Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 18 August 2022.

As part of a working trip to the Lviv region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Ground Forces Academy and got himself acquainted with the organization of the educational process at the institution.

The Head of State talked with the staff of the academy. The President noted that all employees well understand the challenges facing Ukraine.

“You know who our enemy is, what he is capable of. You know that we are doing absolutely everything to win this war. You know that even after our victory, this neighbor of Ukraine will not disappear,” he said during his speech.

That is why, as Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and all those who can effectively defend our state on the battlefield are and will remain the foundation of the security of the Ukrainian people.

“And a patriotic, educated, competent and simply decent officer is and will always be a central figure in the defense system of Ukrainian statehood,” the President noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the lives of soldiers and the outcome of hostilities largely depend on the quality of training of officers and the level of lecturers. He emphasized that during the years of independence, more than 10,000 high-class specialists for the Armed Forces were trained at the National Ground Forces Academy, and during the war, more than 1,500 graduates and lecturers of the institution were awarded state awards. 32 officers were awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine, nine of them posthumously.

“Ukraine will always remember its warriors, its heroes, who gave their lives for the freedom of our people,” said the Head of State.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed special gratitude to the lecturers who, from the first days of the full-scale invasion of Russia, became part of the consolidated rifle battalions formed on the basis of the academy and bravely defended the outskirts of Kyiv.

“The effective defense of Kyiv became one of the heroic pages in the history of the academy and will inspire future generations of Ukrainian cadets who will study right here, in the city of Lviv, in the united, free and independent Ukraine,” he emphasized.

At the end of the meeting, the President presented lecturers and cadets with state awards.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 18 August 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy started a working trip to the Lviv region. After arriving in Lviv, the Head of State listened to the report of the local leadership on the organization of the evacuation of citizens from war zones.

In total, since the beginning of the war, more than 3.8 million people have been evacuated by railway, including 600,000 – abroad. Temporary accommodation points were set up for them, food, medical assistance and further transportation to other countries, if there was such a desire, was provided to them, too.

Evacuation from Lviv outside Ukraine was carried out by trains and buses. More than 76,000 citizens were transported by bus.

Currently, on the initiative of the President’s Office at the Lviv railway station, evacuees are provided with assistance in obtaining temporary housing in safer regions in the framework of the “Where they are waiting for you” program.

The President also visited servicemen wounded during hostilities, who are being treated in one of the city’s medical facilities.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy inquired about their well-being, thanked them for their service and selfless defense of the Homeland, and presented state awards.

The Head of State was told that since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine, more than 9,000 servicemen (more than 3,400 wounded, about 2,100 traumatized and almost 3,600 sick) have undergone treatment at the medical facility.

In addition, the President took part in a ceremony honoring the memory of Ukrainian warriors who died in the war against the Russian invaders.

The ceremony took place on the Field of Mars of the Lychakiv Cemetery. Those killed in the Russian-Ukrainian war have been buried in the central part of the cemetery since April 2022.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 17 August 2022.

It is extremely important that the countries of Latin America, in particular the Republic of Chile, know the truth about the war in Ukraine and join the sanctions policy against the Russian Federation. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this while communicating with students and teachers of higher education institutions in Chile.

The head of state underlined that Russia pursues the policy of a rapacious terrorist, uses the language of ultimatums and does not want to stop the war of aggression in Ukraine.

“They came to our land, started this war to destroy us. No mediators will suit them, because they are only interested in complete domination in Ukraine, so that we do not exist, so that there are no people who want to be independent. They do not see us as a member of the European Union. They do not see us as a democratic independent state. We are a colony for them,” the President said.

As Zelenskyy said, it is impossible to find a mediator between a country that defends its land and an aggressor who decided to destroy it and commits inhumane crimes.

“What can be mediators between people and animals? You will not find mediators, because Russia does not want to end this war,” the Head of State is convinced.

According to the President, the Russian Federation has significant media influence in the world and tries to keep entire regions in an informational vacuum, so it is very important that the countries of Latin America know the truth about the war in Ukraine.

“Therefore, I am grateful for the opportunity that I have today. I ask you to spread this information. And I invite journalists from Latin American countries to Ukraine – let them come and see for themselves. We don’t want to impose anything, we want to bring the truth to your countries,” Zelenskyy said.

The Head of State called on the political leaders of Latin American countries to increase pressure on the aggressor.

“It is very important for us that you join the sanctions policy of the European Union, the United States, Canada, and others, so that the countries of Latin America also do not trade with a terrorist state. Russia should know that the price for the war, for all these sacrifices, is high, so that it can be an example for other countries,” he said.

The President also talked about the reconstruction project of Ukraine. He said that a number of partner countries have already taken patronage over Ukrainian regions or settlements that suffered due to the Russian invasion and need infrastructure restoration.

“There are states that have chosen this or that region or city, they help: business representatives come, specialists come, special equipment arrives, and they build our state together with us. That is, they are returning life to Ukraine. The countries of Latin America can do the same – choose one or another city they like and help people,” the Head of State said and expressed his wish that talented Chilean architects take part in the reconstruction of our country.

Zelenskyy also invited students from Chile to Ukraine.

“These are young energetic people who are not limited by anything. They can bring this energy to any society. I would like your students to come to us for student exchange, educational programs,” he added.

According to the President, the visit of citizens of Latin American countries to Ukraine will strengthen interpersonal relations and strengthen mutual trust.

“To trust and believe in everything that is happening in our country and what we are fighting for, you have to be here. I would like to invite each of you, from a political leader to an ordinary student: come here. I think you will enjoy getting to know our people. We have common values, we have a very warm society,” he said.

Zelenskyy’s online communication with representatives of the university community took place on the basis of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Teachers and students of the leading Chilean higher education institutions joined the event online.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 17 August 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy received credentials from Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic Idris Kadyrkulov, Ambassador of Romania Alexander Victor Mikula, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium Peter Van de Velde and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain Ricardo López-Aranda Jagu, who are starting a diplomatic mission in our country.

The ceremony of presenting the credentials traditionally took place on the territory of the National Sanctuary Complex Sophia of Kyiv.

During the conversation with Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan Idris Kadyrkulov, the President of Ukraine expressed hope for a more decisive position of the Kyrgyz Republic in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state. Zelenskyy noted the importance of restoring full-scale mutually beneficial cooperation between Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan and stepping up high-level political dialogue.

“We invite foreign partners to Ukraine. Today, everyone can see how we stand on the battlefield. At the same time, we guarantee security,” the Head of State said.

Congratulating Ambassador of Romania Alexander Victor Mikula on the start of the diplomatic mission, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of friendly countries working in our country at this difficult time.

“For us, it is extremely important that the embassies of strategic partners, friends, and friendly neighboring states are open and work fully, 24/7 for the sake of our bilateral relations, for the sake of supporting our state, especially during the war for our land against the Russian occupation. I will say frankly: I am glad that Romania is among these friends,” he said.

The head of state thanked the President, the government and citizens of Romania for the broad support of our country since the beginning of the full-scale Russian aggression.

“Romania has fully supported us with concrete actions, not words, supported Ukraine, especially our forcibly displaced persons who left the country. I am grateful for this to the Romanian families who provided shelter to our people, primarily mothers with children. We will not forget this,” Zelenskyy said.

During the conversation with Ambassador Peter Van de Velde, the President thanked the people, the leadership and, in particular, the Prime Minister of Belgium for supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country.

He expressed hope that Belgium, together with other European partners, will actively participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Congratulating Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain Ricardo López-Aranda Jagu, the Head of State thanked the government of this country for providing humanitarian and defense assistance, as well as supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy praised Spain’s support for the second summit of the Crimea Platform and noted the importance of participation of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in it.

The press release issued by 16 August 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the deputy head of the independent group of world leaders The Elders, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and a member of this group, ex-President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos Calderón.

The Head of State thanked Ban Ki-moon and Juan Manuel Santos Calderón for their visit and attention to Ukraine during the full-scale Russian invasion.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the topic of the war in our country should remain in the world information space, as it indicates the support for Ukraine.

“Now we really need support from the united world. We need people who are able to unite the world around helping our country,” said the President.

He noted that the world should make joint efforts to force the aggressor to end the war of aggression in Ukraine as soon as possible.

At the same time, the Head of State emphasized that Ukraine will need the help of the world community in post-war reconstruction as well. He also raised the issue of providing security guarantees for our country.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ban Ki-moon and Juan Manuel Santos Calderón could share their thoughts on the development of such a system of security guarantees.

“If you, The Elders community, can help us with these matters, we would greatly appreciate it,” he said.

For his part, the former President of Colombia praised the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people and Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally during this brutal war.

He believes that as many countries as possible on different continents should hear the truth about the war in Ukraine.

“This war is not only yours. Because what happened to you could have happened to any country,” said the ex-President of Colombia.

Juan Manuel Santos Calderón emphasized the importance of constant support for our state and maintaining the attention of the countries of the world to Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the situation unacceptable when one of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council commits aggression on the territory of another UN member state and international mechanisms are unable to react to it due to the existing veto power.

Ban Ki-moon expressed hope that the United Nations system would find an answer to the terrible situation of human rights violations and murders in Ukraine.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with ambassadors of the United 24 fundraising platform – Ukrainian football star Andriy Shevchenko and American actor, screenwriter and producer Liev Schreiber.

They came to Ukraine to prepare new UNITED24 projects, in particular the launch of a youth program, the first participants of which will be the children of Andriy Shevchenko and Liev Schreiber.

At the meeting, the parties discussed the interim results of the platform’s work and the collection of USD 170 million.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that it is not only about the volume of charitable contributions, but also about the attention that the ambassadors draw to the topic of the war that Russia is waging in Ukraine. According to the President, the decrease in world attention to the events in our country is one of the main challenges today, as it affects the scale of international support, the pace of arms supply and the coverage of this topic in the media.

“That’s why visits that attract international attention are very important for us,” the Head of State emphasized.

During the meeting, the first sweatshirts from the Balenciaga fashion house were also presented. This is a model with Ukrainian symbols, 100% of the profit from the sale of which will be directed by UNITED24 to Rebuild Ukraine.

The guests also told the President about future projects of collaboration with global brands, which will be announced shortly.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 12 August 2022.

On Youth Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with representatives of the youth community of Ukraine and international youth organizations.

The event was attended by representatives of creative youth, young scientists, military personnel and athletes. The meeting was attended online by representatives of NGO Ukrainian Volunteer Service, Building Ukraine Together (BUR), the charity fund SpivDiia, the World Congress of Ukrainian Youth Organizations, the Ambassadors of European Youth initiative, representatives of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy, youth councils and youth centers of Ukraine, activists of national and patriotic education (Plast, Sokil), representatives of the NGO Street Culture center.

The meeting was also attended by: Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Vadym Hutzait, Deputy Head of the Office of the Head of State Oleksiy Dniprov and MP Oleksandr Sanchenko, who are co-chairs of the Council on Youth Affairs under the President, as well as co-founder of the Charity Fund Wilni-UA, deputy co-chairman of the Council on Youth Affairs under the President Taras Topolia.

Zelenskyy congratulated the participants of the meeting on Youth Day, which is celebrated for the first time in Ukraine on International Youth Day on August 12.

“We are proud that we have such an active, progressive and patriotic youth. This is our future,” the Head of State said.

Deputy Head of the President’s Office Oleksiy Dniprov said that the meeting was attended by representatives of all youth communities working in Ukraine and abroad, repelling the enemy at the front, and impressing the world with their achievements in science, culture, and sports.

Speaking about the participation of youth in the volunteer movement, the head of NGO Ukrainian Volunteer Service Hanna Bondarenko emphasized the importance of the existence of a special platform, thanks to which all those who want to can join volunteer activities.

First Deputy President of the World Congress of Ukrainian Youth Organizations Andriy Yakubuv urged the state to pay attention to the youth of the Ukrainian diaspora: they are showing extraordinary activity today, so it is worth strategically strengthening this direction.
The President supported this vision: “Many young people abroad are now asking how they can help. They should know who to turn to.”
Musician and public figure Taras Topolia, who is currently a volunteer of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, called for support for the initiative to assist the state in realizing the desire of young people to have their own housing.

“Many young people are currently abroad, they dream of returning to Ukraine. Over time, this desire may disappear. Therefore, I really want the state, and you personally, Mr. President, to help young people make their choice,” he said.

Topolia said that among the possible formats of such support are the provision of grant aid, the creation of cooperatives with the direct participation of young people.

Zelenskyy said that the issue of providing young people with affordable housing remains extremely relevant.

“We support this initiative. I am sure that all this has an impact on the economy. Number one is housing construction. The second is for people to stay, and this also influences the strength of the state,” the President said.

Board Chairman of NGO Youth Platform Zahariy Tkachuk said that many youth centers have turned from creative spaces into volunteer offices. Of the 300 youth centers, one hundred remain, and it is important to preserve them, and for this we need the support of the state leadership.

For his part, Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak proposed involving a youth representative in the work of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President and to consider the issue of youth policy at the next meeting.

The head of state called for the preparation of specific proposals regarding the situation with youth centers, taking into account the realities of wartime.

Two-time champion of the World Games, world and European champion in Thai boxing Oleg Pryimachov thanked the state leadership for the opportunity to represent Ukraine at the most important competitions in non-Olympic sports in 2022. Now he heads a volunteer battalion in his native Poltava region and trains fighters.

“Nowadays, sports have somewhat faded into the background. But I still want to emphasize its importance in shaping personality and the future generation. And don’t forget about sports,” Pryimachov said.

Chair of the Number Theory Department at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic Lausanne (EPFL, Switzerland), Maryna Viazovska, who is the second woman in history to receive the most prestigious award in the field of mathematics, the Fields Medal, and the second representative of Ukraine to win this award, expressed her wish that during the implementation of the country’s reconstruction plan scientific projects were not forgotten.

“Ukrainian scientists working abroad can bring their experience. And now is such a moment when everyone sincerely shares their time. And several groups of scientists are working on very specific projects that could be implemented in Ukraine when we win, or can be started even earlier,” she said.

For his part, Senior Officer of a special unit of the National Guard of Ukraine, Dmytro Buchatsky, emphasized the importance of using the latest information systems in the Armed Forces.

“Therefore, I ask you to pay attention to young people, to the startups that are currently in Ukraine, and target them in the military sphere, because victory is now our main goal,” he said.

Zelenskyy replied that the state works in this direction every day, because technology is crucial for victory in the war and our future.

“At the level of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the task is to attract certain companies. Many people have been found – from startups to companies engaged in the latest technologies. We found a large number of cyber specialists, we really have a cyber army,” the President said.

He said that since the first days of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has survived primarily thanks to the heroism and self-sacrifice of our military, but in the future, technology should replace human potential, which must be protected.

Paramedic of the Special Operations Group of the Maritime Guard of the State Border Guard Service, sailor Viktoria Tkach, emphasized the importance of forming respect for military personnel and the military science in society. For this, it is necessary that military service is not perceived as a punishment.

“The issue of recruiting and correct delivery of information about military service to young people is raised. These can be special recruiting centers that will help a young person understand that the army is an honor to defend one’s country. Motivated people build an army and do everything to win,” she said.

Zelenskyy said that he supports the idea of a network of recruiting centers and is ready to listen to specific proposals. At the same time, he expressed the opinion that the education of citizens ready to defend their country depends not only on this.

According to him, trust in the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and other services plays an important role, and this depends both on real concrete cases and on the relevant information field.

The President advocated shaping a unified state policy for the education of patriotic citizens who are ready to defend Ukraine.

At the end of the meeting, Zelenskyy presented state awards to nine participants of the meeting.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 12 August 2022.

On Youth Day, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy together with his wife Olena took part in the ceremony of honoring the participants of the “Children-rescuers – war heroes” event.

This event is conducted by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine with the support of the President. It is happening for the first time. The participants of the event are young Ukrainians who performed the feat of a rescuer during the full-scale Russian invasion. The ceremony took place in the White Hall of Heroes of Ukraine in the Mariyinsky Palace in Kyiv.

“I am glad that we are starting the Youth Day celebration with such a very important event – we congratulate our young heroes. Your actions are bold and mature,” said the Head of State, addressing the participants of the event.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked children’s families who raised them to be brave and responsible citizens.

The President emphasized that today’s ceremony is taking place in the hall where Heroes of Ukraine are honored and commemorated.

“It is an honor for me to award you in this very hall, which has acquired a different meaning today,” he noted.

The Head of State thanked young Ukrainians for their courage and resilience.

“We can be proud of you, which means that Ukraine has a future that we can be proud of today. Greetings to all of you. You are great, our state applauds you. Thank you for every life you saved!” – said the President.

The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrskyi and Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine Serhiy Kruk who presented the participants with valuable gifts and sets of lifeguard uniforms.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 11 August 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with founder of World Central Kitchen international humanitarian organization, chef Jose Andres.

The Head of State thanked Jose Andres and World Central Kitchen for the activities they launched in Ukraine and on the borders of our state, unlike some other organizations that should deal with such challenges. The purpose of these activities is substantial and important assistance to thousands of Ukrainians who are suffering from the war unleashed by Russia.

“We appreciate your help to Ukrainians from the first day of full-scale Russian aggression and your presence in Ukraine at this difficult moment. Thank you for devoting a significant part of your time to our country,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The President noted that World Central Kitchen started working on the Ukrainian-Polish border from the first day of the Russian invasion and helped forced migrants, and today the organization has launched activities in many cities of Ukraine and, among other things, creates new jobs for our citizens.

About 5 thousand Ukrainians are involved in the work of World Central Kitchen in our country, more than 500 catering facilities are operating. Since the beginning of the war, more than 130 million meals have been cooked for our citizens.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the state is ready to support the activities of an organization of this level, which performs an extremely important humanitarian mission, in every way.

During the meeting, Jose Andres emphasized that World Central Kitchen will continue to help Ukrainians, in particular, support people in the territories that will be liberated from occupation.

“We will be ready to help the regions that will be de-occupied already in the first hours,” he said.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 9 August 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with the 42nd President of the United States of America Bill Clinton in the format of a video conference.

The Head of State thanked for the comprehensive support from the US at various levels, as well as for the personal support of Ukraine from Bill Clinton and his wife, in particular for the participation in the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.

“The United States helps us prevent Russia from freezing this conflict. And this is exactly what Russia wants. We are well aware of what happens with “frozen conflicts”. It stretches for years, for decades. We cannot allow that,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Head of State emphasized the importance of further enhancing sanctions on Russia. He called on Bill Clinton to use his personal authority to draw the attention of the world community to the shelling and mining of the Zaporizhzhia NPP and Russia’s nuclear terror.

“It is extremely important for us that societies where freedom and democracy are fundamental values do not lose the feeling of urgency of the war in Ukraine. That is why conversations like this one are very useful for us,” said the President of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the defense needs of our country. The interlocutors also discussed participation in future international events.