Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 5 July 2022.

Only by joint pressure on Russia in all spheres can the world force it to stop the war in Ukraine and the policy of aggression. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an online conversation at the opening of the 26th Annual Economist Government Roundtable.

“United Europe and the world, sanctions and diplomatic pressure – constant, daily – is an important “homework” to force Russia to seek peace,” the Head of State said.

He noted that the sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation will have a powerful impact on its economy when there are no exceptions to them.

“All the sanctions that were adopted only strengthen the position of the world against the aggressive position of Russia. But this is not enough, because some people are constantly looking for business solutions. If all the sanctions introduced by the European Union, separately – by Britain, the US, Canada, Australia, the whole world – are implemented without exception, 100%, I am sure that it will not be easy for the world, but it will be very difficult for Russia – it will stop this war,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President separately emphasized that the world community should understand that the specified restrictions are being introduced against Russia not only because of its aggression in Ukraine, but also, in particular, because it violates and neglects the fundamental principles of international law.

“This is not only because of Ukraine, but also because of violations of international law, violations in the attitude towards democracy, freedom of speech, people’s rights, etc. Sanctions have been imposed on the Russian Federation due to the violation of these principles, and they must be continued,” said the Head of State.

He emphasized: if Russia is not stopped in Ukraine, it will continue to pursue its aggressive policy. The President stressed that all the crises the world is currently facing were artificially created by the Russian state.

In addition, according to him, the Russian Federation is investing heavily in the maximum mobilization of its disinformation policy against Ukraine.

“It is difficult to fight this. My voice, the voice of our society is not enough for this, we need the voice of a united Europe. Therefore, as long as Europe and the whole world can support us, democracy and freedom will be protected. As long as Europe understands that this is not a war in Ukraine, but a war in Europe, and we are the “fence” that protects Europe with our lives; as long as they feel it as painfully as we do, as long as Europe can feel it – that’s how long we will be able to hold on, and there will be a chance to defeat Russia,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 July 2022.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today welcomed Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson in Kyiv.

Mindful of the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations, established in January 1992, Ukraine commended Sweden’s unwavering support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders through all these years.

In line with that, Ukraine and Sweden strongly condemned Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine as well as confirmed their strong commitment to support the relevant criminal investigations aimed at bringing all those responsible for the Russian war crimes in Ukraine to justice.

On behalf of the Ukrainian people President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Andersson for the defence assistance of Sweden to Ukraine since Russia’s full-fledged armed invasion on February 24, 2022.

The two leaders highlighted the European perspective and the EU candidate status of Ukraine, recognized by the European Council on June 23, 2022 as well as the strategic course of Ukraine towards membership in the EU.

Ukraine welcomed Sweden’s strong commitment to humanitarian and reconstruction support for Ukraine, as demonstrated at the High Level Donors’ Meeting in Warsaw in May 2022. They agreed on the support of Sweden for further implementation of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement, including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, as a roadmap for reforms and further integration with the EU.

Ukraine and Sweden will expand the cooperation in the sphere of development in accordance with the intergovernmental Agreements, based on the Regional Strategy for Reform Cooperation of the Kingdom of Sweden.

The two leaders welcomed the bilateral cooperation in the security sector reform in Ukraine as well as for the development of its demining capabilities. They noted the importance of the intergovernmental Agreement on cooperation in the defence sphere, signed by the Defence Ministers of Ukraine and Sweden in December 2021.

Leaders are satisfied with the deepening partnership between Ukraine and Sweden in the nuclear fuel supplies to Ukraine and noted the potential of cooperation between National Nuclear Energy Generating Company “Energoatom” and Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB.

The two leaders also noted the potential of the bilateral energy efficiency projects with particular importance to develop the waste processing capacities of Ukraine for the safe and clean environment in Europe.

The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Sweden also discussed the prospects of Sweden’s participation in post-war reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 July 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden Magdalena Andersson who is visiting our country.

Greeting the head of the Swedish government in Kyiv, he noted that this visit was extremely symbolic and effective.

“Today we agreed on a joint statement with the Prime Minister. This is the first such document in the history of bilateral relations. The joint statement sets out key issues for both our states. This applies, in particular, to defense cooperation, sectoral cooperation in the fields of nuclear energy, energy efficiency, and financial support for Ukraine. I am very grateful to Sweden for supporting our course towards full accession to the European Union in the future,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with media representatives following the meeting with Magdalena Andersson.

According to the Head of State, in addition to defense, economic and energy issues, the parties discussed the strengthening of sanctions against the Russian Federation for the war it unleashed on Ukrainian soil.

“During the negotiations, I informed Mrs. Andersson about the situation on the frontline, about the existing threats, in great detail – about what we have already succeeded in on this vitally important path of liberating our territory from the Russian military. Thank you for your willingness to continue supporting Ukraine,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President also congratulated Sweden and the Prime Minister personally on the historic decision of the NATO Summit in Madrid on the country’s accession to the Alliance under an accelerated procedure.

“Ukraine has taken note of this decision and this procedure. We support your choice of collective security guarantees, and I can state that this decision will significantly expand the security space in Europe,” he emphasized.

The President noted that before the meeting, Magdalena Andersson visited the districts of the Kyiv region that were destroyed by the Russian invaders and personally saw the extent of the evil that Russia has brought to the territory of Ukraine.

“Together with other civilized members of the international community, we must do everything necessary to bring all Russian war criminals to justice,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed the reconstruction of Ukraine. The President expressed hope that Sweden will join this process.

“I would especially like to note the experience of Sweden in the field of energy saving, energy efficiency and in the implementation of the environmental agenda, in particular, it concerns the issue of waste processing. I invited Sweden to participate in the construction of such new modern plants in Ukraine. The preparation of relevant documents should begin immediately at the level of our governments. We will wait for Sweden’s support for this proposal,” the Head of State emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Sweden for the humanitarian support of Ukraine and our citizens.

“One hundred thousand Ukrainian citizens are in Sweden, and Sweden supports them. We will remember your sincere attention to the citizens of Ukraine in this difficult time of the Russian war,” said the President.

For her part, Magdalena Andersson noted that her visit demonstrates Sweden’s support and solidarity with the Ukrainian state and its people at this difficult time.

She informed about the transfer to the President of a copy of the letter of 1711, kept in the National Archives of Sweden. In it, King Charles XII instructs the Swedish ambassador in Constantinople to recognize Zaporizhzhia Sich as an independent state. According to Magdalena Andersson, already at the beginning of the XVIII century, the Swedish King was impressed by Cossack democracy.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed the media representatives this document and read a fragment that, in his opinion, is extremely relevant today: “… to implement as soon as possible the article about the will of Ukraine and all Cossacks that all Ukraine and the Zaporizhzhia Army under the current commander Pylyp Orlyk regain the ancient freedom, possession of their land and its former borders, so that from now on this people will become an independent state and never again be subject to the obedience or protection of the king.”

Magdalena Andersson also strongly condemned the crimes against the civilian population, including children, and the destruction caused to Ukraine.

She noted that Russia’s actions to block Ukrainian ports and the Black Sea undermine the food security of Ukraine and the world.

“Russian aggression against Ukraine must be stopped. Russia cannot be allowed to achieve any goals by destroying the foundations of international law. We must continue to support Ukraine, put pressure on Russia, particularly through sanctions, and our efforts must continue as long as necessary,” she said.

Magdalena Andersson congratulated Ukraine on gaining the status of a candidate for EU membership and noted that she consistently supports reforms in our country, which continue even in such difficult times.

“I know that Ukraine will rebuild what Russia destroyed. And you will not be alone in this. Together with the rest of the European family, we will take an active part in the reconstruction of your beautiful country,” the Prime Minister assured.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 July 2022.

On the Day of the National Police of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with law enforcement officers, presented state awards and conferred special titles.

The event was also attended by Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrskyi, Head of the National Police Ihor Klymenko.

“The work of the police has always been and will be the basis of law and order in our country. It depends on you whether people feel safe, first of all on the streets of our Ukraine. People’s feeling of justice also begins with the results of your service, with your conscientiousness and your professionalism,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy, congratulating police officers on their professional holiday.

The President thanked law enforcement officers for their conscientious work for the benefit of Ukrainian society.

The Head of State emphasized that today, in times of full-scale Russian invasion, National Police officers, along with other security and defense forces, protect our state on the frontline.

“Police officers come to the aid of people during the shelling, provide evacuation, help deliver humanitarian goods. Sappers of the National Police, explosives technicians carry out demining of our Ukrainian land, streets, houses. All this is saving human lives,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President noted that in the current conditions, Ukrainian policemen, in addition to their daily work, also have to document the war crimes of the Russian army.

“The National Police has initiated more than 20,000 criminal proceedings on the facts of war crimes committed by the Russian military. I thank you for this important work, as punishing the occupiers for everything they did to the citizens of Ukraine is our national task,” the Head of State said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also emphasized the importance of solving the problems of modernizing the material and technical base of the National Police and providing law enforcement officers with housing.

“Resolving these and other problems will definitely be part of our recovery after the war. Maximum security for Ukraine, and therefore the development of the National Police as one of the elements of security, is definitely our priority. I am grateful to you for your service, and I would like to do everything so that you really feel the state’s gratitude in the way you live and in the conditions you work in,” the President said.

The attendees honored the memory of the fallen law enforcement officers with a moment of silence.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented policemen with state awards and conferred special titles.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 July 2022.

The least people around the world can do to help Ukraine is to be ambassadors of our country and spread the truth about Russia’s war against us. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with students and lecturers of Japanese universities.

According to him, it is very important that societies abroad, in particular educated Asian students, do not forget about free Ukraine.

“We know that Russia spends a lot of money to convince the world that there is no war, that there was some kind of operation, etc. But you are aware of these dreadful consequences. So, just like our Ambassador, you are the ambassadors in your communities who can spread the truth. No disinformation,” the President emphasized.

The Head of State noted: Ukraine strives to be supported, so no one should forget about this war, because the Ukrainian people protect not only Ukraine, but also the values of the entire civilized world.

“So, please spread all this among the same distinguished people as you from other countries,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

He noted that nowadays, weapons are not just things used on the battlefield.

“Information policy, information weapons have the same significant influence – influence on societies of various states, on their leaders,” the President said.

According to the Head of State, the right messages helped unite Europe and the world around Ukraine.

“Today, most countries of the world know that there is a war in Ukraine, and they know where the truth is. They know that Ukraine is defending itself against the war started by the Russian Federation. And I directly carry out this mission – I have to tell many societies what is happening in our country and unite other societies against the war that Russia has started and does not want to end. And with such actions, force Russia to seek peace,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The President of Ukraine noted that our country needs the support and experience of Asian countries, and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister of Japan and his government, which understands whose side the truth is on in this war.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Japanese university community could participate in certain educational programs for Ukrainian schoolchildren or help in rebuilding the educational space.

The President emphasized that thousands of educational institutions in Ukraine have already been destroyed as a result of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation.

“And here it will be difficult to do without the support of partner countries, because today we are talking about a large-scale reconstruction of our state. Because on September 1, our children will go to school, and we need to help them a lot. Somewhere it is a technical issue – computers, somewhere it is educational programs. Any assistance will be appropriate and will not be superfluous,” the Head of State noted.

 

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting in Kyiv with President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach.

The Head of State emphasized that the Russian invasion brutally affected Ukrainian sports as well.

“More than a hundred thousand Ukrainian athletes do not have the opportunity of training. Hundreds of sports facilities were destroyed: these are both large sports infrastructure facilities and facilities based on Ukrainian schools, universities and sports clubs,” he said.

In addition, according to the President, many Ukrainian athletes joined the Armed Forces to defend our country on the front. To date, 89 athletes and coaches died as a result of hostilities, 13 were captured and are in Russian captivity.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Thomas Bach for the decision to allocate a new support package for Ukrainian Olympians.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed the restoration of sports infrastructure in Ukraine. This issue will be raised both at the conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine in Lugano, Switzerland these days, and at the special donor conference, which will be held under the auspices of the IOC.

The President of Ukraine and the President of the International Olympic Committee drew attention to the need to continue international efforts to prevent representatives of the terrorist state from participating in international sports competitions.

“It cannot be allowed that a terrorist state uses sports to promote its political interests and propaganda. I am grateful to Mr. President for his unwavering position regarding the suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes from official competitions under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee. While Russia is trying to destroy the Ukrainian people and conquer other European countries, its representatives have no place in the world’s sports community,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

For his part, the President of the IOC assured the Head of State of his unchanged position regarding the continuation of the policy of recommendations to international federations not to invite Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions.

“The time has not yet come to lift such a ban,” Thomas Bach emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the President of the IOC also discussed the strategy for the development of Ukrainian sports after the war.

“I have no doubt that after our victory we will be able to provide all necessary conditions for holding international sports events at the highest level in Ukraine. Our athletes, our country, have already made a significant contribution to the development of the Olympic movement. But our opportunities are much greater, and we will certainly implement them,” the President is convinced.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in particular, reminded of the intention to apply for hosting the Olympic Games in the future – in a peaceful, free and rebuilt Ukraine.

Thomas Bach noted that the IOC is impressed by the intentions of our country to host the Winter Olympic Games. He assured that the door remains open for Ukraine in this matter, and it can conduct consultations with the relevant commissions.

The President of the IOC noted that today’s meeting at such a difficult time for Ukraine is evidence that our country remains committed to the values of sports.

Thomas Bach emphasized that he came to Kyiv to express solidarity with the Ukrainian people, in particular with athletes.

“They are not alone with their troubles, we are on their side, we stand side by side with them and support them with our heart, soul, thoughts and deeds. We support them in a way to be able to see a strong, successful, proud Ukrainian national Olympic team at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris and the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina,” he said.

In particular, the IOC has tripled the support fund established since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and now it amounts to USD 7.5 million. According to Thomas Bach, this makes it possible to support more than 3 thousand members of the Olympic movement, Olympic athletes in Ukraine or those who are abroad.

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

Currently, it cannot be stated that the enemy has taken full control over the city of Lysychansk, but in general, the situation in Donbas is the most difficult, and it can be changed by speeding up the supply of the necessary weapons to ensure the fire superiority of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this during a meeting with media representatives after talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Kyiv.

“We cannot definitively say today that Lysychansk is under control (of Russian troops – ed.). Fighting continues on the outskirts of Lysychansk. Our task is to gain fire superiority. Today, our Armed Forces are doing everything they can. Accelerating the delivery of weapons will allow us to have fire superiority. Then we will put more pressure on Russia in this direction,” he emphasized.

The Head of State noted that there are risks that the Luhansk region will be completely occupied, and the military-political leadership of Ukraine is aware of them.

“But you also have to understand that the situation can change on a daily basis. This was the case with many towns that were completely destroyed, control over them was gained by one side and then by the other,” he noted.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in the east of Ukraine, where the fiercest fighting continues, the situation is generally the most difficult and dangerous. At the same time, there is a certain advance of Ukrainian troops in other directions.

Regarding the possible participation of the Belarusian troops on the side of Russia in the war against Ukraine, the President reminded that our country is being bombarded with missiles fired from the territory of Belarus, although Alexander Lukashenko has repeatedly given signals, in particular to the Belarusian society that supports Ukraine, that these missiles were fired without his will.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Alexander Lukashenko’s statements about the alleged participation of Belarus in the Russian war are dangerous.

“It seems to me that this is dangerous, first of all, for the friendly Belarusian people, for our neighbors – Belarusians. He must not draw Belarus into Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the violation of all international treaties and international law in general,” the Ukrainian President emphasized.

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

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of legislative settlement of the issue of compensation for damages caused by the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine at the expense of funds and assets of Russian citizens close to President Vladimir Putin seized abroad.

Answering the questions of media representatives following the meeting with Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese in Kyiv, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he offered the Australian side to join the investigation of Russian war crimes in Ukraine.

“The sanctions policy is also important, which should be even more powerful, as it should limit as much as possible all movements outside the Russian Federation of those persons who are in the entourage of the Russian President – both military and political entourage. I’m also talking about imposing sanctions on their assets in certain countries, imposing sanctions on their business. And then it is necessary to find a solution through legislative initiatives, if there are no corresponding laws in the states where the assets of people involved in crimes have been seized, regarding financial compensation in favor of Ukraine,” the President emphasized.

As the Head of State noted, compensation to the victims of the crimes of the Russian army and restoration of destroyed objects must be held at the expense of Russian businessmen and politicians.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also informed that during today’s negotiations the Australian side was given information regarding the strengthening of sanctions against Russia developed by the Yermak-McFaul expert working group.

“There are names, businesses, etc. – all relevant documents. And I pass them on to all the states and leaders I meet, to everyone who helps us and goes along the path of introducing sanctions… These documents are constantly being upgraded,” the President noted.

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese who visited our country.

As the Ukrainian President emphasized, this is the first visit of the Australian Prime Minister to Kyiv in the entire history of relations between the two countries.

“Of course, we would all like this visit to take place in peacetime and under other circumstances, but we appreciate and are grateful for your presence here with us at this time of Russia’s war against the Ukrainian people,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with Anthony Albanese.

According to the President, Australia supports Ukraine and international law and provides significant assistance to our country, including defense assistance.

“Our defenders highly appreciated, in particular, the Australian Bushmaster armored personnel carriers and other specific assistance from Australia. During the negotiations the Prime Minister confirmed an additional package of enhanced assistance,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said and thanked the head of the Australian government for the support.

The key topics of the negotiations in Kyiv were security cooperation between Ukraine and Australia and further protection of freedom.

“I informed Mr. Prime Minister about the situation on the frontline, about our capabilities, technical comparison, resistance to the occupiers. We must strengthen international cooperation in order to break Russia’s aggressive potential. We must increase the sanctions pressure on the aggressor. I am grateful to Australia for its firm, unyielding position on this issue,” said the President of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that with its aggression against Ukraine, Russia has created global threats that are felt in all regions of the world. So today, at a meeting with Anthony Albanese, the parties agreed to coordinate efforts to overcome the food crisis provoked by the Russian Federation by blocking Ukrainian ports.

The leaders also paid attention to economic challenges and the need to enhance macro-financial support for Ukraine. The President thanked the Prime Minister for his understanding of Ukrainian needs.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that an international conference dedicated to the reconstruction of Ukraine will start in Lugano (Switzerland) on Monday.

“The amount of work on the already liberated territories is truly colossal. And more than 2,000 settlements in the east and south of Ukraine have yet to be liberated. I offered Australia to take part in the post-war reconstruction and I am grateful for the willingness to join the implementation of this, I am sure, ambitious project,” said the Head of State.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Australia emphasized that his visit demonstrates solidarity between the Australian and Ukrainian nations at the time of brutal aggression against Ukraine by Russia, which was not provoked and which is taking place in violation of international law and the UN Charter.

Anthony Albanese said that during his visit to Bucha, Irpin and Hostomel, he saw with his own eyes the destruction of civilian objects and brutal violations of human rights as a result of this immoral war.

“Australia is ready to continue providing support to the Ukrainian state and its people for as long as it takes for Ukraine to gain an advantage and protect the law and order in which we all exist,” he said.

The head of the Australian government announced that his country will increase military-technical assistance to Ukraine and will provide 14 more APCs and 20 Bushmaster armored vehicles, additional military equipment, drones and other military equipment as requested by our country.

Anthony Albanese also spoke about the readiness to join international investigations of Russia’s crimes against Ukraine and to impose additional financial sanctions and travel bans on 16 more Russian officials and oligarchs.

“We will ban the import of Russian gold to reduce Russia’s ability to finance this war,” he said.

The Prime Minister of Australia emphasized that today’s visit is the beginning of strong bilateral relations.

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

On the Day of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Golden Star Orders to the servicemen who were awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine, as well as other state awards to the Ukrainian defenders.

He emphasized that Ukraine is proud of every soldier of the Navy, because from the very beginning of the Russian aggression, they decently rebuff the enemy and inflict significant losses on him.

“They forced the enemy fleet to leave the coastal sea zone and abandon artillery shelling of the coast. The cruiser “Moskva”, other Russian warships and landing craft felt the power of our modern missile weapons,” stated Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to him, thanks to the skillful actions of the Ukrainian military, the enemy’s naval landing operation was thwarted.

The President noted that the heroic actions of the marines in Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson region, Mykolaiv region and Odesa region have deserved eternal respect and gratitude of the Ukrainian people.

Naval aviators also excelled in the fight against the Russian army, the Head of State emphasized.

“Enemy missiles, planes and helicopters destroyed by Ukrainian sailors prevent the aggressor from reaching their targets, save critical infrastructure facilities, and most importantly – save the lives of our Ukrainian citizens! Ukraine is proud of all of you, is inspired by your successes, especially in combat, supports you, shares the pain of losses and believes in the resilience of the officers and sailors of the domestic fleet, their indomitability, invincibility, our common victory,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The President stated that increasing the capabilities of the Navy will always be a priority of the government.

“We aspired and did everything to make the Ukrainian fleet a model of power and modernity and become a true pride of our state. To make us a maritime state not in the distant memories of the past, but in the real present and the near future,” he said.

The Head of State expressed his conviction that the high professionalism of the Navy, skillful use of modern weapons and military equipment will surely send the rest of the Russian aggressor’s fleet in pursuit of the “Russian ship”.

On behalf of the Ukrainian state and people, the President expressed gratitude to the personnel of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the heroic performance of military duty, courage and self-sacrifice that they demonstrate every day in battles against the occupiers. He wished the Ukrainian military sailors good health, an indomitable morale and the soonest possible victory for all of us.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that he is glad to have the opportunity to meet with the defenders on the Day of the Naval Forces and present them with well-deserved state awards.

The attendees also commemorated those killed defending the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine with a moment of silence.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized: we will always be grateful to everyone who fought fiercely against the Russian invaders at sea, on land and in the air, showed remarkable heroism, resilience and invincible character, and we will always remember the feat of each and every one who gave their lives for Ukraine.