Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 2 June 2022.

Your Highness, Your Excellencies.

Thank you for joining us today for this conversation.

For more than 3 months, our country has withstood brutal and unprovoked Russian aggression. The world sees the Russian occupiers massacring our people, torturing and raping men, women and even children. They are destroying our cities and infrastructure. They are forcibly deporting hundreds of thousands of our people to Russia, including children. They just steal. The Russian army is behaving like a gang of looters.

But the Ukrainian people repel the aggressor decently. We are determined to defeat and drive the occupiers out of our land. And we will do it. Gradually, arduously, but relentlessly.

Law and justice are on our side. This is clearly evidenced by the resolution of the UN General Assembly adopted on March 2 this year, which calls on Russia to immediately stop the illegal use of force against Ukraine and withdraw all its troops. We are extremely grateful to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for supporting this resolution.

Russia has not simply violated all major international norms. Representatives of the Russian leadership have repeatedly denied Ukraine’s right to exist independently. Therefore, this is not just another imperialist war. This is an attempt to destroy the Ukrainian identity, to erase Ukrainians from the book of history. Russia is fully responsible for violating the Genocide Convention, which it has pledged to abide by. The Russians are trying to destroy the Ukrainians and conquer our country. But this is only one of their goals. Russia is building an empire. Syria and Libya have already felt its friendship.

The Russian war in Ukraine already affects the whole world. The food crisis caused by the blockade of Ukrainian ports will directly affect the population of Arab countries with dangerous unpredictable consequences.

Ukraine and your countries have long been reliable partners and friends. Nothing will change that. Our ties will be strengthened as the crisis not only brings challenges but also opens up new opportunities.

We greatly appreciate the help that your countries already provide. This is really important for us. We ask you to take further action to help us punish the aggressor and end this war. Evil must be stopped in time until it burns the whole world out.

Minister Kuleba will tell the details. And I will outline some key points that need maximum attention.

1. First. The application of international economic sanctions is absolutely necessary. Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is blocking all legally binding decisions, despite the unanimous international condemnation of its illegal invasion. Economic pressure must deprive Russia of the financial, technical and technological resources to wage this war, as well as subsequent aggressive wars.

I personally coordinate the work of the Yermak-McFaul international expert group aimed at strengthening sanctions against Russia. The goals of our Sanctions Action Plan include a total ban on Russian energy exports, the expansion of sanctions against the financial sectors of Russia and Belarus, the strengthening of transport and insurance sanctions, the expansion and strengthening of trade embargoes and personal sanctions. We call on the Gulf Cooperation Council to join the sanctions regime against the Russian Federation and in no way assist Russia and certain members of its authorities in avoiding existing restrictions.

2. Second. We hope that the Gulf states will play an active role in resolving the current global food and energy crisis, which Russia is using as instruments of war and pressure on the international community. It is time for decisive action and confident steps. Yesterday, the EU agreed on a sixth sanctions “oil” package against Russia. This is an opportunity for the Gulf countries, for the benefit of themselves, to help the West overcome its energy dependence on Russia. Ukraine is also interested in long-term and effective solutions in this area.

I would like to take this opportunity to offer you a number of initiatives aimed at comprehensively deepening our mutual understanding and developing cooperation.

First of all, I would like to propose the establishment of a special Advisory Council under the auspices of the Head of the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine for your region. I would be happy to see foreign ministers as well as people with powers similar to mine there. This council could be a useful platform for discussing pressing issues such as grain supplies and energy security. But not only. I think it would be appropriate to use this forum to address issues that affect the interests of the GCC and their allies.

To this end, within a week or two, we could agree on a special representative to discuss organizational issues, including the Council’s mandate, and set up a secretariat. Together, we can find ways to prevent the humanitarian catastrophe that can be caused by the food crisis. It bears reminding that a number of Islamic countries in Africa and South Asia are already at risk.

I would like to pay special attention to the issue of information exchange. Ukraine wants to become more open and understandable to the Arab world. Therefore, we are ready to facilitate the opening of offices of Arab state television companies in our country. We will provide them with an adequate level of security.

In our opinion, Europe is too self-centered, so Ukraine offers the Arab world to work together to expand its horizons. In particular, through the tools of soft power provided by television.

The next offer is to some extent a continuation of the previous one. Crisis and war are always an opportunity to show humanism. You know, Ukraine is a multi-religious and religiously tolerant country. We consider that the Red Crescent should be represented in it at the same level as the Red Cross, we believe it is fair.

Another proposal concerns finance. Ukraine is preparing to launch the National Sovereign Fund. The agricultural industry and land banks should become its leading assets. We offer your sovereign national investment funds cooperation in this and other areas.

3. I will move on to the third point. Together with former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, I am chairing an international advisory group that will make proposals on security guarantees for Ukraine.

These guarantees will include expanding Ukraine’s defense potential with modern weapons and military equipment, exchanging intelligence and information, financial assistance to Ukraine, and preventive sanctions in the event of a real threat of new aggression.

It is also about Ukraine’s political and diplomatic support, including Ukraine’s deep involvement in multilateral formats that will improve its integration with the international community.

We invite leading figures in security, politics and diplomacy from your countries to join this group.

The criminal aggression of a permanent member of the UN Security Council has shown that the world needs a radical update of the international security system. President Zelenskyy’s idea is to start building the foundations for a new world order based on the system of security guarantees for Ukraine. I am convinced that the Arab world should play a leading role in this process.

4. Fourth. Thanks to the unwavering determination of the Ukrainian nation, military prowess and assistance from friendly countries, Ukraine will definitely win. It will become a regional leader in Eastern Europe. Russia has one prospect – a gradual decline. Ukraine, on the contrary, will develop rapidly. Please think about your own economic interests. After our victory, Ukraine will become the world’s largest construction site. And we invite you to join this process. I am confident that we will not just continue our joint projects, but expand our cooperation as much as possible. Including in the field of agriculture, transport, tourism, defense, IT.

Today, we call on the Gulf states to provide us with financial assistance to strengthen our resilience. And immediately after the war – we offer you to take part in the reconstruction of our country. We invite you to join large-scale infrastructure, transport and humanitarian projects that will affect the future of the entire continent. We know that the leadership of your countries demonstrates wisdom and focus on strategic perspectives.

So be with Ukraine! Join our common future!

Thank you! Glory to Ukraine!

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 June 2022.

On the International Children’s Day, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a meeting of the Council on Issues Related to the Life and Safety of Children in Wartime and Postwar chaired by Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President.

During the event, the President spoke in a video conference format with Ukrainian children temporarily staying in the Republic of Poland and with students of Drohobych Lyceum, among whom were residents of different regions of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated them on the Children’s Day and stressed that the day of the return of all children to their homeland will be a great holiday for him personally.

“We will do everything we can to bring you all back. Bring all of you back as children, not adults. That is, bring you back soon. It is very important for us that you build our country and our future, because you are our beautiful future, for which we are all fighting today. Therefore, we will do everything to return you as soon as possible, but I want us to return you to a safe Ukraine,” he said.

The President also noted that he is grateful to Poland and its people for providing good conditions for Ukrainian children.

During the conversation with the students of Drohobych Lyceum, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that he was glad to have the opportunity to talk to smart children who ask serious questions. In particular, the President was asked about guaranteeing the security of Ukraine after the war, the participation of young people in the reconstruction of our country, the prospects for the resumption of a full-fledged educational process.

The main topic of the Council’s meeting was the development of a clear mechanism for recording the crimes of forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, identification of deported children in order to return them.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy was informed that as of today, 234,000 young Ukrainians have crossed the border with Russia, 4,795 children among them are identified.

Daria Herasymchuk, Adviser – President’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights and Children’s Rehabilitation, said that the signing by the Russian President of a decree on a simplified regime of obtaining Russian citizenship by orphans and children deprived of parental care was an attempt to legalize the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children.

The need to maximize the use of international channels to monitor the status of children deported to Russia and to document the crimes committed against them was emphasized. International organizations should also be involved in the process of returning Ukrainian children home.

To make the search for children more effective, according to Daria Herasymchuk, it is necessary to combine data from the registers that exist in Ukraine and create a single register of children gone missing under special circumstances, including forcibly deported, displaced and missing children during the military Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“We have more than 150 registers. According to our analysis, the ten main registers give us a clear picture of where the children are. Therefore, we set ourselves the task of creating a joint register, which will find all children by personal identification. And we will be able to form a list of names of children whose whereabouts we do not know,” she explained.

Based on these data, it will also be possible to obtain evidence of the genocide of the Ukrainian people, one of the signs of which is the forcible transfer of children from one national group to another.

Daria Herasymchuk added that such a register could be created on the basis of the law enforcement body of Ukraine.

Andriy Yermak said that a meeting with representatives of the G20 countries would be held in the President’s Office in the near future to discuss, among other things, the issue of deportation of Ukrainian children.

The Council is also working on the concept of the information and communication portal “Children of War”, which will publish daily information on how many children died and were injured as a result of hostilities in Ukraine. In addition, there will be information about the search for children from the National Police of Ukraine, the data of children who were deported to Russia. On this portal you can apply for a search for a child who is lost or deported, as well as submit information about other crimes against children.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 June 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the opening of the Ukrainian-Polish intergovernmental consultations.

The President noted that it is a great honor for the people of Ukraine and for him personally to meet with the Polish delegation.

“Ukraine has great respect for the people of Poland and the leadership of your country, we are grateful to you,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to the President, the meeting of the two governments in this format is taking place for the first time and is historic for our states.

“I want to note the priority of relations between Ukraine and Poland. I believe that due to Russia’s war against Ukraine our relations have moved from warm and neighborly to a new stage – strong and historical relations,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the exceptional support for our state by the Republic of Poland, which has manifested itself in many areas. In particular, this is unprecedented defense assistance, as well as support for Ukrainian citizens who were forced to leave for Poland to escape the war waged by Russia.

“I want to thank the people of Poland for this closeness, warmth and humanity in relation to our citizens,” said the President, emphasizing that the state will do everything to ensure that Ukrainians return home after the war.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed hope that President of Poland Andrzej Duda and the entire Polish government will join the reconstruction of certain territories of Ukraine that were destroyed as a result of Russian aggression.

The President thanked Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki for being the true advocate of Ukraine’s future membership in the European Union.

“I am very glad that we have a large geopolitical army that has come to support Ukraine and that sees Ukraine on an equal footing among equal partners,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that important bilateral documents on cooperation between Ukraine and Poland would be agreed during today’s consultations.

“We strongly believe in our relations and our great future,” he said.

As a sign of gratitude on behalf of the Ukrainian people, the President of Ukraine presented state awards to Mateusz Morawiecki and Polish Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński for helping Ukraine defend its independence and territorial integrity during the Russian invasion.

After that, a joint meeting of the governments of the two countries was held with the participation of Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland.

The agenda included issues of legal and social guarantees for Polish citizens on the territory of Ukraine, the development of the western Ukrainian state border and cooperation in exercising control during the crossing of the Ukrainian-Polish border, etc.

In addition, a number of bilateral documents will be signed.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 June 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak is convinced that if all the necessary weapons are obtained and effective sanctions are imposed, Ukraine will win this war, and only such steps can force Russia to sit down at the negotiating table and enter into dialogue. He said this while participating in a video conference format in a meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Irish Parliament.

“I am convinced that if we get all the necessary weapons and the effective sanctions regime is strengthened, we will win. It will be a victory not only for Ukraine, it will be a victory for all our partners and friends,” Andriy Yermak stressed.

Asked whether he considers changes in Russia’s imperial policy possible, the Head of the President’s Office said that, unfortunately, there is only a language of force and blackmail in Russia’s political culture.

“So I think that historically, if we all, the democratic free world, win, then in the long run it might happen. But now Russia can sit down at the negotiating table only if what I said above happens: weapons, sanctions and a consolidated position of the whole democratic world. And, of course, Ukraine’s victory on the frontline,” he said.

Andriy Yermak also noted that many Ukrainian children were forcibly deported to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. At the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a special group has already begun to search for these children and prevent illegal procedures against them.

According to Andriy Yermak, possible mediation in these issues would be very important and would be welcomed by Ukraine.

The Head of the President’s Office stressed the urgency of food security issue in the world given Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Work is currently underway with the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom and Turkey on how to unblock ports and create humanitarian corridors so that Ukrainian agricultural products can be exported.

Answering questions about the situation with internally displaced persons in our country and opportunities to help them, Andriy Yermak said that there are state support programs, and Ukraine also welcomes any initiatives by partners to help these people, including participation in rapid construction of temporary housing for them. To implement such projects, he suggested establishing cooperation between the relevant government officials of Ukraine and Ireland.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 June 2022.

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for the opportunity to speak here today.

For three months now, we have been resisting one of the world’s largest armies. I am sure you are among those Europeans who do not need explanations why we are doing this. You just know it. If suddenly not – you can ask Bono and Edge of U2 about it. They played in the Kyiv metro while an air alarm sounded on the surface. They saw everything. And when Bono said that we are fighting not only for our own, but also for your freedom, he was right. This is actually true. Today, without exaggeration, we are the shield of Europe.

Ireland was among those states that extended a helping hand to Ukraine in the first hours of the full-scale Russian invasion. We are very grateful to the people and Government of Ireland for their support, for the immediate abolition of visas and for the creation of the most favorable conditions for refugees from Ukraine. We are also thankful for the consistent position that the Republic of Ireland has taken throughout the eight years of Russian aggression against Ukraine on the need to comply with international law and non-recognition of the annexation of illegally occupied territories of our country.

In these eight years, the world has failed to stop Russia. It failed to restrain its imperial intentions. Unpunished evil always becomes stronger, always becomes more ambitious.

But Ukraine did not surrender. It has been resisting for more than three months already. The Kremlin cannot conquer it. And so it resorted to the destruction. It began to destroy its industrial and economic potential. Regular missile and air strikes, artillery shelling of settlements and critical infrastructure are carried out exactly for this purpose.

The looting of the occupied territories of Ukraine is large-scale and systematic. And this indicates that looting is the basis of Russia’s public policy in these lands. Hundreds of thousands of tons of Ukrainian grain have already been taken to Russia from the southern regions, which are under the control of Russian troops. At the same time, Russia refuses to provide green corridors for the export of our agricultural products. This is an obvious blackmail of the world community with food shortages, as before the war Ukraine was the guarantor of food security for 400 million people on the planet.

This is already the fourth type of blackmail used by the Kremlin during the aggression against Ukraine. It was preceded by threats of energy shortage in the European Union, a possible catastrophe at one of the seized Ukrainian nuclear power plants, and a nuclear strike. We do not know what else Russia’s actions in its longing for domination can lead to. But we know for sure: it must be stopped.

It is very difficult for us now. As a result of hostilities, 5 million people left the country. The number of internally displaced persons is the same. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed in the Russian invasion. The war took away 35% of Ukraine’s GDP. We lost more than 200 factories. Our direct losses today exceed $ 600 billion.

Nevertheless, Ukraine continues to defend itself. Fierce fighting continues in the east and south. We have to win. Otherwise, Ukraine will simply disappear as a nation and as a state. The more help the international community provides, the closer our victory is. Any help – military-technical, political, financial or humanitarian.

An extremely strong support for Ukraine in deterring aggression is increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. I would like to talk about the International Expert Group set up at the initiative of President Zelenskyy, which I have the honor to chair with Ambassador Michael McFaul, and which has already presented two documents: the Sanctions Strengthening Plan and the Sanctions Roadmap, which contain detailed recommendations for a coordinated and coherent sanctions policy.

Ukraine welcomes the EU’s move to implement the Sixth Sanction Package. A key part of it is a complete embargo on Russian oil. This should be done as soon as possible. Energy accounts for the lion’s share of Russia’s budget revenues. So, buying them, Europe is financing the Russian military machine.

The European Union is responding to Russia’s aggression by gradually building up sanctions and gradually increasing arms supplies to Ukraine. It is too long and inefficient. We propose to change the approach. It is necessary to do what the Russians do not expect. A massive sanctions strike, intensified by the maximum number of heavy weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, will not only help save thousands of lives. It will also help avoid a protracted war, for which Russia has already prepared. We ask you to convey to the partners in the European Parliament the importance of such an approach. We will also be grateful for the political and any other assistance in obtaining the weapons that Ukraine desperately needs.

Equally important is the fact that the continuation of sanctions pressure on Russia will serve as a safeguard against further attempts at aggression against Ukraine, along with other security guarantees mechanisms. The relevant expert group, which I co-chair with former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, is already working on possible ways to establish these mechanisms. We would be glad to see representatives of Ireland – a country with extensive experience in peacekeeping – in it.

Availing myself of this opportunity, I would like to congratulate Ireland on its Chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers. But I would like to propose that the Committee’s agenda include compliance by Member States with their obligations under the common sanctions policy. Investigating the crimes of Russian troops could be another issue on Ukraine’s agenda of the Committee.

I think it is no exaggeration to say that Ireland is Europe’s technological and financial hub. Sometimes transnational companies try to do business as usual until the last opportunity. But in the case of Russia, business as usual is promoting aggression. No matter what the business is. Moscow has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to use even humanitarian cooperation as part of a hybrid war. We must not forget that this always ends in provocation of civil conflicts, sabotage and political assassinations.

When we ask for help, we are not talking about charity. This is an investment. In common European security. In a common European future. It is from such positions that we consider the prospects of joining the EU.

Ukraine paid a very high price for its choice. And still continues to pay. And in this matter, every vote in support of it is important. Therefore, I would like to ask those present here to make every effort to turn Ukraine’s European perspective into a reality as soon as possible.

We have often heard that Ukraine’s accession to the EU is hampered by corruption. Well, it’s true: Russia-incited corruption in the EU has indeed become a stumbling block for us. But this must end.

We were delighted with the actions of your fishermen, who protected the exclusive economic zone of Ireland from the exercises of the Russian fleet. It was a very elegant and beautiful move. Certainly, the glorious Irish cleverness will be useful to Ukrainians. Both today and after the war, when we will rebuild our green country. I bet Johnny Cash could count 40 shades of green in Ukraine as well – at least once every six months.

Our government is already working on the U24 Recovery Plan. Ukraine’s reconstruction will be based on two principles: regional and parametric. The regional principle will be based on the help of partners to rebuild a particular region, city or community. Parametric means that the restoration will take place according to modern parameters and standards of the European Union. We invite Ireland to participate in this program. Following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, I invite Ireland to help us with the restoration of the Kherson region.

We have a very wide space for cooperation. Agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food industry, mechanical engineering, services – you name it.

I will place a special emphasis on the capabilities of the IT sector. Even before the war, Ukraine introduced a revolutionary tax regime in this area – Diya.City. It continues to work effectively even in the current circumstances.

Our future security will depend, among other things, on our ability to adapt and implement technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous management and cybersecurity. Ukraine could cooperate with Ireland as a high-tech country on these issues.

As you say, success is about getting up one time more than falling. This is exactly what we need. So help us get up. I am sure you will see that Ukraine knows how to show its gratitude.

Thank you very much for your attention!

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 31 May 2022.

The situation on the eastern frontline is currently difficult due to the lack of necessary weapons, but Ukraine will liberate its territories focusing on the effectiveness of hostilities and the maximum preservation of people’s lives. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with media representatives following talks with President of the Slovak Republic Zuzana Čaputová in Kyiv.

“In the east, it is difficult for us because of the lack of appropriate weapons… If our steps or operations to deoccupy this or that region cost tens of thousands of our dead people, we will wait for appropriate weapons to save as many of our people as possible. It is they who de-occupy the territory. Because, to be honest, these territories without living Ukrainians are not a priority for us. Therefore, I believe that first of all we should think as much as possible about our people who are able to repel all the plans of the Russian Federation,” the President said.

According to him, Ukraine plans to de-occupy all its territories that belong to it in accordance with international law.

“This is our plan. As for the plans (of the Russian Federation – ed.), June 1 or July 1, or August 1 – at least not September 1 yet, maybe on September 1 they will have other plans… We do not care about Russia’s plans,” the President said.

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Meeting of the President of Ukraine with the President of the Slovak Republic in Kyiv

31 May 2022 – 18:11

 

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 31 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the Slovak Republic Zuzana Čaputová who is on a visit to our country.

Greeting Zuzana Čaputová in Kyiv, he stressed that Slovakia had taken a principled position and supported Ukraine from the very beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation.

“The Slovak people fully support Ukraine and the citizens of our country in the struggle for freedom and realize that it is a struggle for our common freedom and common values of a free, united Europe,” said the Ukrainian Head of State during a meeting with media representatives after the talks with the President of the Slovak Republic.

The key topics of the meeting were defense and economic assistance to Ukraine, support for granting our country the status of a candidate for EU membership, as well as strengthening sanctions against Russia.

“Slovakia’s contribution to strengthening our defense capabilities is really significant. I also highly appreciate the personal role of the President in providing defense assistance to Ukraine. This cooperation of ours is based on the common vision that a reliable peace in Ukraine and in the whole of Europe is possible only on the basis of full restoration of territorial integrity and respect for the sovereignty of our state. And I was assured that Slovakia will continue to provide maximum security assistance to Ukraine,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

He also said that Ukraine and Slovakia have a common view on the need to strengthen sanctions against Russia.

“A situation where more than 50 days have passed between the fifth and sixth sanctions packages against Russia is not acceptable. It is good that we see progress in approving the EU’s sixth sanctions package. I hope that the sixth package will be approved in the near future,” the Ukrainian Head of State stressed.

According to him, the key restrictions that should motivate Russia to end the war should apply to the Russian energy sector as an energy weapon.

The Presidents also discussed Ukraine’s European integration and agreed on further steps on Slovakia’s support for granting the EU candidate status to our country.

In addition, during the meeting the parties discussed cooperation on border infrastructure and the operation of checkpoints.

“We are moving towards the introduction of joint control at the borders of neighboring countries. We are grateful for Slovakia’s willingness to help create new routes and hubs for the export of agricultural products and other critical goods from Ukraine. This is a significant support for our economy in the context of Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea and the Azov coast. Such cooperation of ours is also important for global food security,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The leaders discussed financial support for Ukraine, Slovakia’s involvement in post-war reconstruction and assistance to Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their homes temporarily due to the war.

“Today, 78,000 Ukrainians have taken refuge in friendly Slovakia, 31,000 of them are children. Mrs. President told me that more than 400,000 people had crossed the border. Almost 450,000 Ukrainians felt like home in the friendly Slovak Republic. I am very grateful for such support. Ukrainian migrants received a warm and sincere attitude. And I am confident that cooperation between our states will make it possible to do everything so that Ukrainian migrants can return home to Ukraine as soon as possible,” the Ukrainian President said.

For her part, the President of the Slovak Republic noted that her visit to Ukraine is aimed to demonstrate the support for our state and the Ukrainian government.

Zuzana Čaputová said that during her visit she had visited Borodyanka in the Kyiv region and had been deeply shocked by the consequences of the Russian invasion.

“I saw concentrated evil,” she said.

The President of Slovakia stressed that her country had supported Ukraine from the very beginning by providing humanitarian, political and military assistance.

“We have a clear position that we will not be able to stop Russia’s aggression with medications and hygienic wipes alone. You are waging a fair defensive war, so we consider it fair to help you,” Zuzana Čaputová noted.

She reminded that Slovakia had provided Ukraine with the S-300 system, demining equipment, and supported the imposition of sanctions on Russia. In addition, her country supports granting Ukraine candidate status on the path to EU membership.

“I could talk to you about how the whole democratic world looks at your courage, your determination and your personal leadership, Mr. President. This is important and valuable,” Zuzana Čaputová emphasized.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 31 May 2022.

Wife of the President of Ukraine Olena Zelenska had a phone conversation with Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium, during which the National Program of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support developed at the initiative of the First Lady was discussed. The program aims to help Ukrainians overcome the extreme stress and consequences of the traumatic events of the war.

Her Majesty is a professional psychologist and advocates for global mental health as a UN Advocate for Sustainable Development.

Olena Zelenska invited Queen Mathilde to join the development of the program, as Belgium has successfully reformed the adult mental health system and introduced a new policy on the mental health of children and adolescents. Therefore, such an experience would be extremely useful for Ukraine.

“I am especially worried about the children in this regard. They see too much. We have the example of an 18-year-old boy who witnessed his mother’s death and took care of four younger siblings. He can’t talk about what happened without tears. And this is not an isolated case, children are traumatized by the deaths of loved ones, military brutality, loss of home. We have to save their psyche during the war,” said the First Lady.

Her Majesty assured: Ukraine can count on the solidarity and assistance of the Belgian people. In particular, Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, has extensive working experience in hotspots, having participated in Médecins Sans Frontières missions in Liberia and Somalia. Therefore, according to Queen Mathilde, he can pass on to Ukraine all the practices that were successfully applied during the reform of the Belgian mental health system.

The program is to strengthen the public sector through cooperation with non-governmental organizations. It provides training for mental health professionals, as well as family physicians, educators and community social workers. The training will cover a wide range of issues, from basic communication and support skills to specialized practices for dealing with the consequences of emergencies.

“We want them all to be able to adopt the best world experience and the latest practices. We have very little time, we can’t spend it on experiments, so we count on the support of the international community to develop and implement the program as soon as possible,” Olena Zelenska stressed.

The President’s wife also thanked Her Majesty the Queen and the Belgians for their support, as the country has already sheltered more than 80,000 Ukrainian IDPs.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 31 May 2022.

During a working visit to the Kingdom of Spain, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a number of meetings with representatives of the Government and Parliament of this country.

During the talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain José Manuel Albares Bueno, the issue of granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership was discussed in the context of the European Council meeting to be held on June 23-24. In addition, the parties stressed the importance of strengthening the defense capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by supplying our country with heavy weapons.

“Restricting Russia’s access to funds and technology should weaken its readiness to launch constant strikes at Ukraine’s territory and replenish its military capabilities,” Ihor Zhovkva said.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the possibilities of involving Spanish business in the reconstruction of certain regions and cities of Ukraine destroyed by Russian aggression. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President informed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain about the establishment of new channels for the export of Ukrainian grain to the European and world markets.

Ihor Zhovkva also took part in an event marking the 40th anniversary of Spain’s accession to NATO, attended by King Felipe VI of Spain, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. An important topic raised by the speakers was the need to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities against the background of Russian aggression.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President discussed with First Vice President of the Spanish Congress of Deputies Alfonso Rodríguez Gómez de Celis and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Spanish Congress of Deputies Pau Mari-Klose the importance of strengthening inter-parliamentary contacts between our countries. Ihor Zhovkva thanked the Spanish people for their support for the temporarily displaced Ukrainian citizens.

During the meeting with Secretary of State for the European Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain Pascual Ignacio Navarro Ríos, the focus was on Ukraine’s practical steps towards full membership in the European Union. Ihor Zhovkva stressed that Ukraine’s achievements in reforms, market integration and the stability of institutions during the war are important prerequisites for accelerated integration into the European Union. He expressed hope that a positive conclusion from the European Commission would be received soon and that Spain would support granting Ukraine the status of a candidate country in the near future.

“Ukrainian society has already proved its Europeanness, so our expectations for the status of a candidate country in June are reasonable, justified and labored,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

At the meeting with Secretary General of Defense Policy of Spain Admiral Juan Francisco Martínez Núñez, the cooperation between Ukraine and Spain in the military-technical sphere was discussed. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President thanked for the military assistance received from Spain and expressed hope for its increase in order to strengthen resistance to Russian military aggression.

During working meetings with Diplomatic Adviser to Prime Minister of Spain Emma Aparici Vázquez de Parga and Director of the Spanish EU Presidency Coordination Office María Aurora Mejía Errasquín, the issues of practical implementation of Ukraine’s European integration strategy and the possibility of using advisory and other practical assistance from the Spanish government were discussed.

Ihor Zhovkva praised the active position of Mayor of Madrid José Luis Martínez-Almeida in support of Ukraine, in particular in the organization of the May 28, 2022 marathon “Run for Ukraine. Run for peace”. According to preliminary estimates, the event held in the downtown of the Spanish capital and dedicated to supporting Ukraine’s status as a candidate for EU membership brought together more than 3,000 participants.

As part of the visit of the Deputy Head of the President’s Office, a ceremony of launching the “Spain with Ukraine” postage stamp was also held. In the premises of the Spanish Post Office, Ihor Zhovkva together with Chairman Juan Manuel Serrano Quintana took part in the ceremony of cancellation of the first samples of this first Spanish stamp dedicated to Ukraine.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 30 May 2022.

Any agreement between Ukraine and the Russian Federation like Minsk-3 is a postponed war that will bring much more victims and risks to the existence of our state. At the same time, concluding an agreement on security guarantees is a matter of a proper end to the war in Europe. Mykhailo Podolyak, Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and a member of the Ukrainian delegation at the negotiations with Russia, said this in an interview with LB.ua.

According to him, due to the strong Russian lobby and their own indecision, some politicians in Europe are beginning to say that Ukraine must stop fighting and make some “peace” with Russia in the current positions. So far, individual political groups are talking about this, and this does not mean that Europe will refuse to support Ukraine. But this means that today it is difficult for our country to prove the need to provide the Ukrainian army with heavy weapons.

“Because Europe believes that we must stand where we stand today. And they directly say: God forbid, some Ukrainian projectile will hit the territory of the Russian Federation. That is, Europe is gradually starting to say strange things,” Mykhailo Podolyak said.

“We can’t support any of the options that are being talked about. We can’t agree on Minsk-3 – that’s obvious. Because it’s a ticket to a postponed war. We cannot talk about a ceasefire before the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. It is clear that they will dig trenches, create their own fortification lines, and it will be very difficult for us to drive them out of Ukraine. We cannot agree to any ultimatum from Russia, because it will mean that they win. And any, even small victory of Russia only means escalation. Russia is an expansionist state, which offers the world one idea: we will enter any territory and take it away or destroy it,” said the Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President.

According to him, the public opinion of the Western world is definitely on the side of Ukraine, and European politicians, to please their societies, say that they provide a lot of help to our state, but in terms of the amount we need, this is not the case at all.

“Russia has concentrated all possible resources in the east of our country, from all its military districts. They have been conducting covert mobilization since April 1. And we are not a military state, we lived in another world, invested money in development,” he said.

Mykhailo Podolyak is convinced that if Europe supports any pro-Russian concepts, in particular on forcing Ukraine to make territorial concessions, it will mean that Europe is dying.

The Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office noted that the negotiation process between Ukraine and Russia is currently suspended in the political and diplomatic part, but it is continued in the humanitarian part – on the exchange of prisoners, humanitarian corridors and evacuation of people.

“Why has the political and diplomatic part been stopped? Because negotiations are a question of inter-relation between what is happening in the real world, not only on the battlefield, but in general: sanctions, reputation, partners. Russia is inadequately looking at all this. This is a phenomenon that will also be included in textbooks,” Mykhailo Podolyak is convinced.

At the same time, according to him, when the Russians begin to suffer significant military defeats in Ukraine, they will probably assess the reality more adequately.

“When the pressure of sanctions works in full, they will begin to understand. When certain leaders, especially European ones, with whom they are still communicating, start talking not as Kissinger, but as anti-Kissinger. Then they will look at the situation more objectively,” said the Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President.

He noted that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is best informed about the economic, military situation and the psychological state of society, may decide that a certain tool, including negotiations, is needed right now.

“This will be the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief given the operational situation as of the day when he will make such a decision,” Mykhailo Podolyak explained.

He reiterated that any so-called Minsk-3 is a war postponed for a year.

“What does this mean for us? Many more victims and greater risks to Ukraine’s existence. Because if Russia doesn’t lose, it will accumulate weapons, prepare reserves, work on mistakes, remove generals who work very “effectively” today, take young lieutenant colonels and colonels who understand how to fight, and we will get a much bloodier war in a year. We have no chance to compromise and make concessions,” said the Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office.

Therefore, according to him, Ukraine needs an agreement on security guarantees.

“The issue of guarantees is a matter of the proper end of the war in Europe. That is, we return to the key thing – the willingness of the global elite to take responsibility. Because just forming an alliance is one story, and taking responsibility, for example, on the border with the Russian Federation, is another,” he said.

Mykhailo Podolyak also said that for him personally the victory of our state would mean the following: “This is territorial integrity within the full, internationally recognized borders of Ukraine, the Iron Curtain with Russia, Russia’s worthless, completely zero reputation.”