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  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine must have a collective security agreement with all its neighbors with the participation of the world’s leading powers – President

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine must have a collective security agreement with all its neighbors with the participation of the world’s leading powers – President

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 8 March 2022.

    Ukraine is ready to hold a dialogue with Russia on security guarantees, on the future of the occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Crimea, but is not ready to capitulate. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview for ABC News.

    “I have spoken many times about NATO and publicly conveyed messages to both Russia and President Putin: we are ready for any guarantees of our country’s security from the respective states that must guarantee. And Russia is also among these states, because Russia is our neighbor,” he said.

    According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in the future Ukraine must have a collective security agreement with all its neighbors and with the participation of the world’s leading countries – the United States, France, Germany and Turkey, with which our country borders in the Black Sea.

    “These will be guarantees not only for Ukraine. These will be guarantees for Russia as well, about which it is constantly talking. Although I don’t know who it is protecting itself from. Because Ukraine has never attacked anyone, it only conducted defensive actions. Because it protects the last thing we have – the family and the land,” the President stressed.

    As for the demands put forward by the Russian authorities, in particular regarding the recognition of the independence of the occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the Head of State noted that a compromise is possible on this point.

    “It is important to me how people who want to be part of Ukraine will live there. I am interested in the opinion of those who see themselves as citizens of the Russian Federation. However, we must discuss this issue. As well as compromises on Crimea. We cannot recognize that Crimea is the territory of Russia. I think it will be difficult for Russia to recognize that this is the territory of Ukraine. I think we are smart enough to ensure that the decision on these two issues does not cause any revolutions within societies, so that people are satisfied with this decision: both those who live in those territories and those who live in Ukraine,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy and added that before the occupation these territories were part of Ukraine.

    But in order to resolve all these issues, Russian President Vladimir Putin has to start a direct dialogue, the Ukrainian President said.

    “The people who elected me are not ready to surrender, we are not ready for ultimatums. But we can discuss with Russia the future of Crimea and Donbas,” the President added.

    As for the so-called denazification, which Russia points out among the demands on Ukraine, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, it is aimed at the destruction of the nation.

    “It has happened many times in history and it has always ended very badly. It ended up for some states that they were later ashamed of starting the cleansing of the world of one nation or another. And some states were ashamed that on this terrible, bloody path, they had not defended another nation,” he said.

    The President stressed that the proclamation of “denazification” is pure Nazism, it is the destruction of the Ukrainian nation.

    “It was the same in the 1940s, Nazi Germany carried out denazification of the Jewish people. The same thing is happening now. I just didn’t know it could happen in today’s world. That a person who declares denazification can get some support for it. This is a crime against the nation. Because saying “denazification” and then bombing civilians is genocide against the Ukrainian people,” he said, expressing confidence that in the future the world would recognize that it was the extermination of the Ukrainian people.

    When asked why he refused to leave Ukraine when he was offered it because of the threat to his life, Volodymyr Zelenskyy answered: “I refused. Because how can I? I am a citizen of this state, a legitimately elected President. If I left, I would end my life. I would be alive, but I would no longer be human. I would just be a body. I would not respect myself. And worst of all, what would I say to my children. Who am I? Did I behave as the President? As the guarantor of the Constitution? This is not just a phrase – the guarantor of the Constitution. I am the guarantor of my people. So we have to stand together. We have to defend ourselves together. That’s why I’m here. I help my country, I support my state as much as I can. I support and I am proud of my military”. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that and expressed hope for a “happy end”.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine’s struggle for freedom depends not only on us, but also on other countries that share the values of freedom – Volodymyr Zelenskyy

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine’s struggle for freedom depends not only on us, but also on other countries that share the values of freedom – Volodymyr Zelenskyy

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 8 March 2022.

    Today Ukraine is fighting for its freedom and independence, but the success of our struggle depends not only on our state, but also on all countries of the civilized world. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview for ABC News.

    “As for how much we can endure, a lot of things depend not only on us. We will endure. And even if they enter all the cities, there will be a guerrilla war. No one will give up our freedom and independence. Today it is here, tomorrow it will be the Baltic countries, the day after tomorrow – Poland, then – Germany,” said the President of Ukraine.

    According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a conversation with US President Joseph Biden, he discussed support for Ukraine in the sky.

    “We want parity in the sky, at least so that there is a balance. We cannot give the advantage only to the Russian Federation, because it bombs us, shoots us, throws bombs, launches missiles, combat helicopters, fighters, planes – many things. We do not do that because we do not have the sky, we do not control it,” said the President.

    He noted that Ukraine had asked the United States and other countries to provide Soviet-made military aircraft based in Poland.

    “We have studied this issue, we know where these Soviet-made aircraft are located, in which countries. We asked them. And now a lot depends on the United States of America in this issue,” the President said.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the US President could make additional efforts to resolve this issue.

    “I am convinced that the President can do more. I’m sure he can. And I want to believe that he is able to do it,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    He stressed that Ukraine today is a place of freedom in the heart of Europe, and our country needs protection of all countries that share such values.

    “It seems to everyone that we are far from America, from Canada or somewhere else. No. We are freedom. And when someone crosses the borders of these rights and freedoms, we must be protected. Because at first it will be us, and then it will be you. It is always like this. Appetite comes with eating and it is getting stronger,” the President said.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Iryna Vereshchuk: We urge the Russian side to adhere to the agreed and documented route of the humanitarian corridor from Sumy

    PRESS RELEASE : Iryna Vereshchuk: We urge the Russian side to adhere to the agreed and documented route of the humanitarian corridor from Sumy

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 8 March 2022.

    Deputy Prime Minister – Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Iryna Vereshchuk informed that the functioning of the humanitarian corridor from Sumy affected by the shelling of the Russian troops had been agreed on as of today.

    “This fact was officially approved by the Russian Ministry of Defense in a letter to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Hence, both the Red Cross and we, as the party with which the opening of the humanitarian corridor was agreed, have documental approval,” she said.

    Iryna Vereshchuk noted that one route for the humanitarian corridor for evacuation of people was established: Sumy, Holubivka, Lokhvytsia, Lubny, Poltava. No other routes were agreed.

    However, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Ukrainian party has information that the Russian side is planning manipulations with the route, not agreed upon and dangerous, to force people to go the other way.

    “We call on the Russian side not to resort to manipulative actions and to fulfill the promise, which is documented,” Iryna Vereshchuk emphasized.

    Under this route, the evacuation of civilians from the city of Sumy to the city of Poltava is planned, including foreign students – citizens of the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of China. It is also a question of delivery of the corresponding humanitarian cargoes by the humanitarian corridor to the city of Sumy. In particular, food and essential medicines. The convoy of humanitarian goods will move to the city of Sumy along the route: Lokhvytsia, Andriyashivka, Romny, Nedryhailiv, Sumy.

    “The Ukrainian side is ready to fully ensure all the way along the agreed route. We informed both the Red Cross and the Russian side of our readiness. It was agreed to start the silence regime on the route at 9 am Kyiv time. We announce the beginning of the silence regime. The time frame of the humanitarian corridor is from 9 am to 9 pm,” Iryna Vereshchuk said.

    It was agreed that at 10 am the first column should start moving from the city of Sumy. Civilians will also follow the convoy in their own vehicles.

    Iryna Vereshchuk emphasized: all obstacles to the movement of the relevant convoys must be removed along the entire route – both for people leaving the city of Sumy and for humanitarian goods delivered to the city of Sumy.

    “A real ceasefire along the route of the humanitarian corridor will be the basis for informing the public about the possibility of evacuation,” she said.

    According to her, the Ukrainian party has also sent to the Russian side and the Red Cross the developed routes for humanitarian corridors: Volnovakha – Zaporizhzhia, Mariupol – Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv and Kyiv region in the direction of Western Ukraine, as well as Kharkiv and Kharkiv region in the direction of Western Ukraine.

    “We call on Russia to agree on these routes without delay, to inform the International Committee of the Red Cross and to ensure a stable ceasefire on these routes,” Iryna Vereshchuk noted.

    She also appealed to the citizens not to trust unofficial media sources and reports from the Russian Defense Ministry.

    “Trust the Ukrainian authorities. Listen, read the official media. Everything will be Ukraine!” the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine stressed.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainian and Russian delegations clarified details of functioning of humanitarian corridors – Mykhailo Podoliak

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainian and Russian delegations clarified details of functioning of humanitarian corridors – Mykhailo Podoliak

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 7 March 2022.

    During the third round of talks in Belarus, the delegations of Ukraine and Russia clarified the details of the functioning of humanitarian corridors to provide more effective assistance to people in the cities most affected by the Russian shelling. This was stated by Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office Mykhailo Podoliak after the meeting.

    “We have received some positive results in terms of logistics of humanitarian corridors. They will be amended, and we will receive more effective assistance to people who are currently suffering from the aggression of the Russian Federation,” he said.

    Intensive consultations will be continued on the basic, political bloc of settlement, in particular on the ceasefire and security guarantees.

    “There are no results that significantly improve the situation yet,” Mykhailo Podoliak said.

    “However, I emphasize once again that the consultations will be continued and we will get the result,” the Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office summed up.

  • PRESS RELEASE : President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy received the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award

    PRESS RELEASE : President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy received the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 7 March 2022.

    Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova received the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award for President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which was presented by Chairman of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Frederick Ryan.

    Frederick Ryan stressed that this high award honors the leadership of the President of Ukraine and the steadfastness of millions of Ukrainians who defend their right to choose their own future and inspire the entire civilized world to fight for the values of freedom and democracy to which Ronald Reagan dedicated his life. It was President Reagan who gave a decisive impetus to the destruction of the Soviet “evil empire” and paved the way for freedom and democracy for its enslaved nations in the former Soviet Union.

    Today, the Kremlin regime is trying to rebuild the wreckage of the Soviet empire having started a brutal and bloody war in central Europe. Just as more than three decades ago, the “evil empire” has no chance of existence. Ukrainians, with their blood and desperate struggle, fiercely repel the aggressor, showing courage and will. Frederick Ryan quoted famous words by President Reagan: “Above all, we must realize that no arsenal or no weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today’s world do not have.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : New recruitment campaign for Victims’ Commissioner launched

    PRESS RELEASE : New recruitment campaign for Victims’ Commissioner launched

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 25 August 2022.

    The competition will run from today (25 August) until 19 September with the successful candidate taking on the role in the following months.

    It comes as the Government embarks on landmark reforms for victims, including new legislation to ensure they are better heard, served and supported by the criminal justice system. The role of the Commissioner will be crucial in delivering this – promoting the interests of victims and witnesses and ensuring all parts of the criminal justice system meet the standards set out in the Victims’ Code.

    The Government is investing nearly half a billion to provide the swift justice that victims deserve, and progress continues on the Rape Action Plan in order to increase the volume of prosecutions flowing through the system.

    Dame Vera Baird has agreed to continue in post until 30 September, with an option to extend until the end of the year and has been invited to reapply.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Archaeologists working to learn more before 2,500 year-old Lulworth hill fort is lost to the sea

    PRESS RELEASE : Archaeologists working to learn more before 2,500 year-old Lulworth hill fort is lost to the sea

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 25 August 2022.

    Vulnerably perched on the edge of an unstable cliff, the impressive 2,500 year old Flower’s Barrow hillfort is being lost to the sea due to erosion. As a result, it is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.

    The excavation is gathering as much information as possible about the site and those who lived there before it is lost. This will be added to other information, including detailed surveys being undertaken by Historic England, which will increase our understanding of the site and the surrounding historic landscape. Preserving as much as possible by record will create a valuable resource for current and future generations to study and understand.

    The excavation has been arranged in an attempt to gather as many details as possible about the site and those who lived there before it is lost. This will be added to information already gathered by several Historic England surveys to increase understanding of the site, such as location of ramparts. If Historic England is satisfied that there is no more information which practically be learned, the site can be removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.

    Military veterans are taking part under a programme called Operation Nightingale. This award-winning scheme sees wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans taking part in archaeological digs on the Defence estate.

    Guy Salkeld, the DIO archaeologist who is organising and leading the excavation, said:

    Looking after our land and heritage is really important to the MOD and archaeology on military land is often better preserved than it would otherwise be, as it’s protected from development and industrial agriculture.

    Unfortunately, even the MOD is powerless against the might of the sea. That’s why it’s really important that we gather as much information as possible about Flowers Barrow while we still can. My hope is that this excavation fills in the gaps in our knowledge of the site and ultimately, that we learn enough for it to come off the Heritage at Risk Register.

    Craig Appleby, former Royal Engineer and member of the Op Nightingale programme said:

    Being part of the Op Nightingale team offers huge benefits, both for physical and mental well-being. Working on archaeological digs enables you to slow down and focus on something positive. In addition, taking part in these excavations with like-minded people provided a real sense of purpose and camaraderie.

    Daniel Bashford, Heritage at Risk Project Officer at Historic England, said:

    Climate change has increased the natural erosion of our coastline which affects the preservation of heritage sites such as Flowers Barrow. We are pleased to be working with the MOD and Wessex Archaeology on this Operation Nightingale project – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to increase our understanding of this vulnerable hillfort before it is lost to the sea.

    Oliver Good, Project Manager for Wessex Archaeology explains:

    Through our archaeological surveys and excavations we are building on our understanding of how people lived thousands of years ago. This hill fort site contains a number of hut platforms and these represent the remains of individual Iron Age round houses.

    Our work at Flowers Barrow is vital and we are hoping that through our excavations we will increase our understanding of domestic life at that time. However, to be able to support veterans through Operation Nightingale makes our work at Flowers Barrow this year even more special for the Wessex Archaeology team.

    Previous finds at Flowers Barrow include what is thought to be slingshot and it is hoped that this year’s excavation will uncover the location of several houses and possibly domestic finds such as pottery. The team will also clear scrub from the site which will allow Historic England to carry out a drone survey. This will be used to create a detailed model of the site to demonstrate changes over time.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Consultation launched to support sustainable fishing of non-quota fish stocks

    PRESS RELEASE : Consultation launched to support sustainable fishing of non-quota fish stocks

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 25 August 2022.

    The Government has today launched a consultation to gather evidence on the impact of flyseining in English waters to support sustainable fishing and reduce pressure on fish stocks.

    Flyseining, also known as flyshooting or demersal seining, is a fishing method involving long weighted ropes to herd fish into the mouth of the trawl to target demersal species which live or feed on or near the sea bed, such as red mullet, gurnards and squid. Many of these fish are non-quota stocks (NQS) meaning there is no limit on how many can be fished.

    The practice has been around for decades but recently larger flyseining vessels, belonging to a number of different countries, are now operating in the English Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with double the gross tonnage, engine power and vessel length of traditional vessels.

    Parts of the fishing industry and environmental organisations have raised concerns about the impact on fish stocks, particularly those on which we currently only have limited data. Measures under consideration include restricting the number of vessels with flyseining gear, the power of their engines and placing limits on the fishing gear.

    Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis said:

    “We want our fishing industry to thrive for generations to come and we must ensure our stocks are sustainably managed.

    “That’s why we are consulting on potential measures to mitigate the impacts of flyseining on non-quota stocks. I encourage all those from the catching sector and wider fishing industry to share their views”.

    Through the Fisheries Act 2020, the UK Government has identified a number of potential measures that could be applied to the fishing of non-quota stocks in English waters to safeguard the future sustainability of these species. Proposals for this consultation include:

    • Introducing an ‘entitlement’ which would restrict the number of vessels with flyseining gear (0-200 nautical mile zone); and/or
    • Restricting engine power for demersal seine gears to 221kW or 600kw in 0-12 nm zone; and/or
    • Removing an exemption that currently allows a 40mm mesh size in a directed squid fishery (0-200nm); and/or
    • Restricting vessels’ rope diameter used in flyseine gear to 30-40mm (0-200nm); and/or
    • Restricting vessels’ rope length used in flyseine gear to 1500m if in 0-12nm and/or 3000-3200m if in 12-200nm.

    This consultation complements work to develop a Fisheries Management Plan for demersal non-quota species in the Channel, and will also look at longer term management approaches for a number of the species targeted by larger flyseine vessels.

    The consultation will run for 12 weeks from 25 August until 17 November 2022. Further engagement with industry will take place to implement any measures if taken forward. As this is a devolved matter, any decisions made as a result of this consultation will apply to English waters only.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New UK-Ukraine transport partnership to rebuild war-torn infrastructure

    PRESS RELEASE : New UK-Ukraine transport partnership to rebuild war-torn infrastructure

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 25 August 2022.

    • transport ministers from both nations sign a historic joint action plan to help rebuild Ukraine’s transport network
    • Department for Transport offers funds, engineering expertise and vehicles
    • UK support for Ukraine now nearly £4 billion

    The UK has signed a historic pact with Ukraine that commits to sharing engineering expertise and pledges a new package of support to help rebuild its war damaged infrastructure.

    Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, today (25 June 2022) hosted a virtual meeting with his counterpart at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Oleksandr Kubrakov, in the same week Ukraine marked its Independence Day and 6 months since Putin’s barbaric and illegal invasion of their country.

    After a presentation from Ukrainian officials on the true impact of the war to their train network, roads and bridges, the two transport leaders signed a joint action plan to help restore these vital links. It agrees to share expert advice from prestigious UK-based private-sector organisations. The UK will also send 5 buses from the Go Ahead Group to support reconnecting the Ukrainian public and buy equipment to repair routes which are crucial for the exportation of grain.

    Experts will offer knowledge in airport, runway and port reconstruction, and will work with the Ministry of Infrastructure to identify training opportunities for airport staff, air traffic controllers and aviation security.

    If you are a UK transport infrastructure organisation, you can register your interest in joining the UK-Ukrainian transport partnership.

    The Transport Secretary also outlined more detail about the £10 million Ukrainian Railways support package, previously announced by the Prime Minister at the G7 Summit. This will buy bridge repair and tunnel lining equipment, key hand tools and more than 120 shipping containers, which will help mobilise Ukrainian grain trains, currently hampered by Russian activity. With Ukraine being one of the biggest exporters of grain in the world, these vital interventions will help its economy recover and alleviate pressure on global food prices.

    This will support the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allows the safe passage of grain, food and fertiliser exports out of Ukraine in protected shipping corridors. So far, the initiative has freed 721,449 metric tons of goods from 3 Ukrainian ports.

    Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    It’s great to meet with the Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister today and offer the UK’s expertise and resource to help them rebuild and get its people get moving again in the face of this brutal conflict.

    In the UK we have some of the best transport experts in the world and sharing this with Ukraine will not only help them rebuild – but will boost the profile of UK businesses on a global scale.

    Earlier this year, the UK assumed presidency of the International Travel Forum (ITF) and committed to bring global partners together in solidarity against the invasion of Ukraine. Under the UK presidency the ITF will launch new dedicated research into the impact of the war on transport and will share constructive policy advice on the sustainable reconstruction of its infrastructure.

    Ukrainian Minister for Infrastructure, Oleksandr Kubrakov said:

    The fate of war is decided not only on the battlefield. Ukraine needs a strong economy and steadily operating infrastructure.

    Thanks to today’s agreements, we expect to receive high-quality expertise from leading British companies and institutes to restore Ukrainian infrastructure.

    I am grateful to my colleague, the Transport Secretary, for Great Britain’s comprehensive support of Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.

    This government is working tirelessly to help the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russia, with the total value of UK support now standing at nearly £4 billion through multilateral loan guarantees and over £100 million bilateral support.

    This government has introduced the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on Russia, or indeed any major economy. We have sanctioned over 1000 individuals, 100 businesses, and cracked down on Russian-owned yachts and private jets, costing oligarchs £117 billion.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Better flood protections for new homes

    PRESS RELEASE : Better flood protections for new homes

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, on 25 August 2022.

    • Improved planning guidance to help councils consider future flood risk
    • More support to ensure homes are built in low-risk areas with sustainable drainage
    • Helps communities mitigate future impact of climate change

    New homes will be better protected from flooding following changes to planning guidance, the government has announced today (25 August 2022).

    Updated planning guidance published today will help councils make sure developments meet strict criteria in locations at risk of flooding before they are approved, to ensure local communities aren’t negatively impacted as a result.

    The move aims to ensure that developers across England can adapt to the challenges of a changing climate and that new homes are sustainable.

    Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark said:

    “We have all seen how flooding is becoming all too frequent. This new guidance will strengthen councils’ ability to require better flood resilience in new developments.

    “Councils will need to demonstrate that the development will be safe from flooding for its lifetime, will not increase flood risk elsewhere, and where possible will reduce flood risk overall.

    “This will help make sure our homes and neighbourhoods are built to last for generations to come.”

    Floods Minister Steve Double said:

    “As climate change makes extreme weather events such as flooding more likely, we must do all we can to make sure that people’s homes and businesses are kept safe.

    “This guidance will help ensure new developments are designed with flood resilience in mind and do not increase flood risk elsewhere.

    “This will build on our record £5.2 billion investment to build around 2,000 flood schemes by 2027 and level-up defences across England.”

    Caroline Douglass, Executive Director of Flood and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, said:

    “It’s vital that we plan for a changing climate by avoiding unsafe new development in flood and coastal risk areas.

    “The Environment Agency plays an important role in working with planning authorities to ensure new development is both safe and sustainable.

    “The new guidance provides vital advice to planners and developers to encourage the use of more sustainable drainage systems to reduce surface water flood risk as well as how to plan and adapt to coastal change.”

    Under the changes to the planning practice guidance developments, councils will be better placed to apply government policy, where new homes in areas at risk of flooding, should meet recommended standards on flood resilience – for example, using flood resilient building materials or moving plug sockets higher up walls.

    Local areas will also have access to better guidance on how to control surface water run-off, with the use of sustainable drainage systems to enhance the quantity and quality of water in the region, as well as local biodiversity. The guidance also highlights the opportunities new development can bring to reduce the causes and impacts of flooding through the use of natural flood management techniques.

    The new planning guidance forms part of the government’s mission to level up and regenerate communities by delivering sustainable and lasting homes. It will also support delivery of the government’s policy statement on flood and coastal erosion risk management and help to achieve our long-term goal to create a nation more resilient to flood and coastal erosion risk.