Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 May 2022.

Dear friends!

Danish people!

Today you celebrate the anniversary of the day that was a dream. It has long been a dream of freedom and peace. This dream has become a reality.

Five years. It was on this day that the five long years of Nazi occupation of your country came to an end. They lost. And freedom won. Life won.

Denmark and the whole world then celebrated and hoped that such a brutal war would be the last and that no one would want to destroy peace anymore.

They hoped that there would be no more feeling of mortal danger. That people can get rid of military habits. They hoped to forget forever about the light masking that was required. They hoped that air-raid sirens would no longer sound to report the real threat. That they can be turned on only once a year to remember the war that took place.

But the war came again. It is here and now. It is in Ukraine. And it is not going to stop on our land.

And it has already become as brutal as that war, the victory in which we all remember every year in May.

I remember addressing you and the Folketing on the 34th day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

I said then that Russia used 1370 missiles against our country. Today – already 1993 missiles. Just imagine how many lives they took.

Most of them hit non-military targets.

Then, on March 29, I told you that the Russian occupiers had destroyed 773 educational facilities in our country. And today – twice as much. 1584. These are kindergartens, schools, universities. This is what the Russian army is fighting against in Ukraine.

The invaders have already killed 220 Ukrainian children. And we do not yet know for sure the situation in the occupied territories.

But when I spoke to you last time, there were 144 names on the list of children killed. You see these terrible numbers grow. There were 144. Now – 220 children killed! They did not even have time to feel what life is like.

The Russian state is not yet ready to stop the war. They still dream of capturing Ukraine and other European countries. They still dream that freedom in Europe must disappear. But their dreams must not come true.

The dream of peace must come true. Our and your dream. Just like it was 77 years ago.

Right now in Ukraine it is being decided how people will live on our continent. Whether there will be peace. Not only for us, but also for our neighbors, for you and us.

Evil does not know what state borders are. Tyranny never stops at capturing just one country.

You are already helping us fight. We are grateful to you. Fight with weapons, with your “yes” vote for our accession to the European Union, with honesty in the issue of sanctions and with sincerity towards our people.

The sea of Ukrainian flags here today, the sea of flags on the streets of your cities shows that you understand everything.

No one will now say how many more days this war, unleashed by the Russian Federation, will last. But I believe that our Liberation Day is approaching.

I believe that just as I am addressing your people now, when you celebrate the anniversary of the liberation of your country, your representatives will address the Ukrainian people as we celebrate the anniversary of our peace.

Now, as every year, you light candles across the country in memory of that war and victory over evil.

And I ask you, when you see the warm light of candles, remember, please, about Ukrainian children. About those 220 children whose lives were taken by this war.

Remember that Europe can do its best to keep this horrible list of children killed from growing. Never again.

I am grateful to each and every one of you!

Thank you, Denmark!

Glory to Ukraine!

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres.

The President thanked the Secretary-General personally for his efforts to evacuate Ukrainian citizens from Azovstal.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed António Guterres about the successful completion of the first stage, during which 121 people were evacuated from Azovstal, and expressed hope for a successful continuation of the ongoing evacuation operation.

The President of Ukraine thanked the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which demonstrated the possibility of making progress in the most difficult humanitarian crises.

“The whole world has learned about the role of the UN and the ICRC in this. This has shown that international organizations can be effective,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also appealed to the UN Secretary-General to assist in the evacuation of all the wounded from Azovstal.

“The lives of the people who remain there are in danger. Everyone is important to us. We ask for your help in saving them,” the President said.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 May 2022.

Today, the top priority is the maximum expulsion of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine, but the global goal is to restore the territorial integrity of our state within internationally recognized borders, because this is what all Ukrainians want. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his participation in the session of the Wall Street Journal CEO Council Summit.

“The goal of every Ukrainian is to restore our territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. I understand that everything at once is impossible. First, appropriate steps must be taken to stop the war, and then diplomacy will be in place,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the first stage in this war was to stop Russia’s advancement.

“The second stage is to make Russia withdraw troops from our territory as much as possible. The third stage is to restore territorial integrity as much as possible,” he explained.

According to the President, where it is possible to restore territorial integrity through dialogue, Ukraine will do everything possible, but only as an equal partner.

“We understand that it will be difficult to restore territorial integrity on the temporarily occupied Crimean peninsula. And yet, I believe that we will be able to move to the diplomatic path after showing our strength. Because any war ends with diplomacy,” the Head of State is convinced.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the main guarantee of victory is confidence in the Ukrainian people and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“And we are not retreating. That is, today is a new stage already. Somewhere, in some territories, we are blocked by the Russian military and equipment. There, we are waiting for the appropriate equipment to appear on our side, so that we can push and move forward. And in some areas we are moving forward already,” he said.

However, the President noted that he has not yet seen Russia’s desire to cease fire. “When both sides want a ceasefire, they do it. We’ve seen that for several years with the Russian Federation on the touch line in Donbas. They say that we are negotiating, then they violate (ceasefire agreements – ed.)” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Head of State pointed out that even when it comes to the regime of silence in the territory of Mariupol for the operation on the evacuation of civilians held jointly with the UN, shelling and bombing still take place.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that a ceasefire can be established only when he meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“If we have a meeting with President Putin, then there will be a ceasefire for the time of the meeting. Because otherwise there will be no meeting. And then, perhaps, we will agree with him personally. He must personally commit to a ceasefire. And preferably do it publicly,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

At the same time, the President of Ukraine noted that the ceasefire does not mean that Russian troops can stay where they are now and there will be some frozen conflict.

“We will not agree to a frozen conflict,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 May 2022.

The world’s effective response to Russian aggression is the most realistic possible safeguard against other wars in the future. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a speech at the session of the Wall Street Journal CEO Council Summit.

The Head of State stressed that Russia had launched a full-scale war against Ukraine, hoping that the democratic world would not dare to react in a consolidated way for peace. But the Russian leadership was wrong.

“Ukraine’s courage, the willingness of our friends and partners to help, the principled reaction of the nations of Western countries, as well as the willingness of many companies to care for their own reputation have led to Russia gradually becoming an increasingly isolated state. And business is increasingly isolated,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that after the victory of Ukraine, in which he has no doubts, the world must forever abandon the preservation of relations – both political and business – at any cost with those who do not respect international law and do not recognize treaties, which they sign.

“Russia is gradually approaching the understanding that it is profitable to respect international law. That to fulfill contracts is correct. Therefore, the effective reaction of the world to Russian aggression is the most realistic of the possible safeguards against other wars in the future,” said the President of Ukraine.

According to the Head of State, several important steps need to be taken to restore the rule of law in the world.

“The first is the complete isolation of the aggressor, first of all economic. The second is sufficient help for Ukraine to endure this war, the struggle for freedom and our rights. The third is the reconstruction of what was destroyed by the war. When these three things happen, both Russia and every other potential aggressor will see that war does not help achieve anything,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

He is convinced that working with a terrorist state inevitably results in tens of thousands of casualties, hundreds of billions of dollars in losses and destabilization of markets. Therefore, it is necessary to leave the Russian market.

The President stressed that only the food crisis alone provoked by Russia threatens political chaos in dozens of countries.

Ukraine has suffered about $ 600 billion of losses in damage and destruction since the full-scale Russian invasion. Today, the state budget needs support of up to $ 7 billion a month, the President said.

“So we need direct help both to the government and to the citizens. For example, through the instrument of military bonds. Or through an account in our National Bank, through which we make payments to our citizens. By helping us, you are helping yourself in the future. Because this help is for the sake of stability and freedom. Hence, for the sake of growth,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

At the same time, according to him, Ukraine’s victory will not be convincing if we do not rebuild what has been destroyed.

“The biggest contribution you can make to our reconstruction is the opening of your representative offices, divisions and your productions, companies, offices and branches in Ukraine. Exactly in Ukraine, it is important. In our country, you will have access not only to our market of 40 million people, but also to the entire EU market,” the President said, recalling the EU’s decision to abolish duties, quotas and anti-dumping tariffs on Ukrainian exports.

“We have already shown the greatest example of heroism in defending our common freedom and common values. And immediately after our victory, we will demonstrate the same example of creating the best conditions for doing business in Europe, so that you are comfortable with investing in our country,” said the President.

According to him, all this should become part of the new economic order in Europe and a new impetus for global economic growth.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 May 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a video conference with National Security Advisor to the President of the United States Jacob Sullivan, National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Stephen Lovegrove, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the German Chancellor Jens Plötner, Adviser to the President of the French Republic on relations with Ukraine and Russia Isabelle Dumont, other representatives of the French side.

Andriy Yermak informed his interlocutors about the course of events on the frontline noting that the most difficult situation remains in the south-east of Ukraine, where Russia has concentrated significant forces.

He also spoke about the evacuation mission from the Russian-occupied city of Mariupol in the Donetsk region. According to the Head of the President’s Office, on Tuesday 156 Ukrainian citizens who took refuge from the Russian bombing in the basement of the Azovstal plant finally reached Zaporizhzhia and are now safe.

At the same time, according to Andriy Yermak, Russian troops continue to shell Azovstal, which still shelters civilians and wounded soldiers in need of emergency medical care. The humanitarian situation in Mariupol remains catastrophic.

The Head of the President’s Office stressed the need to make every effort to unblock the people at the plant.

As part of the ongoing dialogue, the parties continued to discuss future security guarantees for Ukraine. Our state, which has faced Russian aggression, is interested in obtaining clear and concrete guarantees.

The parties also discussed preparations for the next sanctions package against Russia. The action plan to strengthen sanctions developed by the Yermak-McFaul international expert group was handed over to Ukraine’s partners.

The interlocutors agreed that sanctions pressure on Russia should increase until it ends the aggressive war and seeks peace.

 

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 3 May 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda.

The President of Ukraine congratulated the leader of Poland and all the fraternal Polish people on the 231st anniversary of the Constitution of May 3, which is celebrated today.

“Democratic values and traditions, the pursuit of justice unite our states and people. Today we feel the strong leadership support of Poland in the selfless struggle of the Ukrainian people for the protection of European values. We appreciate it!” the President of Ukraine emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed the President of Poland about the course of the resistance to the aggressor on the frontline, about the tragic situation in Mariupol.

The interlocutors discussed further defense assistance to Ukraine. The Ukrainian Head of State especially noted Poland’s significant contribution in this direction.

The leaders paid special attention to further sanctions pressure on Russia, which should be intensified and expanded.

“Russia has already started an energy war against Poland and the whole of Europe. EU states must get rid of energy dependence on Russia,” the President of Ukraine stressed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed his Polish counterpart about the beginning of the work on the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. In this regard, he thanked Poland for the initiative to hold a high-level International Donors’ Conference for Ukraine together with the Government of Sweden and the leadership of the European Commission, which will be attended by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

The President of Ukraine noted the key role of Poland in supporting Ukraine’s movement towards EU membership and expressed confidence in the prompt adoption of all necessary decisions by Brussels.

During the conversation, the leaders touched upon the issue of comprehensive assistance provided by the government and the people of the Republic of Poland to millions of Ukrainians who have found temporary shelter from aggression in the neighboring country. Volodymyr Zelenskyy especially thanked Andrzej Duda and his wife Agata for their personal support.

The President of Ukraine also invited the President of Poland to address the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 3 May 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a video conference with American businessman, member of the Board of Directors of Tesla and SpaceX Kimbal Musk. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov.

On behalf of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and all Ukrainians, Andriy Yermak thanked Kimbal Musk and his brother, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, for supporting our country during the difficult times of the war.

“We highly appreciate this real support for Ukraine during this terrible war with Russia. We are grateful for the high-speed Internet thanks to Starlink (terminals – ed.), which we received from you. Very grateful! Everyone knows what a great role you have played in this assistance,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

Kimbal Musk stressed that it is a great honor for him to help our country, because today Ukraine is fighting for democracy against tyranny.

“We are with you. Thank you for fighting so bravely,” he said.

Andriy Yermak informed the American businessman about the situation in Ukraine. He said that currently the largest number of troops is concentrated in the southern and eastern regions of our country.

The Head of the President’s Office also reminded of the catastrophic situation in Mariupol, which is blocked by the Russian military, and told about the process of evacuation of the city’s residents.

He also noted the importance of assistance provided to Ukraine by partner countries during the war.

Andriy Yermak invited Kimbal Musk to visit Ukraine at a time convenient for him. The Head of the President’s Office noted that the American businessman may be interested in projects developed by talented Ukrainian IT specialists.

“I’m sure you will really like the capital of Ukraine, and we will be able to talk in detail about possible joint projects,” said Andriy Yermak.

During the meeting, projects and areas of cooperation that could involve Kimbal Musk’s company and American business in general were discussed.

The Head of the Office of the President informed the interlocutor about the project of post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, in particular about the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to involve partner countries in the reconstruction of settlements affected by the war.

Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov thanked Kimbal Musk and SpaceX for providing Ukraine with Starlink terminals.

“I know that you help us a lot in this direction, support us and work with companies for them to be in Ukraine. Thank you for that. It is important for us that you and your family support Ukraine,” Mykhailo Fedorov said.

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

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a working meeting with representatives of the European Union member states who have resumed their diplomatic presence in Kyiv. Among them are the Ambassadors of Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, Slovakia, as well as Chargé d’Affaires of Estonia, Poland, Slovenia, France and the Czech Republic in Ukraine.

Ihor Zhovkva thanked the heads of diplomatic missions of the European Union who returned to Kyiv to fulfill their duties: “This demonstrates your firm solidarity with the people of Ukraine who oppose Russian aggression.”

He commended the continued political support and significant practical assistance provided by the governments of these countries since the first day of the large-scale Russian invasion. In this regard, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President stressed the importance of the visits of European leaders to Ukraine and expressed hope that the number of such visits will continue to grow.

Ihor Zhovkva also thanked the EU countries for the important humanitarian aid and support for Ukrainian citizens who were forced to leave their homeland due to Russian aggression and found refuge thanks to our European partners.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President stressed the need to increase EU sanctions on Russia in order to encourage it to immediately cease hostilities and liberate the temporarily occupied territories.

“The sixth package of sanctions must be implemented as soon as possible. It must contain an embargo on Russian oil, disconnect all Russian banks from SWIFT and stop the broadcast of Russian TV channels in the EU,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

The parties focused on steps aimed at Ukraine’s accession to the EU as soon as possible.

“Granting Ukraine the status of a candidate country for EU membership as soon as possible should be a symbolic step of support from the leaders of the EU member states. Today, Ukraine is defending not only itself but the whole of Europe, and hence proved its belonging to the European Union. Ukraine and Ukrainians deserve this decision,” said the Deputy Head of the Office of the President.

He also noted that due to Russian aggression and the systematic destruction of critical and social infrastructure, there is an urgent need to launch the Trust Fund for Solidarity with Ukraine as soon as possible.

Ihor Zhovkva also informed about the initiative of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to involve partner countries in the reconstruction of certain cities and regions affected by the war, and called on representatives of EU member states to actively decide on such assistance.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark Jeppe Kofod.

The Head of State noted that Ukraine highly appreciates the support of Denmark, and reminded that he had a fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Kyiv recently.

“It is important that the cooperation between our countries is really dynamic and fruitful,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed and praised the resumption of the work of the Danish Embassy in Kyiv.

The President stressed that Ukraine now needs maximum defense assistance.

“I know that Denmark has already done a lot in this matter and continues to do so,” he said.

The Head of State stressed the importance of coordinated counteraction to the aggressor on the sanctions track. According to him, Ukraine appreciates Denmark’s active position on EU restrictive measures against Russia and looks forward to Copenhagen’s continued active role in sanctions pressure.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed his belief in Denmark’s support for Ukraine’s path to EU membership.

The parties paid considerable attention to the issue of financial assistance to the economy of our country. The President praised the readiness of the Danish side to play a leading role in the reconstruction of Mykolaiv together with other international partners.

The President noted the assistance of the Danish government in clearing and rebuilding the liberated Ukrainian cities by transferring the relevant construction equipment. The given step is one of the results of an agreement reached during recent talks with the Prime Minister of Denmark.

The parties also discussed further joint work on bringing the aggressor to justice for crimes committed in our country.

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

For Ukraine, progress in the negotiations would be Russia’s decision to end the war and deoccupy Ukrainian territory. This was stated by Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak in an interview with Fareed Zakaria on CNN.

Commenting on the negotiation process with Russia, Andriy Yermak noted that the position of our state is transparent and clear: “Ukraine did not start this war. Ukraine did not occupy someone’s territory. Ukraine has never been an aggressive country, in particular it has not shown aggression towards Russia. The most important thing for us is our independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are fighting for this. For our lands and freedom.”

According to the Head of the Office of the President, the progress in the negotiations would be a decision to stop the war and withdraw Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine.

He confirmed that the majority of Russian troops is now concentrated in southeastern Ukraine, especially in Donbas. The whole world also knows what is happening in Mariupol, where there is a catastrophic situation – 90% of the city is destroyed.

“For us, the fundamental things we are not ready to compromise on are our independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We want to stop the war, our people want the war to end, but it is important for us that Ukraine wins this war. Our people continue to fight for victory. Our victory is the return of control over all our territories,” Andriy Yermak stressed.

He also noted that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his entire team have remained in Kyiv since the beginning of the war.

“Our servicemen continue to fight, they have no break. Therefore, it is our duty – all people in power, politicians – to stay at work and continue to do everything possible to bring victory closer,” said the Head of the Office of the President.

Regarding the US decision to provide $ 33 billion of aid to Ukraine and its influence on the course of the war, Andriy Yermak noted: “First, we hear clear messages that the United States believes and is confident in Ukraine’s victory in this war. Secondly, it really changes the level of our cooperation. This was the goal and dream of President Zelenskyy and his entire team – such a level of human relations with the United States. And today we can say: yes, it happened. And we are very grateful.”

He noted that opinion polls in the United States show that most Americans are interested and worried about the events in Ukraine.

“This support is important to us,” added the Head of the President’s Office.

“After February 24, the whole world, the whole democratic world understood that this could happen anywhere. Ukraine is defending not only itself, but also the principles of democracy,” Andriy Yermak stressed.