Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 28 July 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the establishment of the College of Europe within the Presidential University, which will train specialists to work with the institutions of the European Union. The Head of State said this during a speech at the ceremonial part of the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the occasion of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood.

“The European Union has the College of Europe in Bruges and Natolin, which are some of the most prestigious institutions of postgraduate education that prepare professionals to work in institutions of the EU and member states. We are establishing our College of Europe in Ukraine. A corresponding memorandum has already been signed between the Government of Ukraine and the College of Europe in Natolin,” the President informed.

According to him, at the first stage, a faculty of European integration will be established in one of the Ukrainian higher education institutions, and later, on its basis, the College of Europe within the Presidential University will be established.

“And although I have been told that this will not be resolved in months, as I have been told many times on other issues, I know that the creation of our College of Europe will not take long. I’m sure it will start working shortly,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Head of State emphasized that the institution will be not only a professional basis for the European policy of Ukraine as a member of the EU, but also a contribution of our country to the development of European institutions.

“This is what we, the citizens of Ukraine, are capable of. This is our statehood,” he noted.

As the President noted, Ukraine should move towards the start of negotiations on membership in the European Union with the same speed with which it gained candidacy.

“We will do everything we have to for this. We will synchronize the legislation of Ukraine with the law of the European Union. A plan for the implementation of all EU regulations and directives as part of the fulfillment of the Association Agreement with the European Union has also been formed. This is actually a joint task for us, for you, dear deputies, and for the Government of our country,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

According to him, today the process of European integration in Ukraine has been transferred from the sphere of foreign policy to the sphere of domestic policy, and this is where real European integration begins.

The Head of State expressed conviction that Ukraine has always been Europe, and the values of the Ukrainian people have always been European.

“Our state-building experience of different times is a European experience. And now we have come to the point where our state system is institutionally becoming Europe,” the President emphasized.

“We showed strength in battles and united the world with the best emotions that people have. We fight against the terror of the occupiers, we defend humanity for all nations. We guarantee that the borders of Europe will never again move further west than our eastern state border. And we make our state and public institutions advanced,” the President said.

President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda also took part in the solemn part of the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. He addressed the people’s deputies from the parliamentary rostrum. President of the European Parliament Mrs. Roberta Metsola took part in the event in the online mode.

In her address, Roberta Metsola noted that on the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, the bravery and determination of all Ukrainians who fight and give their lives for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine are honored. She emphasized that Ukrainians are fighting not only for their own state, but also for the whole of Europe.

“Ukrainians are a free European nation that makes its own choices, chooses its own destiny and defends our common values,” said the President of the European Parliament.

She emphasized that Europeans will never accept an aggressive invasion of a peaceful country.

“We will never close our eyes to the atrocities and crimes committed by the Russians on Ukrainian soil,” said Roberta Metsola.

The participants of the solemn part of the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada honored the memory of the defenders of Ukraine who died fighting for the freedom and independence of their country with a moment of silence.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 28 July 2022.

President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, who arrived in Kyiv on the occasion of the Ukrainian Statehood Day, awarded President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy with the highest state award of the Republic of Lithuania – the Order of Vytautas the Great with a golden chain.

“This highest Lithuanian state award symbolizes the historical unity of our nations, joint struggle and victories,” said the President of Lithuania, presenting the order to the Head of State during a speech at the solemn part of the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada.

Gitanas Nausėda told how in one of the numerous conversations with him Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he had never thought he would be a “President during the war”.

“Perhaps none of us hope to be president in time of war, except those who plan war themselves. But today the whole world admires the struggle of President Zelenskyy and every Ukrainian who is fighting for the family, home, Motherland. Such a strong nation can never be defeated!” said the leader of Lithuania, addressing those present at the meeting in Ukrainian.

Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that today stories about the exploits of the Ukrainian people are spreading around the world. He thanked the Ukrainians for the fact that they defend their independence so resolutely and set a bright example for all others.

“Your struggle is also our struggle, the struggle of Lithuanians. It reminds us of the times when we fought together against a common enemy,” he said.

According to the President of Lithuania, when the 40th separate artillery brigade named after Grand Duke Vytautas bravely goes into battle, Lithuanians are proud of it as the achievements of their blood relatives.

Gitanas Nausėda is convinced that today everyone must clearly choose the side of truth and not try to sit in two chairs.

“Lithuania chose its friends a long time ago and will never betray them!” he assured.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked his Lithuanian colleague and the entire people of Lithuania for the important heroic support of Ukraine.

“It was not politics for our states – it reflects the equally strong love for freedom of our nations. Nations who walked and keep walking together through European history,” said the President of Ukraine.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 28 July 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on the appointment of Andriy Kostin to the post of the Prosecutor General and introduced him to the body’s management.

In the presence of the Head of State, the new Prosecutor General signed the order on the appointment of his deputy – Head of the Specialized Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office Oleksandr Klymenko.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the start of the new Prosecutor General’s work on the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, which is celebrated for the first time today, symbolic.

The President expressed belief that Andriy Kostin, as a professional lawyer and an expert who is attentive to details, will ensure the systematic work of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

“I believe that Andriy Yevhenovych can prove himself in all the functions of the Prosecutor General. The most important thing is to ensure systematic work so that there is a result, because we are evaluated based on the results,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Handing Andriy Kostin the Prosecutor General’s certificate, the President noted: “The Ukrainian people have experienced and seen a lot of injustice over the years – both now and in previous generations. But right now it is necessary to ensure the vital thing for society – justice.”

The Head of State named the restoration of justice, defense of Ukraine’s interests, its sovereignty and territorial integrity as the main tasks for today.

“Therefore, I believe that the most important task of the prosecutor’s office is to bring to justice all Russian war criminals who came to our land and did everything that, unfortunately, we and our children know in detail,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Andriy Kostin, for his part, emphasized that no crime committed by the aggressor country will go unpunished.

“I count on the support of the entire prosecutor’s office community in fulfilling the priority tasks set by you, Mr. President. We will ensure the inevitability of punishment both in national courts and at the international level for everyone who committed a war crime on our native land,” he said.

The new Prosecutor General announced that his first decision in office is the appointment of the independent Head of the Specialized Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office Oleksandr Klymenko who has passed the competitive selection.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 27 July 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada, during which the parliament endorsed the resolution initiated by the Head of State on granting consent to the appointment of Andriy Kostin to the position of Prosecutor General. 299 people’s deputies voted for the document.

During his speech in the Verkhovna Rada, Andriy Kostin emphasized that in times of full-scale Russian invasion, it is necessary to ensure the inevitability of punishment for every war criminal, representatives of the political and military leadership of Russia.

“We must stop the terror and genocide of the Ukrainian nation. First of all, proper recording and documentation of the aggressor’s crimes will contribute to this. And the evidence should be collected in such a way that all of them are recognized as admissible in court,” he said.

Andriy Kostin noted that prosecutors should urgently ensure proper procedural guidance in all such proceedings.

The candidate for the post of Prosecutor General also emphasized the importance of ensuring proper international cooperation, in particular with the International Criminal Court.

According to Andriy Kostin, it is necessary to bring to justice those who cooperated with the enemy. In particular, this applies to corrupt law enforcers.

He drew attention to the urgent appointment of the Head of the Specialized Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office, whose candidacy was determined based on the results of the competitive selection.

Andriy Kostin also supports the President’s position regarding the earliest possible holding of a competition for the election of the Director of the National Anticorruption Bureau.

According to the candidate for the post of Prosecutor General, it is necessary to develop a Criminal Policy Strategy.

In addition, Andriy Kostin emphasized the importance of the implementation of judicial reform, as well as the formation of the High Council of Justice and the High Qualification Commission of Judges.

 

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 26 July 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy received the Winston Churchill Leadership Award from the International Churchill Society. The Head of State took part in the award ceremony in the format of a video conference.

Chairman of the International Society Laurence Geller speaking from the press center of the Office of the Prime Minister of Great Britain (London) noted that these days there are events and phenomena that have not happened since the time of Winston Churchill 80 years ago.

“Democracy in Europe is now threatened by tyranny, and this threat is stopped by leadership and heroism. Like Winston Churchill, President Zelenskyy shows that tyranny must not succeed, that people must have the right to choose their own path and their own life,” said Laurence Geller.

According to him, Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s devotion to the fundamental principles of democracy and firmness in defending his country helps Europe understand itself, and “his defense of democracy inspires us all.”

Laurence Geller also noted the role of Great Britain under the leadership of Prime Minister Boris Johnson in strengthening the ability of democracy to defend itself and deter aggression.

For his part, Boris Johnson noted that after the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy proved his leadership.

“When Russians started their advance on Kyiv, you knew that you would be their target. You could leave Kyiv, as the survival of the Ukrainian state then depended on the survival of its President. But you chose to stay in Kyiv, with the Ukrainian people, just as Churchill stayed in London in 1940. And you said then: “I need weapons,” reminded the head of the government of Great Britain.

According to him, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, like Winston Churchill at his time, overcomes extremely difficult challenges and inspires with his leadership.

“The Ukrainian people is a lion, and you should be its voice. A voice against tyranny, a voice of good against evil, light against darkness. And you showed this voice of the lion perfectly, and it is very important that you are the President at this time of crisis for Ukraine and the world. Inspired by your leadership, we know that Ukraine not only can win – it will win! And when that day comes, Ukraine will emerge as a strong independent state,” the Prime Minister of Great Britain emphasized.

Expressing gratitude for the award, the President of Ukraine noted that this award reflects not only his efforts, but also the heroism of tens of thousands of Ukrainian men and women who distinguished themselves in battles with the Russian aggressor.

“This award would not be possible if the entire Ukrainian people had not risen up to defend freedom from the attack of tyranny,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

He also expressed conviction that Ukrainians and European history will always remember those who did not hesitate to come to the aid of the Ukrainian people and the idea of freedom in general. In particular, the President noted Boris Johnson’s leadership.

According to the Head of State, now we are fighting not just for the land, the rights of people or the Ukrainian people, not just for freedom in Europe – we are fighting together so that no aggressor ever again considers war as a means to achieve aggressive goals.

“And perhaps for the first time in the history of mankind we are now able to show everyone in the world and for ages that democracies, united, can stop any tyranny, even if at first it seems that it has unlimited resources for aggression. But this can become a reality only if Russia loses on the battlefield in Ukraine,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

In this regard, he called for continuing the supply of modern and effective weapons to Ukraine in sufficient quantities, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and involving more nations in the coalition to protect freedom, especially those against whom Russia decided to use artificial famine in the XXI century.

“The democracies of the world are capable of stopping any tyranny. We are capable of stopping any evil that threatens our freedom. Only the joint leadership of the entire free world can be enough for this. And patience should be enough. Patience on the way to victory. No one knows today how much time and effort it will take to reach it. However, the victory is worth the effort. And it will become our shared history. So outstanding that you and I will later be quoted in the same way as we are now quoting Sir Churchill,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

The award of the Head of State was handed over to Ambassador of Ukraine to Great Britain Vadym Prystaiko for delivery to the homeland.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 July 2022.

Ukraine will celebrate all important dates related to the history of our country, because at the time of full-scale Russian aggression, special attention should be paid to important pages of state formation. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this during a meeting with media representatives following negotiations with President of the Republic of Guatemala Alejandro Giammattei Falla.

The Head of State noted that Ukraine is not going to give any part of the history of a great nation and a great state to anyone.

“Despite the fact that there is a war, we will definitely celebrate all important dates for our state. Yes, due to security conditions, it is not very loud, we cannot afford it, because today the money goes to the front. But these dates will definitely be in our calendar, in our memory, for our children. We must do it,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President emphasized that it is important to overcome the Russian narrative regarding the history of Ukrainian statehood.

“The Day of Statehood, the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus’ is a great history of our great nation. And it is not a coincidence that our state can’t be broken today: the history of the inviolability of our state is not one year and not one day. This history is a thousand years old. That’s why we fight and that’s why we will definitely win,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also emphasized that Ukraine plans to celebrate Independence Day this year. According to him, the program of events is not disclosed until this date for security reasons.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 July 2022.

Ukraine, for its part, will do everything necessary to ensure the export of agricultural products from its Black Sea ports, and the issue of the safety of ships of various countries depends on the United Nations and Turkey, which negotiated with the Russian Federation in this regard. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with media representatives following the negotiations with President of Guatemala Alejandro Giammattei Falla in Kyiv.

“The whole world saw that even 24 hours hadn’t passed as shelling and missile strikes at the seaports of Ukraine began. For our part, we have done everything, prepared everything, there is a corridor. Ukraine controls everything in our waters, it is only Ukraine that will carry out inspections in our waters. You know that we de-occupied our Zmiinnyi Island. This is a very important aspect for security control in relation to other grain transportation corridors,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President noted that the relevant agreements recorded on July 22 in Istanbul were to be implemented in this format.

“We trust Turkey and the United Nations with whom we signed relevant documents regarding the export of grain, and they were supposed to talk about the safety of the ships of other countries, which, by the way, agreed to transport grain – wheat, barley, corn,” he said .

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, it is now a matter for the UN and Turkey – how much they will be able to control the Russian Federation, which has shown that it can fire missiles even after agreements.

“This is, in principle, their attitude towards partners – the UN and Turkey,” the Head of State said.

The President emphasized that Ukraine will definitely start exporting grain to once again prove to the whole world that it is not the country that is blocking this process.

“These are the narratives that are spread today due to disinformation and fake information by the Russian side. Therefore, we will start exporting, and let the partners take care of security,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again emphasized that Russia’s blockade of the Black Sea region will lead to famine on the African continent and in many Asian countries.

“We already know that even because of the fires that are currently taking place in Europe, there will be a large deficit and an increase in prices on the European continent,” he added.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 July 2022.

A meeting between His Excellency President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and His Excellency President of the Republic of Guatemala Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Falla took place today in Kyiv as part of the official visit of the Head of the Guatemalan state to Ukraine to discuss common issues and confirm the importance of continuing interaction with the view of strengthening the friendly ties that exist between the two states.

This is the first visit at the highest level in the history of bilateral relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Guatemala. The heads of state noted the restoration of interest in the development of contacts between the two states, as well as the absence of contradictions between them in approaches to solving global issues of modern international relations.

The President of Ukraine highly appreciated the clear and consistent position of Guatemala in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

Both Presidents strongly condemned Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, and also confirmed their clear determination to support appropriate criminal investigations aimed at bringing to justice all those guilty of Russian war crimes in Ukraine. The high-ranking parties declared their readiness to jointly promote the initiative to establish a Special Criminal Tribunal to punish the crime of aggression committed by Russia against Ukraine.

The Presidents of Ukraine and Guatemala consider Russia’s occupation and blockade of Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, as well as the destruction by Russian troops of agricultural lands, machinery, grain storage facilities and enterprises for the processing of agricultural products and food production unacceptable.

His Excellency the President of Guatemala commended the agreements reached in Istanbul on unblocking the export of Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea ports.

The heads of the Ukrainian and Guatemalan states expressed hope that the Russian side would strictly adhere to the agreements reached.

His Excellency President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to His Excellency President of the Republic of Guatemala Alejandro Giammattei Falla for consistent support of Ukraine at all international platforms and forums, involvement in international efforts aimed at further political isolation of the aggressor state.

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Guatemala announced his country’s willingness to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine, in particular, in overcoming the devastating consequences of the Russian invasion and restoring the civil infrastructure of destroyed Ukrainian settlements.

The high-ranking officials expressed interest in expanding cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Guatemala in the field of education, science and technology, agreed to increase the exchange of students and interns in the future, as well as to facilitate the implementation of joint scientific projects.

The heads of state agreed to promote the development of cooperation in the field of tourism by establishing direct ties between the tourism departments of the two countries.

Ukraine and Guatemala agreed to continue working on mutual expansion of diplomatic and consular presence in both states and to provide all kinds of further assistance to the work of the respective institutions.

The heads of the Ukrainian and Guatemalan states declared their intention to intensify the bilateral political, economic, cultural and humanitarian dialogue, to develop the contractual and legal basis of bilateral relations for the benefit and prosperity of the friendly nations of Ukraine and the Republic of Guatemala.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 July 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with President of the Republic of Guatemala Alejandro Giammattei Falla who is on a visit to our country.

As Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted, this is the first visit of the head of the Guatemalan state to Ukraine in the entire history of bilateral relations, as well as the first visit of the leader of a Latin American country since February 24, 2022, and in the last 12 years in general.

“It is crucial that such a visit is taking place right now – during the brutal and colonialist war of the Russian Federation against our people, against Ukraine. Ukraine is grateful to Guatemala for its support, and to you personally, Mr. President, I am very grateful for your principled stance,” the Head of State noted during a conversation with media representatives following the negotiations with Alejandro Giammattei Falla in Kyiv.

The President of Ukraine emphasized the serious consequences of Russian aggression, which are now being felt all over the world, in particular due to the food crisis and price destabilization in the energy markets, as well as due to political challenges to the entire international legal order.

“For the citizens of dozens of states, and in Latin America as well, the cost of living is unfairly increasing just because one state, the Russian Federation, decided to undermine the existing political and economic relations in the world. Only together can we protect the world, only together can we protect the international legal order,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The President of Ukraine expressed gratitude to Guatemala for clear and consistent support of our state, its territorial integrity, sovereignty, as well as for the unwavering position on the protection of human rights and the fundamental right of every nation to freedom and independence.

“Today, we agreed to continue to join our efforts on international platforms with the aim of further isolating Russia and increasing the price for this war and destabilization of people’s lives.

I want to thank Mr. Giammattei for supporting the sanctions policy against Russia. And I am glad that Guatemala is ready to join the promotion of the initiative to create a Special Tribunal to punish Russia for the crime of aggression against the people of Ukraine,” the Head of State noted.

As Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized, all key elements of today’s bilateral negotiations with Alejandro Giammattei will be recorded in a joint statement, which will be made public following the meeting.

Also, according to the Ukrainian President, an intergovernmental agreement on the mutual abolition of visa requirements was signed during the visit of the President of Guatemala.

“I am convinced that this will contribute to the development of business and social ties between our countries, between our people,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

In addition, he informed that a trade and economic dialogue has been launched for the implementation of a number of specific projects. In particular, the Guatemalan side confirmed its interest in purchasing Ukrainian agricultural products and establishing industrial relations.

“I invited Alejandro to participate in the Crimea Platform Summit, which will be held online on August 23. I also spoke about the consolidation of other countries of the region to participate in this Summit,” the Head of State said.

For his part, the President of the Republic of Guatemala noted that he had come to Kyiv to express absolute support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Armed Forces and the entire people of Ukraine, who are bravely defending themselves against aggression.

He said that today he had visited the cities in the Kyiv region, where the aggressor had committed heinous crimes, and expressed his support for all the victims.

According to Alejandro Giammattei, the consequences of this war affect the whole world and the future of all nations, and the global food crisis that may occur due to this war will affect all countries, including Guatemala.

He called on the world community not to remain silent at a time when people are dying in Ukraine every day, and to join forces to restore peace, the rule of law and democracy.

“We from Guatemala have brought a message that we stand for peace and must join forces to end this war in order to protect human lives. Guatemala will always adhere to its words. We will not observe passively. We must unite with everyone to put an end to this war and ensure that the drama that Ukraine is experiencing today is not repeated,” said the head of the Guatemalan state.

Before the start of the meeting, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy received credentials from Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Guatemala (non-resident) Jorge Alfredo Lemcke Arévalo.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 23 July 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an online call discussed with the members of one of the world’s most popular bands, Imagine Dragons, their future collaboration with the fundraising platform UNITED24.

The musicians will promote the Medical Aid direction of UNITED24. In particular, they will support the fundraising for ambulances, which was started by First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.

“In 2018, you visited our country for the first time. In 2022, you are still doing your best so that the voice of Ukraine continues to be heard throughout the world. Thank you for this!” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The group’s lead singer, Dan Reynolds, said: “We love the people of Ukraine and want to help in any way possible. Injustices like this can only be conquered when people around the world come together. We stand by the beautiful people of Ukraine and their courageous leader President Zelenskyy.”

According to the musician, Imagine Dragons will work with UNITED24 and local leaders to continually find ways to raise awareness and funds for the people until this unjust war ends.

“We look forward to the day when we can play a concert again in Kyiv and celebrate freedom, life and music with the resilient and strong people of Ukraine,” Reynolds said.

The first project the band will support as part of this collaboration is a fundraiser for Ambulance Vehicles launched by Olena Zelenska to help save thousands of lives. Today’s estimated number of reanimobiles needed in Ukraine is 400. Such vehicles are equipped with everything required to transport the severely injured to a hospital: oxygen tanks, cardiomonitors, defibrillators, electrocardiographs and ALV devices. The approximate cost of one C-type ambulance vehicle is EUR 100,000.

Imagine Dragons are the latest to join legendary footballer Andriy Shevchenko, outstanding tennis player Elina Svitolina, and American actor Liev Schreiber, who are all already helping the fundraising platform UNITED24 raise funds for Ukraine. The next ambassador will be announced in the upcoming week.

The Grammy Award winners have had a long, heartfelt connection with their Ukrainian audience. In 2018, they visited Ukraine for the first time: tickets to the largest concert venue – the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv – sold out in the first few weeks. The group was supposed to return on June 3, 2022, but the event had to be canceled due to the Russian invasion. The artists immediately canceled their planned performance in the Russian Federation as well, and banned the release of their discography there. Additionally, the American band supported Ukraine by performing at the Save Ukraine telethon, and during this year’s European tour, the group’s lead singer, Dan Reynolds, was rarely seen without the Ukrainian flag, dedicating songs to the country.