Tag: Press Release

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

Pursuant to the instructions of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on conveying the truth about Russia’s bloody crimes committed on Ukrainian soil to the world as much as possible, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Andriy Sybiha and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yevhen Perebyinis, together with a group of foreign ambassadors, visited the city of Izyum in the Kharkiv region de-occupied by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The delegation had the opportunity to see with their own eyes the consequences of the war crimes of the Russian invaders, the genocide of the Ukrainian population by the Russians and the crimes against humanity. In particular, the ambassadors visited a multi-story residential building destroyed by a 500-kilogram Russian bomb. 53 people died here, including seven young Ukrainians.

The heads of the diplomatic missions also visited the National Police station in Izyum, which the occupiers turned into a torture chamber, and talked with two local residents who managed to survive the torture.

Foreign diplomats saw the mass grave of Ukrainians tortured and killed by the Russian occupiers discovered in a forest strip on the outskirts of Izyum. 436 bodies were exhumed, including five children. Most of the bodies have signs of violent death.

At the scene of the tragedy, the heads of diplomatic missions talked with journalists, in particular with representatives of leading foreign media.

“The world must know the truth about the bloody crimes of the occupiers. That is why it is extremely important that today foreign diplomats were able to see with their own eyes what the Russian occupiers leave behind. We emphasize that the Russian military-political leadership must be punished for the crime of armed aggression against Ukraine,” Andriy Sybiha said.

While in Izyum, the ambassadors also met with representatives of the military-civilian leadership of the region: Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Oleg Syniehubov, Head of the Izyum District State Administration Stepan Maselskyi, representative of the command of the Kharkiv military garrison Mykhailo Chalyi.

The delegation included: the Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, heads of diplomatic missions of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Sweden, Slovakia, Switzerland, Türkiye, Poland, Slovenia, France and Denmark.

The visit was one of the steps taken under the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to hold Russia accountable for crimes of aggression, genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine.

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

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a telephone conversation with the new National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, former British Ambassador to Ukraine Timothy Barrow.

The adviser to the head of the British government noted the importance of the recent release of 215 people from Russian captivity, among whom were 5 citizens of Great Britain.

“This was a priority for us. Great Britain is extremely grateful for the release of its citizens. And I can imagine how important it is for you to liberate your fellow citizens and true heroes for your country,” said Timothy Barrow.

Andriy Yermak noted that these were very stressful and tense days, but everything went well.

The interlocutors discussed ways for even closer cooperation between the two countries, which are true partners and friends.

Andriy Yermak reminded that weekly briefings are held in the President’s Office with the participation of Ukrainian servicemen for military representatives from the US and Great Britain, where they are informed about the latest developments at the front.

Also, the Head of the Presidential Office talked about the successful practice of online meetings with members of the US Congress and suggested organizing similar communication with British parliamentarians.

“It is very important that the members of the British Parliament be informed about the current situation, the success of the Ukrainian army and our needs. This will allow us to continue moving forward and liberate Ukrainian territories,” Andriy Yermak believes.

The Head of the President’s Office also told Timothy Barrow about the recommendations developed by the Yermak-Rasmussen international working group regarding future security guarantees for Ukraine, which were sent to the British side.

Timothy Barrow noted that Great Britain is impressed by the success of the Ukrainian military and will continue to support Ukraine and its Armed Forces.

“Rest assured that every day when we talk with the Prime Minister, we talk about Ukraine,” he said.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy commissioned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to respond to the facts of the use of Iranian-made weapons by the troops of the Russian Federation on the Ukrainian territory.

Despite the fact that the leadership of Iran has repeatedly publicly declared its neutrality and readiness to mediate in stopping Russian aggression against Ukraine, samples collected on the battlefield confirmed that Russia is using Iranian-made weapons in Ukraine.

“Such actions of Iran are considered as a step against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as against the life and health of Ukrainian citizens,” spokesman of the President Serhiy Nykyforov emphasized.

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

The nuclear powers have to publicly warn Russia about the tough measures that will be applied to it if the Russian Federation decides to launch a nuclear attack on the territory of Ukraine. This was stated by Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President Mykhailo Podolyak in an interview with The Guardian.

According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin must clearly understand that any attempt to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine will lead to catastrophic consequences for the Russian Federation.

“The other nuclear states need to say very firmly that as soon as Russia even thinks of carrying out nuclear strikes on foreign territory – in this case the territory of Ukraine – there will be swift retaliatory nuclear strikes to destroy the nuclear launch sites in Russia,” said Mykhailo Podolyak.

In his opinion, the analytical capacity of the Russian President’s circle is very low now, and the state leadership does not understand all the risks of its actions and consequences for the Russian Federation itself.

“It’s hard to make predictions when a person is completely irrational,” he added.

According to Mykhailo Podoliak, Russia’s impunity for nuclear threats would erode the long-standing principle that nuclear weapons can only be used defensively when the survival of a country is at stake.

“We have a big country that enters Ukrainian territory, starts a war, seizes some territory, and then says this territory is now ours and if you try to take it back we’ll use nuclear weapons. It looks absolutely absurd, and furthermore it destroys the whole global system of nuclear deterrence,” said Mykhailo Podolyak.

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

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak notes that many influential states and international partners are involved in the process of freeing Ukrainian and foreign citizens from Russian captivity. He stated this at a briefing dedicated to the exchange and return of defenders of Ukraine from captivity.

According to Andriy Yermak, the work to liberate the defenders of Mariupol involved a large number of negotiations and consultations at various levels. In particular, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia played an important role in this process.

“There was a telephone conversation between President Zelenskyy and the Crown Prince, in which the President thanked for the help and highly appreciated the participation of Saudi Arabia in this process,” he noted.

Andriy Yermak also reported that the Presidents of Ukraine and Türkiye had a conversation a few days ago, and they personally reached relevant important agreements.

“I would like to note the personal participation of President Erdoğan in what happened. He provided these guarantees for the safe stay of our citizens on the territory of Türkiye,” emphasized the Head of the Presidential Office.

He also added that he regularly communicates with Adviser to the President of Türkiye İbrahim Kalın.

“I would also like to note the role of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, with whom we were in contact almost every day. He also helped a lot,” Andriy Yermak said.

The Head of the President’s Office emphasized that the Ukrainian side is in constant contact with partners from the United States of America and Great Britain, and they were aware of the details of this operation. Representatives of the countries whose citizens Ukraine planned to liberate were also informed.

Andriy Yermak reminded that, in addition to 205 citizens of Ukraine, ten foreigners were freed from Russian captivity, including five citizens of Great Britain, two citizens of the United States, a citizen of Morocco, a citizen of Sweden and a citizen of Croatia.

Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine Melinda Simmons thanked the President of Ukraine and his team, the heads of the security and intelligence agencies for their role in the release of five British citizens.

“This has put an end to many months of uncertainty and suffering, including the threat of the death penalty for them by the Russian Federation. We continue to call on Russia to adhere to international humanitarian law and not to use prisoners of war and detained civilians for political purposes,” she said.

Melinda Simmons also emphasized the unwavering commitment of Great Britain to support the Ukrainian people in their struggle for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink noted that the United States commends the release of prisoners of war, including two American citizens.

“This demonstrates how close and productive the cooperation between the US and Ukraine is. So I want to thank President Zelenskyy, Mr. Yermak, Maliuk, Budanov, Monastyrskyi, and everyone who was involved in this on behalf of myself, our country and all Americans. I congratulate you on the return of so many of your heroes,” she said.

Bridget Brink also emphasized that the United States will support Ukraine as long as it is needed.

Ambassador of Sweden to Ukraine Tobias Thyberg also congratulated the Head of State’s team on the fact that such a large number of defenders of Mariupol and other Ukrainians were able to return home.

“These were extremely difficult negotiations. And I want to sincerely thank you on behalf of the entire people of Sweden for the fact that Ukraine included a Swedish citizen, who defended Azovstal side by side with your heroes, in these difficult negotiations,” said the diplomat.

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

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a meeting in the format of a video conference with members of the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee.

The event was also attended by Deputy Heads of the Office of the President Roman Mashovets, Andriy Smyrnov, Andriy Sybiha and Ihor Zhovkva, Head of the Servant of the People faction in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Davyd Arakhamia, Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine Oleksandr Lytvynenko.

At first, Andriy Yermak expressed great gratitude for all the help that Ukraine has been receiving from the United States since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion.

“We feel this support from the entire American people. And I want to thank you, as members of Congress, for making very important decisions that help us fight,” he emphasized.

He also recalled that a very important and joyful event took place on September 21, when 215 defenders of Ukraine, including two Americans, were released from Russian captivity.

“And I hope that the American citizens who fought for Ukraine will return to their families very soon,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

Andriy Yermak informed the congressmen about the situation at the front and the recent success of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which was achieved thanks to the heroism and professionalism of the Ukrainian military, as well as the armed assistance of Ukraine’s partners.

According to him, the decisions made yesterday by the leadership of the Russian Federation will not affect Ukraine’s plans in any way.

“The mobilization announced in the Russian Federation is designed to add “cannon fodder” to the group of more than 170,000 troops on the territory of Ukraine,” said the Head of the Office of the President.

Andriy Yermak emphasized that against the background of this decree of the Russian president, the urgency of continuing and strengthening aid from the US is only growing. He reminded that for the most effective coordination of these processes, a very close interaction has been established between the military and political leadership of Ukraine and the US, partners are constantly informed about the situation at the front and the use of the provided weapons.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President Roman Mashovets informed the congressmen about the urgent needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in terms of weapons and military equipment.

For his part, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Smyrnov spoke about the initiative of the Ukrainian side regarding the creation of a special tribunal regarding the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

He believes that the support of this idea from the United States, as one of the leaders of the democratic world, and American congressmen in particular, is very important.

“The creation of such a tribunal is no longer a matter of war in Ukraine, it is a matter of the existence of the entire civilized world, democracy and global security architecture. And we really need the voice of the United States in the matter of establishing such a mechanism,” Andriy Smyrnov noted.

Chairman of the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee Adam Smith thanked the Ukrainian party for all the information provided. He also noted the importance of holding Russia to account for the crimes committed during this war.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief on Thursday.

It was attended by Minister of Defense Oleksiy Reznikov, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny, Chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov, Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrskyi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov, heads of security and law enforcement bodies, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov, Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak etc.

Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky, Commander of the West Operational Command Forces Serhiy Litvinov, Commander of the South Operational Command Forces Andriy Kovalchuk joined the meeting via videoconference.

The heads of the defense forces and the commanders of the operational areas reported on the operational situation in the areas of the front. The likely nature of the enemy’s actions in the near future was considered.

The members of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief also analyzed the state of providing the defense forces with weapons and ammunition.

The participants of the meeting paid special attention to the steps in response to the new challenges related to the announcement of mobilization by the aggressor country and the preparation of sham referenda in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Minister of Defense of the Italian Republic Lorenzo Guerini who arrived in our country.

At the beginning of the conversation, the Head of State expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi, his government and the entire Italian people for their constant support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, its struggle for its existence, as well as for the shelter and sensitive attitude towards the temporarily displaced Ukrainians. Italy’s leading role in granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership was noted.

“Despite domestic political issues, the situation in Ukraine remains very important for Italy,” the President noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed the interlocutor about the state of affairs at the front and emphasized that strengthening the Armed Forces is a vital priority for Ukraine today.

Separately, the parties focused on the need to continue sanction pressure on the Russian Federation.

Lorenzo Guerini conveyed to Volodymyr Zelenskyy greetings from the President, the Prime Minister and the people of Italy.

The Minister of Defense of the Italian Republic said that he visited Irpin and Hostomel and saw with his own eyes the destruction caused by the Russians.

Lorenzo Guerini also expressed admiration for the heroism of Ukrainians with which they defended these and other cities of their country.

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

During her visit to New York, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part in the HeForShe global summit and the Women in Conflict forum within the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. The President’s wife spoke about the situation of Ukrainian women in wartime conditions.

The HeForShe Summit under the auspices of UN Women is a United Nations solidarity movement for gender equality that brings together prime ministers, presidents, CEOs, opinion leaders and celebrities from around the world to act jointly to achieve such equality. This year, Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida took part in the event.

During her speech at the summit, Olena Zelenska emphasized the need to talk about equality between men and women even in the 21st century.

“In times of upheaval, inequality is felt much more acutely. War exposes the nerves. So I ask the whole world, everyone: if you are an employer, what doors will you open for Ukrainian women who have been forced to leave their homes? Will you give them a decent paying job and a fair weekend? If you are a law enforcement officer, how will you respond to violence and exploitation of migrant women? Can you prevent them from becoming victims of human trafficking? Can you protect them like the citizens of your countries? If you are a local resident, would you have the strength to hear a refugee woman? A refugee child? Will your empathy and patience be enough until they can return to a peaceful Ukraine? Your answer, even if you don’t voice it, is very important. Because it is about equality here and now,” said Olena Zelenska.

The First Lady also held a meeting with UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous. The interlocutors discussed the necessity and relevance of further development of the network of shelters, training of specialists to work in them.

“The war will add to the problems caused by domestic and gender-based violence. I called on UN Women to join in solving the problem of crimes of sexual violence by the military and to keep it under their control. We have to create conditions so that our women feel safe, and then they will start testifying,” said the President’s wife.

In addition, on the second day of her visit to New York, Olena Zelenska took part in the opening of the Women in Conflict forum.

The event was also attended by: President of the European Council Charles Michel, UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth Jayathma Wickramanayake, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) Louise Mushikiwabo, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad and others.

Olena Zelenska told what Ukrainian women need the most now.

“Ukrainian women need victory the most. I am saying this after we found whole families killed by Russia in the recently liberated Izyum. Employees of the emergency service and police officers who exhume the bodies are crying because it is impossible to withstand. That’s why Ukrainian women do not need abstract “peace”, they need victory over the evil that has done it. So that it could no longer kill any child, any mother,” said Olena Zelenska.

She also emphasized the importance of psychological support for Ukrainian women who have experienced violence from Russian soldiers: “According to psychologists, a woman who has experienced violence can testify only when she feels completely safe. So we need to create such security for our women. So that they feel that they can finally speak and be heard. That there is no threat or condemnation. Currently, the National Program of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support operates in Ukraine. Its goal is to work with the psychological consequences of war. To cover the whole country with psychological support. And my call is to involve the entire international experience in order to create a special program of support and rehabilitation for Ukrainian women.”

The First Lady called on the world to support Ukrainian women.

“Look: these are women just like you. Who had plans and a normal life. And now they are fighting for it. Yes, they are heroes, but do they have to be? Is it normal in the world where we want to live for a woman to die heroically, covering her children? Should Russian aggression continue, becoming a convenient TV show for the whole world? This is not a rhetorical question. I think everyone who has empathy knows the answer,” Olena Zelenska summed up.

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

Ukraine returned 215 people, including 124 officers, from Russian captivity. Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak reported this to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an online call with the released defenders.

In particular, 108 warriors of the “Azov” regiment and other formations of the National Guard of Ukraine, as well as servicemen of the Ground and Naval Forces, the territorial defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service, the National Police, employees of the Security Service, the State Special Transport Service and the State Customs Service were released.

“Among those released are commander of “Azov”, Hero of Ukraine Denys Prokopenko (“Redis”), Serhiy Volynskyi (“Volyna”), acting commander of the 36th separate brigade of marines, Svyatoslav Palamar (“Azov”), Oleg Khomenko (“Azov”), Denys Shleha from the National Guard of Ukraine, Hero of Ukraine Yevheniy Bova, commander of the 1st separate marine battalion. Kateryna Polishchuk (“Ptashka”) also returns,” Andriy Yermak reported.

Defenders Maryana Mamonova, Yana Shumovetska and Anastasiya Chernenka who were captured while pregnant were also released.

“This is the most powerful result in the release of prisoners during the entire period of the full-scale invasion,” stated the Head of the President’s Office.

Acting Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk, Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence Dmytro Usov and Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets met 200 released Ukrainians.

“Today we directly exchanged 200 citizens of Ukraine for Mr. Medvedchuk. I would like to point out that Medvedchuk is not just Putin’s close friend, but a well-documented state traitor. His guilt is fully recorded in the relevant materials,” said Vasyl Maliuk.

He noted that during the work on Viktor Medvedchuk’s cases, a number of subversive networks were neutralized, state traitors were detained and a large amount of information was obtained, which is used in counterintelligence activities.

In addition, 5 more citizens were released in exchange for 55 Russian prisoners.

Almost all of the released are already on the territory of Ukraine, except for the five Azov commanders, who, according to the agreements reached earlier with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, are in Türkiye under his personal guarantees of protection. Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov and Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrskyi are currently with five “Azov” warriors.

“Congratulations, our men, our heroes, on your return. Glad to see everyone since we’ve been speaking only by phone earlier. We are extremely proud of what you have done for our country. We are proud of each of you,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a video call with the released defenders of Azovstal.

The Head of State noted that they are now safe in Türkiye, and the next step is their return to their homeland.

“Glory to Ukraine! Mr. President, everything is fine with us, the health conditions are acceptable. I’m thankful to you and the entire team,” said Denys Prokopenko, commander of the “Azov” regiment.

The fighters expressed gratitude to the team and the Ukrainian people on behalf of all defenders of Azovstal.

Kyrylo Budanov reported to the Head of State about the completion of another stage of the exchange of prisoners of war and assured that the work on the release of all Ukrainian citizens continues.

In addition, at the request of international partners, Ukraine achieved the release of ten foreigners – defenders of Ukraine, citizens of five partner states. The released foreign defenders were sent to Saudi Arabia on September 21. Head of the State Property Fund Rustem Umerov is with them.

“This is a tremendous success and I am grateful to everyone involved in this operation – everyone who has done this titanic work. I sincerely congratulate our heroes on their return home. We will provide them with all the necessary aid – medical, social and any other. We continue to work on the release of all our citizens who are being held captive by the occupiers,” Andriy Yermak said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the preparation of this release operation was long and hard. He expressed gratitude to the President of Türkiye, as well as to all those who dealt with this issue from the Ukrainian side, in particular to Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk, Head of the State Property Fund Rustem Umerov, Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrskyi, as well as Dmytro Usov and Dmytro Lubinets.

“Thank you guys. I believe that this is truly a great victory for our state, for our entire society. And most importantly – for the families of our defenders, who will be able to see their loved ones in safety,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President noted that, according to the information available to him, many of the prisoners were sentenced to death, so the release saved their lives.

The Head of State also emphasized that Ukraine remembers all its citizens and will try to save every Ukrainian.

“We will do everything to save everyone who is in Russian captivity. We value every life! This is what distinguishes us from the enemy,” the President noted.