty and state,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

At the same time, according to the President, the Ukrainian side believes that a broad escalation on the part of Russia will not happen.

“But if it happens, (large-scale offensive – ed.), martial law will be imposed,” added Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 February 2022.

During the talks in Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis discussed further steps to intensify bilateral cooperation, especially in the trade, economic and investment spheres.

“We agreed that the contribution to strengthening the stability of Ukraine will be an increase in Estonian business, Estonian investment in Ukraine. Interest in the increase is mutual. Therefore, I invite Estonian investors to take a more active part in energy, infrastructure projects and IT development in Ukraine,” the President said during a meeting with media representatives following negotiations with the President of Estonia in Kyiv.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the details of the cooperation should be discussed during the meeting of Alar Karis with Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

In addition, during the talks, the presidents focused on expanding cooperation in the digital sphere and attracting Estonian investors to the Ukrainian Fund of Funds, as well as agreed to deepen cooperation on cybersecurity.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine and Estonia have many other important and promising areas for deepening cooperation. In particular, today the leaders discussed further cooperation within the Crimea Platform.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Estonia had expressed support for our humanitarian summit aimed at protecting the rights of Crimeans and de-occupying the Ukrainian Crimean peninsula.

“We paid special attention to the issues of European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine. We are grateful to Estonia for its strong support for our country’s aspirations to become a member of the European Union and NATO in the future. We hope that this year will be a year of concrete decisions that Ukraine needs,” he said.

The President thanked Alar Karis for the visit to Ukraine at a crucial moment for Ukrainian society and the independence of our state.

“Ukraine and Estonia have all the chances and, most importantly, a clear vision and desire to bring bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level. The current visit of the President is a clear confirmation of that,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 February 2022.

The decision of the Russian Federation to recognize the terrorist groups operating in the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions is another manifestation of aggression against Ukraine and requires an immediate response from our partners, including the imposition of tough sanctions. This was emphasized by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with media representatives following talks with President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis in Kyiv.

“This is a new act of aggression against Ukraine, which requires an immediate and decisive response from international partners and the international community. We believe that this decision of the Russian Federation creates a legal basis for further armed aggression against the state of Ukraine,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The President noted that with such a decision, Russia violates all possible bilateral and multilateral international obligations, the UN Security Council resolution on Ukraine of February 17, 2015.

“We share the common view that Russia’s escalation around Ukraine is an unprecedented challenge for Europe and the world at large. It is in Ukraine today that the future of European security is being decided, of which Ukraine is a part,” the Ukrainian President said.

He called on Europe and the world not to repeat the tragic mistakes made in Georgia in 2008.

“We agreed on the need to immediately impose sanctions for another act of aggression against Ukraine. These sanctions should include a complete halt to Nord Stream 2. In addition, today Ukraine needs more than ever support from partners in terms of defense capability and economic support, economic stability,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He thanked Alar Karis, who is visiting Ukraine for the first time as President of Estonia, which is especially important “in the context of a critical escalation of the security situation around Ukraine.”

“This is a very important signal for us, for Ukraine, for our society, great support. I am very grateful to you,” the President said.

“We consider your visit as a manifestation of solidarity on the part of Estonia, a reliable friend and partner of Ukraine within the EU and NATO. This is another important confirmation of Estonia’s firm and unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the President added.

He also thanked Estonia for its decision to transfer certain weapons, including Javelin missiles and a modern military field hospital, which is an important contribution to enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Alar Karis, for his part, noted that Estonia remains close to Ukraine and will continue to support our country in all possible ways.

“Russia must stop provocations, stop inciting the conflict, which has been going on for eight years. Moscow must immediately and unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine. We condemn all military and hybrid actions against Ukraine,” he added.

Alar Karis expressed his condolences over casualties in this conflict.

According to the President of Estonia, despite all diplomatic efforts, the concentration of Russian troops around Ukraine continues, including in Belarus.

According to him, Western leaders must protect common values and democracy, among other things, by applying a strong package of sanctions, because the threat to Ukraine is a threat to European security.

He also called for the doors of the European Union and NATO to be open to Ukraine.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 February 2022.

The President of Ukraine and the President of the Republic of Estonia having met today in Kyiv stated the following.

The parties strongly condemn the ongoing armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, launched in 2014, as well as the aggressive rhetoric, ultimatums and threats of force by the Russian Federation.

The parties firmly reject the provocations and attempts of the Russian Federation to aggravate the already tense security situation.

The parties call on the Russian Federation to choose the path of diplomacy, to take urgent steps to de-escalate and stop the destabilization of the security situation in and around Ukraine, in particular to withdraw its armed forces from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and from the immediate vicinity of the Ukrainian border.

The parties state that Russia’s recognition of the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” affirms a conscious unilateral withdrawal from the Minsk agreements and is a clear violation of international law, the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the most serious blow to the political-diplomatic settlement, which Ukraine and its partners are actively working to promote.

The Republic of Estonia reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

The parties reiterate their commitment to a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the current crisis. They will continue to work towards a Europe united and at peace, of which Ukraine is an intrinsic part. They affirm the fundamental right of every nation to freely choose its security arrangements and reject any attempts to create dividing lines in Europe.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 February 2022.

By its decisions to recognize the “independence” of the occupied districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Russia is violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and legalizing its troops in Donbas, which have been there since 2014. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an address following a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council.

“Ukraine unequivocally qualifies the recent actions of the Russian Federation as a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state. All responsibility for the consequences of these decisions rests with Russia’s political leadership,” the President stressed.

In addition, he said, recognizing the “independence” of the occupied districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions could mean Russia’s unilateral withdrawal from the Minsk agreements and ignoring decisions within the Normandy Four.

“It undermines peaceful efforts and destroys existing negotiating formats. With today’s and tomorrow’s possible decisions, Russia is legalizing its troops, which have actually been in the occupied areas of Donbas since 2014. A country that has supported the war for eight years cannot support peace, as it claims,” the President of Ukraine said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he had discussed the situation with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, US President Joseph Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Council President Charles Michel. A phone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is also planned.

He noted that today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine had sent a request to the member states of the UN Security Council on the basis of the Budapest Memorandum with a request to hold immediate consultations. A meeting of the UN Security Council and a special meeting of the OSCE were also initiated.

“We insist on the full work of the OSCE SMM to prevent provocations and further escalation,” the President said.

In addition, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, an emergency convocation of the Normandy Four summit has been initiated.

“We expect clear and effective steps of support from our partners. It is very important to see now who is our true friend and partner, and who will continue to intimidate the Russian Federation with words,” the Head of State stressed.

The President assured that Ukraine is committed to a political-diplomatic settlement and does not give in to provocations.

“We can clearly distinguish between the provocations and the offensive of the aggressor’s troops. The truth is on our side. And we will never hide the truth from you. As soon as we see a change in the situation, as soon as we see an increase in risks – you will know all this. There is currently no reason for chaotic action. We will do everything to keep it that way,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Head of State thanked all the citizens of Ukraine, who once again prove that Ukrainians are a smart and wise nation that keeps a cool head, reacts calmly and prudently despite everything.

“For a long time, we have been ready for everything. But there is no reason for your sleepless night,” the President said.

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

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held an urgent meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, at which representatives of the security and defense sector reported on the situation in Ukraine and at its state borders.

According to Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov, members of the National Security and Defense Council also heard Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova.

The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council noted that the state would fulfill all its obligations to its citizens – residents of the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, who would express a desire to move to the controlled part of Ukraine. If necessary, Ukraine is also ready to expand these commitments.

According to Oleksiy Danilov, the President did not close the meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, and if necessary, the members of the National Security and Defense Council will meet again quickly.

“Meetings will be held shortly if necessary. All members of the National Security and Defense Council are ready to work. The sector has been put into operation 24/7,” Oleksiy Danilov said.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Eduard Heger.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the development of the current security situation around our country and in the east of the country.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed Eduard Heger about the aggravation of the situation, in particular the intensification of provocative shelling of Ukrainian positions, settlements, Shchastya checkpoint and the UN humanitarian convoy by illegal armed groups.

“We do not see any signs of de-escalation on the part of Russia. The security situation remains tense, the number of ground troops of the Russian Federation’s Armed Forces in the Ukrainian direction is about 150 thousand people,” the Head of State stressed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed the Prime Minister on the initiatives of the Ukrainian side to intensify the negotiation process in all available formats with a view to a peaceful settlement.

The parties agreed that the fate of Europe is being decided in Ukraine today. They stressed the need for further political and diplomatic efforts of the international community to prevent the escalation of Russian aggression.

The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Slovakia touched upon the issues of cooperation between the two countries in the security sphere.

The Head of State thanked the Slovak government for the decision to hand over two Bozena 5 demining systems and medical equipment worth 1.7 million euros to Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed confidence that such assistance will strengthen the capabilities of our state against the background of existing threats.

“It is not words that matter now, but actions. We need concrete support from our partners,” said the President of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

“We appreciate Slovakia’s support for our European integration aspirations. I expect Ukraine to receive the status of a candidate country in the foreseeable future,” the President said.

Special attention was paid to energy security during the conversation.

The President thanked the Slovak side for creating additional guaranteed capacities for the transportation of natural gas in the Slovakia – Ukraine direction, noting that this will strengthen the energy security of our country and Europe as a whole.

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

As part of his participation in the 58th Munich Security Conference, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a series of meetings with leaders of other states and international institutions.

In particular, the President met with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked him for a steadfast support for the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for the assistance provided by the British side to strengthen the defense capabilities of our state.

“In these difficult times, it is very important who stands with Ukraine on this path. It is important that there are such real reliable and powerful, not theoretical, but substantive friends as Great Britain,” the President said.

He informed Boris Johnson about the intensification of provocative shelling of Ukrainian positions and a large-scale disinformation campaign by the Russian Federation to justify further escalation and aggression.

“This is a very dangerous moment in our history. If Russia invades Ukraine, it will be a disaster for Europe, for Ukraine and for Russia itself. I believe that everyone at this conference seeks unity, support and solidarity with Ukraine,” said the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

The President also informed the British Prime Minister about the latest initiatives of our state to intensify the peace process.

“Our position is clear and unchanging. Resolving the situation through politics and diplomacy remains an absolute priority for us,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President also met with Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Kiril Petkov and informed him about the current security situation around our country.

“We are aware of all the risks and are ready for any scenario. But under no circumstances will we give in to provocations,” the President stressed.

The parties discussed the prospects of Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration. An important step in the implementation of these tasks was the conclusion of a joint Declaration with Bulgaria in support of Ukraine’s European perspective.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the significant potential for the development of bilateral relations with Bulgaria and noted that Ukraine is very interested in this.

During the talks with US Vice President Kamala Harris, the President of Ukraine thanked the US administration for the constant dialogue and efforts to prevent a new escalation.

The President of Ukraine informed Kamala Harris about the latest events around our country and in the east of the country. The parties discussed the latest steps in the framework of a peaceful settlement and intensification of all negotiation formats.

“We share the vision of the peace process. Namely, it is a political and diplomatic way to restore peace and stability,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stressed the need to introduce a preventive package to deter the Russian Federation and elaborate new, effective security guarantees for the Ukrainian state. During the meeting, special attention was paid to the prospects of further cooperation in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, as well as providing security assistance.

During a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the President stressed the importance of providing concrete assistance by allies and partners, in particular in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, given the unprecedented security challenges.

In the context of de-escalation and stabilization of the situation, the President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of introducing a preventive package to deter the Russian Federation.

The leaders paid special attention to the peaceful settlement within the existing negotiation formats, first of all the Normandy one.

During the conversation with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed her of the current security situation around Ukraine, recent events in the east of our country, as well as Ukraine’s initiatives to intensify the peace process.

The parties reaffirmed their commitment to political and diplomatic efforts to unblock the peace process, restore stability and prevent a possible escalation of Russian aggression.

“Today at the Munich Security Conference there is strong support for Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty,” said Ursula von der Leyen.

The President thanked for the financial support provided to Ukraine by the European Union. The interlocutors agreed on the allocation of the first tranche of a new macro-financial assistance program worth 600 million euros.

During the meeting with President of the World Bank Group David Malpass, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the successful cooperation of Ukraine with this financial institution, and also thanked for the long-term support of our country. The parties discussed further ways to increase the World Bank’s involvement in ensuring the sustainability of Ukraine’s financial sector.

David Malpass has confirmed the provision of emergency financial support in the amount of $ 350 million for current reforms and important projects. The interest in further reforming and modernizing Ukrzaliznytsia, thermal modernization of residential buildings, and improving the energy efficiency of housing in Ukraine was also confirmed.

In addition, in the evening of February 19, after returning from Germany, the President of Ukraine had a phone conversation with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron.

The leaders exchanged assessments and positions in the context of security threats along Ukraine’s state border and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed about the intensification of provocative shelling of Ukrainian positions, in particular settlements, by illegal armed groups, which led to losses among our military.

“We regard this as a cynical provocation, but Ukraine does not give in to provocations,” the Ukrainian President said.

Particular emphasis was placed on the provocative shelling of Ukrainian deputies and representatives of foreign media who were visiting the delimitation line in the Donetsk region.

The Presidents discussed the issue of a peaceful settlement, primarily in the light of recent measures within the Normandy format and the refusal of the Russian side to participate in the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group convened at the initiative of Ukraine.

“Russia refused to hold a TCG meeting today and yesterday. We insist on holding it immediately,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed, adding that Ukraine will continue to stand for a complete ceasefire.

The interlocutors agreed on the need for further political and diplomatic efforts of the international community to prevent the escalation of Russian aggression.

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

On the Day of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska honored the memory of activists who died in 2014 during the Revolution of Dignity.

The Head of State and his wife placed icon lamps near the cross at the site of the death of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred on Instytutska Street in the center of Kyiv.

“Today we honor the memory of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred – fellow citizens who gave their lives without hesitation for the freedom our people dream of, for the right to live in an independent state, in the family of European nations. Their feat is a testament to the steadfastness of Ukrainians who continue to fight for their future,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He stressed that the Ukrainian people still demonstrate to the world community their unity and devotion to democratic values, for which both the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred on Maidan and the soldiers in eastern Ukraine sacrificed their lives.

The President and the First Lady struck the Bell of Dignity.

The bell was made pursuant to the instruction of the Head of State to honor the heroes’ feat. The monument bears the inscription “Glory to Ukraine!” Glory to the Heavenly Hundred!”

The bell was installed on the territory of the future National Memorial of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred in the center of the capital.