Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 February 2022.

On the Day of Honoring the participants in hostilities on the territory of other states, a basket of flowers from the President was laid at the Memorial Complex to the citizens of Ukraine perished in Afghanistan.

“Time cannot erase from our memory the heroic deeds, examples of courage and fraternity of tens of thousands of sons and daughters of Ukraine,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President stressed that soldiers with experience in armed conflicts in hot spots of the planet were among the first to defend the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine, joining the ranks of our army.

“We bow our heads in memory of the heroes – participants in hostilities in other countries who gave their lives fulfilling their military duty. Eternal glory to them,” the President said.

On behalf of the Ukrainian people, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked all veterans for their courage in fighting the Russian aggressor, helping the army and participating in the organization of national resistance.

“I am confident that you will continue to be an example of high professionalism, chivalry and nobility for the current defenders of Ukraine,” the President said.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 February 2022.

Great people of a great country!

I am addressing you at this tense moment.

Our state is facing serious external and internal challenges that require responsibility, confidence and concrete actions from me and each of us.

We are being intimidated by the great war and the date of the military invasion is being set again. This is not the first time.

The war against us is being systematically waged on all fronts. On the military one, they increase the contingent around the border. On the diplomatic one, they are trying to deprive us of the right to determine our own foreign policy course. On the energy one, they limit the supply of gas, electricity and coal. On the information one, they seek to spread panic among citizens and investors through the media.

But our state today is stronger than ever.

This is not the first threat that the strong Ukrainian people have faced. Two years ago, we, like the rest of the world, looked confused in the eyes of the pandemic. However, we united and with clear systemic steps practically defeated it. In this difficult time, the strong Ukrainian people have shown their best qualities – unity and the will to win.

Unlike the pandemic two years ago, today we clearly understand all the challenges we face and what to do about them. We are confident, but not self-confident. We understand all the risks. We are constantly monitoring the situation, working out different scenarios, preparing decent responses to all possible aggressive actions.

We know exactly where the foreign army is near our borders, its numbers, its locations, its equipment and its plans.

We have something to respond with. We have a great army. Our guys have unique combat experience and modern weapons. This is an army many times stronger than eight years ago.

Along with the army, Ukrainian diplomacy is at the forefront of defending our interests. We have managed to gain diplomatic support from almost all leaders of the civilized world. Most of them have either already visited and supported Ukraine, or will do so in the near future. Today, everyone recognizes that the security of Europe and the entire continent depends on Ukraine and its army.

We want peace and we want to resolve all issues exclusively through negotiations. Both Donbas and Crimea will return to Ukraine. Exclusively through diplomacy. We do not encroach on what’s not ours, but we will not give up our land.

We are confident in our Armed Forces, but our military must also feel our support, our cohesion and our unity. The foothold of our army is the confidence of their own people and a strong economy.

We have formed sufficient reserves to repel attacks on the hryvnia exchange rate and our financial system. We will not ignore any industry that will need government support. As it happened the other day with airlines. And evidence of this is a stable hryvnia exchange rate and open skies.

An important front of defense is the objective coverage of the situation by the domestic media. And now I want to address our Ukrainian journalists. Some of you sometimes have to perform the tasks of media owners. Most of them have already fled their own country.

Work for Ukraine, not for those who fled. The fate of the country today depends on your honest position.

And now I want to address not those who stayed with Ukraine and in Ukraine, but those who left it at the most crucial moment. Your strength is not in your money and planes, but in the civic position you can show. Return to your people and the country due to which you got your factories and wealth. Today, everyone passes a real test for a citizen of Ukraine. Pass it with dignity. Let everyone understand for whom Ukraine is really the Homeland, and for whom it is just a platform for money making.

I address separately all representatives of the state: civil servants, people’s deputies of all levels who have fled the country or plan to do so. The people of Ukraine have entrusted you not only to govern the state, but also to protect it. It is your direct duty in this situation to be with us, with the Ukrainian people. I urge you to return to your homeland within 24 hours and stand side by side with the Ukrainian army, diplomacy and people!

We are told that February 16 will be the day of the attack. We will make it the Day of Unity. The relevant decree has already been signed. On this day, we will hoist national flags, put on blue and yellow ribbons and show the world our unity.

We have one great European aspiration. We want freedom and are ready to fight for it. 14,000 defenders and civilians killed in this war are watching us from the sky. And we will not betray their memory.

We all want to live happily, and happiness loves the strong ones. We have never known what it is to give up and we are not going to learn that.

Today is not just Valentine’s Day. It is the day of those in love with Ukraine. We believe in our own strength and continue to build our future together. Because we are united by love for Ukraine, united and unique. And love will win. Yes, now you may think it’s darkness all around. But tomorrow the sun will rise again over our peaceful sky.

Love Ukraine!

We are calm! We are strong! We are together!

Great people of a great country.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 February 2022.

The external and internal challenges facing Ukraine today require responsibility, confidence and concrete action from every citizen. In order to strengthen the consolidation of Ukrainian society, strengthen its resilience in the face of growing hybrid threats, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared February 16, 2022 the Day of Unity.

The Head of State signed relevant decree № 53/2022.

As the President noted in his address, today Ukraine is being intimidated by the great war and the date of the military invasion is being set again. But our state is stronger now than ever.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that this is not the first threat faced by the strong Ukrainian people, which has once again shown their best qualities – unity and the will to win.

“Today, we clearly understand all the challenges we face and what to do about them. We are confident, but not self-confident. We understand all the risks. We are constantly monitoring the situation, working out various scenarios, preparing worthy responses to all possible aggressive actions,” he said.

According to the Head of State, Ukraine has something to respond with: its excellent army with unique combat experience and modern weapons, Ukrainian diplomacy, which has gained the support of almost all leaders of the civilized world. The state also has sufficient reserves to maintain the national currency and ensure the stability of the financial system.

“We are told that February 16 will be the day of the attack. We will make it the Day of Unity,” the President stressed and announced the signing of the relevant decree.

According to the document, on February 16 the State Flag of Ukraine will be raised on houses and buildings in all settlements of our country, and at 10:00 the National Anthem will be played.

In addition, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine must approve an action plan, providing for an increase in monetary payment for the Armed Forces by 30% from March 1, 2022 and increase to 20% from the beginning of 2022 in funding for servicemen of the State Border Guard Service and the National Guard of Ukraine.

A single information platform “UArazom” must also be created to provide daily information to the public about the real state of the security situation, measures taken to strengthen the state’s defense capabilities, as well as the organization of appropriate informational and explanatory work on public safety.

The government must accelerate the establishment and functioning of the system of territorial defense, and provide adequate resources for measures to prepare citizens for national resistance.

Officials must be at work and perform their duties in accordance with the oath taken; in case of violations, sanctions will be applied to them.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 February 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is grateful to all citizens who do not panic despite the difficult information background, because this is a real manifestation of support for Ukraine. The President said this during the meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Kyiv.

“A citizen is not one who has a passport, but one who is in Ukraine today,” the Head of State said.

The President stressed that it is especially important to support the country now, so he and his wife remain in Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked all citizens who did not leave the country.

“Reliable people stay, citizens of Ukraine stay. I want to thank everyone,” he said.

The Head of State also thanked the representatives of the diplomatic corps who continue to work in our country.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that MPs should be in Ukraine at this time, as this will be an important signal for society.

“I personally would like to ask them to return to the country within 24 hours. It is a difficult moment, a moment of unity of our state,” the President said.

He also noted that representatives of big business should also return to Ukraine, as their enterprises are located here.

“They were participants in privatization, the state also gave them something. I think it gave them a great chance. Bad apples will flee, citizens of Ukraine will stay,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 February 2022.

Ukraine’s intention to become a member of NATO is enshrined in the Constitution, it remains unchanged, but the decision to join the Alliance depends not only on our country. This was emphasized by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Kyiv.

“There is no signal from us that NATO membership is not our goal,” the President said.

“Unfortunately, not everything depends on Ukraine. You are well aware of Ukraine’s aspiration for the European Union, for strengthening its borders, for the Alliance,” he said.

According to the President, Ukraine’s membership in NATO would contribute to ensuring the security and territorial integrity of our country. And if the solution of this issue depended only on Ukraine, we would put an end to this issue in a very short time. But NATO’s “open door” policy is a path without specific deadlines.

“I think we have to follow the path we have chosen. All the same, the most important thing on this path is for our army to be powerful. And we will see where this path will lead and when,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 February 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz discussed economic cooperation and challenges in the energy sphere. This was stated by the President of Ukraine during a conversation with media representatives following the negotiations with Olaf Scholz in Kyiv.

The President noted that they had discussed in detail the security risks associated with Nord Stream 2.

“Here we have some differences in assessment. I stressed that our position remains the same – we are considering Nord Stream 2 solely from the perspective of energy and security threats to us and to the region. We clearly understand that this is a geopolitical weapon. That is why Ukraine needs energy security guarantees,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The President proposed to launch a concrete strategic dialogue in the energy sphere to elaborate energy guarantees and effective support for Ukraine.

“It is important that Germany becomes a guarantor of continued gas transit through Ukraine,” he said.

According to the President, Olaf Scholz confirmed Germany’s intention to fill the initiative on “green” transformation, decarbonisation and development of renewable energy sources in Ukraine with specifics and financial support.

“And the Ukrainian state is willing to offer great prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of “green” energy,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Head of State stressed that Germany is one of Ukraine’s priority trade partners in Europe.

“We agreed that in the strategic perspective, one of the key elements of Ukraine’s stability and stability in the region should be German investments in Ukraine. The interest in increasing them is mutual,” he said.

The President announced that he would propose to organize the fifth Ukrainian-German Economic Forum in 2022. According to him, Ukraine and Germany have many promising areas for deepening cooperation, so it is important to organize intergovernmental consultations that will open a new stage in relations between the two countries.

For his part, the Federal Chancellor noted that Germany has been supporting Ukraine and its economy for many years and will continue to provide assistance, in particular by encouraging German investors. He announced an immediate payment of 150 million euros of the current untied financial loan and a new untied financial loan.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 February 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the main topics of his talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Kyiv were security challenges and the peace process, as the future of European security architecture, of which our state is a part, is being decided today in Ukraine. He said this in a statement to the media following talks with Olaf Scholz.

“We talked about key approaches to this very important process. About the need to include specific legal guarantees that can protect the state of Ukraine in this architecture. We share the common vision that the escalation on the Ukrainian-Russian border is an unprecedented challenge for Europe and the world,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to him, the common position of the partners and their concrete actions to support our state and strengthen its resilience and defense capabilities are beneficial for the whole region and the European Union as a whole.

“I reiterated that Ukraine is a reliable ally and a true outpost of democracy in the region. That is why today, at a time of unprecedented challenges, the enhanced support for Ukraine by partners is extremely important,” the President stressed.

According to the President, Olaf Scholz expressed Germany’s full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders, stressed its readiness to support our country and work together within the Crimea Platform to end the temporary occupation of Crimea.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed recent steps in the framework of a peaceful settlement in Donbas. It was emphasized that in a short time two rounds of talks were held between the political advisers of the Normandy Four in Paris and Berlin.

“I would like to note in this context the role of the new Federal Government of Germany and of the Chancellor personally. It is important that Mr. Scholz and I share a common vision of a peaceful approach. We expect that in the near future we will be able to hold further talks and agree on a summit of the leaders of the Normandy Four,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President of Ukraine also expects that during his visit to Russia on February 15, the Federal Chancellor will present not only the position of Germany, but also the united position of the entire transatlantic community, the priority of which is Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“It is really important for us that before going to Russia, the German Chancellor held talks in Kyiv. We appreciate this manifestation of solidarity,” the Ukrainian President added.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that during the talks with Olaf Scholz he reiterated his clear position that the most effective approach to deterring aggression is the application of preventive sanctions.

The President also noted that it is very important for Ukraine to purchase weaponry and military equipment using the mechanisms of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, and he raised this issue during talks with the German Chancellor.

It is also extremely important for Ukraine that its partners stand firm on the position of an open door policy as regards NATO.

“We look forward to the support for Ukraine’s full membership in the European Union. Such a step would be a powerful signal of support for the geopolitical choice of the Ukrainian people recognized by our legislation and many countries around the world,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

For his part, Olaf Scholz said that he was visiting Ukraine at this important time with the message that Germany stands side by side with our country. According to him, Germany is trying to find a diplomatic solution to the current complicated situation.

“Together with France, we have intensified our efforts in the Normandy format. It is a difficult process, but I am convinced that it is worth every effort,” said the Chancellor.

Olaf Scholz stressed that Germany is concerned about the situation on the Ukrainian-Russian border. He believes that Russia’s military activities are not justified and there are no logical reasons for such an increase in military capabilities.

“It is clear to the German Federal Government that military aggression against Ukraine will have serious political, economic and geostrategic consequences for Russia. I will emphasize this in Moscow tomorrow,” he said.

The Federal Chancellor also thanked the Ukrainian leadership for its prudent response to the difficult and threatening situation and its responsible policy.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Olaf Scholz on his first visit to Ukraine and noted that Germany is a key partner of our country in terms of supporting its European integration aspirations and an important partner for Ukraine in general.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 February 2022.

The meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Olaf Scholz, who is on a working visit to our country, started in Kyiv.

After the meeting, Ukrainian-German talks chaired by Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olaf Scholz will take place.

The President of Ukraine and the Federal Chancellor of Germany will also hold a meeting with media representatives.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 13 February 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with President of the United States Joseph Biden.

The leaders discussed the security situation around our country – exchanged available information, its assessments and discussed ways of de-escalation.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the Ukrainian party understands all current risks and is ready for any developments.

“We will stop any escalation towards Ukraine. The capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, and other cities of our state – Kharkiv and Lviv, Dnipro and Odesa – are safe and under reliable protection,” the Head of State emphasized.

The President of Ukraine noted the steps taken by the United States and other partners who continue to provide us with effective support.

“We feel it. And we hope that, among other things, it will help prevent the spread of panic,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President of Ukraine thanked Joseph Biden for the unwavering support of the United States for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and stressed the importance of providing effective security guarantees for our country.

“We are ready to discuss them in different formats,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing that there can be no security in Europe without the security of Ukraine.

The interlocutors reaffirmed the unity of positions on the importance of continuing political and diplomatic efforts to unblock the peace process and restore stability. The President of Ukraine stressed that our state stands exclusively for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Attention was paid to the steps taken to de-escalate and achieve peace within all existing negotiation formats.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the importance of the United States’ efforts in the consolidation of international support of Ukraine. The President of Ukraine commended the active cooperation with the United States in the field of security and defense, which contributes to strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“We are not a member of NATO yet. Therefore, only a powerful Ukrainian army is the key to the security of our state,” the President stressed.

The leaders discussed sanctions in the event of escalation of aggression by Russia.

The issue of increasing Ukraine’s financial and energy stability against the background of current challenges was also discussed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Joseph Biden for his support and invited him to visit Ukraine: “I am convinced that your arrival in Kyiv in the coming days, which are crucial for stabilizing the situation, will be a powerful signal and contribute to de-escalation.”

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 13 February 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with President of the European Council Charles Michel.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked his interlocutor for his efforts in consolidating Ukraine’s international support.

The leaders discussed the security situation around our country, as well as the steps being taken to de-escalate the situation and achieve peace within the existing negotiation formats, in particular Normandy.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Charles Michel exchanged views and assessments of the latest international events, negotiations and contacts with strategic partners.

The President of Ukraine stressed the importance of uniting and coordinating political and diplomatic efforts in order to unlock the peace process and restore stability.

“We stand for the political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict. We will not give in to provocations,” the President said.

In this regard, he thanked Charles Michel and EU leaders for keeping their diplomats in our country and supporting us with their work.

“We understand all the risks and are ready for any scenario. But we have been in this situation since 2014. And today our biggest enemy is panic,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The President of Ukraine also stated the need to impose preventive sanctions against Russia in order to curb the Kremlin’s aggressive intentions.

Particular attention was paid to increasing Ukraine’s defense and financial stability against the background of current challenges and further practical cooperation with the European Union.

The President thanked the EU for its decision to provide a package of macro-financial assistance to Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed the invariability of Ukraine’s European integration course and stressed the need for the European Union to define clear prospects as regards full membership of our country.

For his part, the President of the European Council reaffirmed the EU’s strong and unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country, as well as its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.