Tag: Press Release

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

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska met with First Lady of Turkey Emine Erdoğan in Kyiv. Together, they presented a Turkish-language audio guide at the Sofia Kyivska National Reserve.

The First Lady of Turkey arrived in Ukraine in the framework of the visit of President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on February 3. This day marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries. The relevant protocol was signed in 1992.

“But we know that relations between our countries did not begin 30 years ago, they have a centuries-old history,” said Olena Zelenska.

She also thanked Mrs. Emine Erdoğan for supporting her initiatives, including the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen held on August 23, 2021 in Kyiv.

“Without real political power, the spouses of world leaders instead have the tools of soft power,” the wife of the President of Ukraine said.

During the current visit, the First Ladies took part in the presentation of an audio guide in Turkish for the Sofia Kyivska National Reserve. It was created as a pilot project by the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

The First Ladies noted that this was a step in response, as more than 30 audio guides in Ukrainian have been launched worldwide as part of Olena Zelenska’s initiative, most of them in Turkish landmarks and museums.

“Last year, Turkey became one of the most visited countries by Ukrainians. We want Ukraine to become closer to Turkish tourists as well. To speak to them in familiar words. Because the way forward must be two-sided. Therefore, I am very glad that from now on, when guests from Turkey come to us, Sofia Kyivska will speak to them in their native language,” Olena Zelenska said during her speech.

The First Lady ended her speech at the presentation with an invitation in Turkish: “Kyiv Ayasofya Katedraline hoş geldiniz!”, which means “Welcome to Sofia Kyivska!”

It is planned that 30 more Turkish-language audio guides will appear in the country’s cultural centers in the near future. This will take place in the framework of the implementation of the memorandum of cooperation signed in August 2021. It brings together three key players – the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy, the State Agency for Tourism Development, MEGOGO, and more and more international partners.

In addition, the wives of the Presidents of Ukraine and Turkey discussed the next steps in cultural diplomacy between the countries. In particular, the Turkish translation of the work of Ukrainian professor of oriental studies Hryhoriy Khalymonenko “Turkic lexical snippet of the Ukrainian dictionary”. This is an explanatory dictionary of words of Turkic origin in the Ukrainian language. The book is planned to be published by the Turkish Language Association.

First Lady of Turkey Emine Erdoğan noted the importance of the project, as “there are more than 3,000 words of Turkic origin in the Ukrainian language.”

It is expected that this will be the beginning of a broader project – mutual translation of books by Ukrainian and Turkish writers in both countries.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy began a meeting with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is on an official visit to our country.

The national anthems of the two countries were played. The Presidents watched the honor guard and introduced members of the official delegations of Ukraine and Turkey.

The heads of state will have a conversation in a vis-a-vis format. After that, the tenth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Council between Ukraine and the Republic of Turkey will take place under the chairmanship of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

A number of bilateral documents are to be signed as part of the Turkish leader’s official visit.

The Presidents of Ukraine and Turkey will also have a meeting with media representatives.

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

Due to the balanced steps inside Ukraine, as well as the support of foreign leaders, it was possible to stabilize the hryvnia exchange rate despite the information background around our country. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when answering questions from journalists following the talks with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte in Kyiv.

“I think we have kept the situation under control. We took many different steps stabilizing the hryvnia. And I think the markets have calmed down. Today I can state this responsibly. We see that the national currency is strengthening,” the President said.

The President said that he had discussed the issue with the Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine.

“We understand what will happen tomorrow. We have left a situation where every morning is a financial risk for us. Today we understand that the situation is stable,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine’s partners, European leaders, who provided financial support to our country, did a lot to stabilize the hryvnia.

“It was also a signal to the markets, to investors, that Europe believes in Ukraine, in a stable situation, believes in our market and banking system, so there is no need to withdraw money,” the President said.

In addition, according to the President, the visits of foreign leaders are very important, as they demonstrate their support and faith in Ukraine in these difficult times.

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

Ukraine is interested in involving the Netherlands in the modernization of Ukrainian hospitals and the improvement of medical services. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with the media following the talks with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mark Rutte in Kyiv.

“We have a separate program that the Prime Minister (Mark Rutte – ed.) has discussed with our Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and that we want to implement together with the Netherlands and the Ministry of Health – on the construction of 48 new modern hospitals and rehabilitation centers for our military and veterans,” the President said.

The President also thanked the Netherlands for its assistance in rehabilitating and treating Ukrainian servicemen wounded in the east.

“I was glad to hear from the Prime Minister that this program will be continued,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In addition, the President expressed gratitude for the financial assistance in combating COVID-19 in eastern Ukraine.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mark Rutte discussed in detail concrete steps to de-escalate the situation around Ukraine’s borders and achieve a peaceful settlement. This was announced by the President of Ukraine during a conversation with media representatives following the talks in Kyiv.

The President welcomed Mark Rutte to the Ukrainian capital and noted that this was the first visit of the Dutch Prime Minister to our country in the last 17 years. And it is happening at a time when Ukraine especially needs the support and solidarity of all friends and allies.

“We spent most of our time today on the issue of security in Ukraine and security on our borders, which affects the economy of our country. We also discussed possible sanctions from the European Union and the Netherlands in case of escalation,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President expressed gratitude to the Netherlands and personally to Mark Rutte for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the readiness to cooperate in order to deoccupy Crimea.

“The Netherlands is our important partner within the EU and the Alliance, one of the key trading partners in Europe and the second largest investor in the Ukrainian economy. So it is not surprising that our bilateral agenda is as rich and meaningful as possible. This is evidenced by the Joint Statement adopted as a result of our talks,” the President of Ukraine stressed.

According to him, during the meeting they discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation on European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine.

“We are also interested in developing trade, economic and investment cooperation. Our trade turnover has crossed the $ 2.5 billion mark, but we strive to do much more and we are able to do more. I invited large Dutch companies to discover Ukraine and create new success stories in the promising areas. These are alternative energy, river transport, water resources management, waste management, agriculture, irrigation and reclamation, and more,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Head of State also said that he would continue talks with Mark Rutte to investigate the downing of Flight MH17.

“We will discuss all the details. The European Court of Human Rights has recently started hearing the relevant case, and our states will continue to work closely in this direction, in particular within the Joint Investigation Team to investigate this tragedy,” the President said.

“I am convinced that there are many new pages of success ahead in the partnership between Ukraine and the Netherlands. And these talks have clearly shown that we are determined to open them jointly for the benefit of our states and peoples,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.

For his part, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands stressed that today every effort should be made to de-escalate the situation near Ukraine’s borders, including through diplomacy.

“The only solution for the de-escalation is diplomacy, a dialogue that must continue between Russia and the United States, between Russia and NATO, and, of course, between the countries of the Normandy format – Ukraine, Germany and France,” said Mark Rutte.

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands thanked the President of Ukraine for his cooperation in investigating the downing of MH17.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mark Rutte met in Kyiv today during the working visit of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ukraine.

The leaders highlighted the upcoming 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Kingdom of the Netherlands and stated their commitment to develop and further deepen the comprehensive bilateral partnership in all areas of mutual interest.

The two leaders recalled that relations between Ukraine and the Kingdom of the Netherlands are based on shared values and principles of freedom, democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights. They reconfirmed their strong commitment to international law and the core principles on which European security is built, including sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability of borders and the freedom of States to choose or change their own security arrangements.

Prime Minister Rutte reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and current military build-up near Ukrainian state borders.

President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Rutte underlined the importance of a peaceful solution. Dialogue and diplomacy taking place in different formats, like in OSCE and NATO, play a crucial role in this process.

The two leaders reiterated their commitment to maintaining pressure on Russia to end the temporary occupation by Russia of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, including in the format of the International Crimea Platform.

President Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation of the support provided by the Dutch side in rehabilitation of Ukrainian servicemen injured in the course of the ongoing armed conflict. Prime Minister Rutte announced that the Netherlands will extend this support, in order to provide additional injured Ukrainian servicemen with rehabilitative care within this programme.

The leaders committed to continue the pursuit of truth, justice and accountability for 298 victims of the downing of Flight MH17 and their loved ones. In this regard President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Rutte also underlined the importance of the recent oral hearing in the proceedings at the European Court of Human Rights against the Russian Federation for its role in the downing of Flight MH17 as an important milestone towards establishing justice.

In line with the joint statement following the 23rd EU-Ukraine Summit, the leaders acknowledged the European aspirations of Ukraine and welcomed its European choice, as stated in the Association Agreement and in the context of its entry into force in September 2017, after the December 2016 decision by the EU Heads of State or Government. The leaders recalled that the effective implementation of the Association Agreement and its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) which, linked to the broader process of regulatory approximation and related necessary reforms, contributes to establishing conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations between Ukraine and the EU leading to Ukraine’s further gradual economic integration in the EU Internal Market, as envisaged in the Association Agreement.

They noted the importance of further enhancing cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in the area of Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and of Ukraine’s increased convergence with Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). The leaders welcomed recent EU support provided to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and underlined their commitment to explore further cooperation, including in the area of professional military education. They recalled their joint commitment to promote the principles enshrined in the Association Agreement, including Article 7(2). In this context, they noted Ukraine’s increased alignment with the EU’s positions and statements. The leaders acknowledged the substantial progress made by Ukraine in its reform process and agreed on the need to further enhance these efforts.

The two leaders stressed the importance of working together against any potential efforts by third parties to use energy as a weapon, as well as the importance of the long-term continuation of gas transit through Ukraine. They underlined their common objective of strengthening energy security and the green transition in Ukraine and the EU as well as expressed their support for the progressive integration of Ukraine with the EU gas and electricity markets.

Prime Minister Rutte expressed his support to maintaining Ukrainian efforts aimed at fostering systemic transformation of the country and strengthening its resilience. Prime Minister Rutte was encouraged by the vibrant civil society, which plays a vital role in the reform process in Ukraine. In support of the important ongoing reforms Prime Minister Rutte announced that the Netherlands will increase its financial contributions to Ukrainian NGO’s, as well as to UNDP activities in support of Security and Justice in conflict affected eastern Ukraine.

In light of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, Prime Minister Rutte stands by decisions taken at the Bucharest Summit and subsequent summits. Prime Minister Rutte firmly supports Ukraine’s right to decide its own future and foreign policy free from outside interference. Ukraine’s status as Enhanced Opportunities Partner gives further impetus to strengthening the already wide-ranging NATO-Ukraine cooperation, including in the Black Sea region. Prime Minister Rutte highly values Ukraine’s important contributions to Allied operations. These efforts demonstrate Ukraine’s commitment and capability to contribute to Euro-Atlantic security. Prime Minister Rutte commends Ukraine for the significant reforms already implemented and will continue to encourage and support Ukraine in these efforts, including in the security and defence sector, with regard to civilian control and democratic oversight.

Following the cyberattack against Ukraine on 14 January, the Netherlands stands ready to provide technical cyber assistance to Ukraine. The two leaders expressed their interest in advancing cooperation on cyber issues as well as on other matters of mutual concern in the face of the contemporary challenges, including hybrid threats and fight against disinformation.

The two leaders highlighted opportunities for enhancing cooperation in the areas of circular economy, water and waste management, renewable energy, IT, space technologies and inland waterways.

The leaders noted the potential for further bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture, particularly by stimulating innovation. They stressed the importance of holding a meeting of the Ukrainian – Dutch Working Group on Agriculture as soon as the epidemiological situation allows. Prime Minister Rutte furthermore expressed that the Netherlands intends to organize a mission for Dutch companies that are interested in doing business in Ukraine.

The leaders expressed their interest in advancing bilateral cooperation in healthcare, particularly in order to secure equitable access to affordable COVID-19 vaccines. In this light, The Netherlands will donate approximately 400.000 Euros to the Ukraine Humanitarian Response Plan (OCHA), for its response to the pandemic in Eastern Ukraine. The leaders also welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and Philips Medical Systems aimed at improving quality of medical services in Ukraine.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 February 2022.

Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine’s borders, which will be an important signal of de-escalation. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the meeting with the media following the talks with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson in Kyiv.

“Nobody needs a war. But we do not invite anyone with weapons to our land. I can say for sure that the state has changed, society and the army have changed. And now there will be no occupation of any city or territory. And there will be, unfortunately, a tragedy if the escalation against our state begins. That is why I openly say: this will not be a war between Ukraine and Russia – this will be a war in Europe. Full-scale war, because no one will give up their territories and people anymore,” the President said, answering journalists’ questions.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that it is currently difficult to predict Russia’s further actions, so both the world community and Ukraine must prepare for any developments and take measures to reduce risks.

“Reducing risks is a powerful, armed army that is not advancing. We are defending ourselves. We are defending our state. I think this is fair, because this is our land and our sovereignty. We protect our history, language, traditions. And most importantly – we protect our people. And we will do it,” the Head of State stressed.

The President noted that he expects Russia to withdraw troops from Ukraine’s borders.

“Actually this is the only truthful answer from Russia to the question of whether they are going to continue the escalation. No words are needed, just such a powerful and important step. It is psychologically important not only for the people of Ukraine, but also for the Russians, many of whom definitely do not want to fight against Ukraine and die,” he said.

At the same time, according to the Head of State, today, despite some reduction in tension, it is too early to say that the Russian Federation has withdrawn troops.

“Now we see a certain force rotation, but I want to answer frankly: I will be able to say for sure that Russia has withdrawn its troops when it withdraws its troops,” the President concluded.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 February 2022.

Ukraine invited the United Kingdom to join common mutually beneficial projects in the fields of infrastructure and energy. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with media representatives following talks with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson in Kyiv.

The President noted that the Agreement on Political Cooperation, Free Trade and Strategic Partnership signed the year before last is working successfully, which is proved by a 60% increase in bilateral trade between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

“We strive to expand partnership in all areas. We agreed to start negotiations on further trade liberalization. In addition to funds for the Ukrainian Navy, the United Kingdom is allocating almost 2 billion pounds for the implementation of joint specific and mutually beneficial projects with Ukraine in other areas,” said the President.

In particular, according to him, the United Kingdom was invited to join projects in the fields of infrastructure and energy.

The Head of State noted that 30 years ago Ukraine and Great Britain established diplomatic relations, which have always been full of friendship, respect and content.

“And today our nations are united for the sake of peace in Ukraine, Europe and the world, in order to prevent a new war,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing hope that this year the word of the year will be “peace.”

For his part, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom announced the allocation of an additional 88 million pounds of funding to support the stability and energy independence of Ukraine.

“This funding is to support the efforts of the President and the authorities to build a prosperous Ukrainian society free from malicious influence,” said Boris Johnson.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 February 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the key issues in the talks with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson were the existing historical challenges facing the two countries, Europe and the whole world. The Head of State made this statement during a meeting with media representatives following the talks in Kyiv with Boris Johnson, for whom this is the first visit to Ukraine as the head of the British government.

“Prime Minister Johnson assured me of full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, readiness for further cooperation to deoccupy our peninsula and return all our Ukrainian territories, including within the Crimea Platform,” he said.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during the meeting the parties discussed a set of steps to deter the Russian Federation.

“My opinion is well known. Any measures are effective before, not after. Prevention is better than resuscitation. This is evidenced by the recent decision of the British government to draft a law that will strengthen and expand sanctions for aggression against Ukraine,” the President stressed.

The President also thanked the United Kingdom for supporting Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

In the context of strengthening the defense capabilities of our state, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is building a strong, capable army. In particular, a decision has already been made to increase the number of the Armed Forces by another 100,000 servicemen.

“We appreciate the assistance and practical help from the UK on this path. This is 1.7 billion pounds for the Ukrainian Navy, the construction of modern Ukrainian naval bases, a package of security assistance and weapons, when Her Majesty’s Air Force transport planes delivered thousands of modern anti-tank missiles to Ukraine,” said the President.

According to him, at the meeting with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, an agreement was reached on joint actions to ensure peace, security and stability in the Black Sea region, as well as to intensify cooperation in the field of cyber defense and cyber security.

For his part, Boris Johnson said that the escalation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine would be a political, humanitarian and military catastrophe for Russia and the world. Therefore, he is convinced that the Russian Federation needs to take a step back and choose the path of diplomacy.

The Prime Minister stressed that the United Kingdom has in recent years provided and continues to provide assistance to Ukraine to strengthen its security and defense.

“Alongside other countries, we are also preparing a package of sanctions and other measures to be enacted the moment the first Russian toecap crosses further into Ukrainian territory. We have done all this as a demonstration that we will always stand up for freedom, democracy and Ukrainian sovereignty in the face of aggression,” the British Prime Minister said.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 February 2022.

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Boris Johnson met President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on February 1, 2022 to discuss ongoing Russian hostile activity, including military build up.

The Prime Minister emphasised the United Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The United Kingdom stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression, which threatens regional peace and security and undermines the global order. The two leaders emphasised that it is the right of every Ukrainian to determine their own future.

The leaders warned that any further Russian incursion in Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake and have a stark humanitarian cost.

Ukraine and the United Kingdom agreed to work together to strengthen Ukraine’s security and the ability to defend itself. The leaders also expressed their commitment to strengthen Ukraine’s energy security and support its efforts towards the green transition. The Prime Minister announced £88 million of new funding to aid efforts to build Ukraine’s resilience and reduce reliance on Russian energy supplies.

The leaders reaffirmed their desire to deepen the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the UK in all areas of mutual interest, and to continue their engagement, particularly in the framework of the Ukraine-UK Strategic Dialogue.