Tag: Press Release

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

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes that sanctions against Russia are an important element of helping Ukraine in the fight against full-scale Russian aggression, but even tougher steps are needed, and the Yermak-McFaul International Working Group is working on relevant proposals. This was stated by the Ukrainian Head of State during a conversation with media representatives after talks with the President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda.

“Sanctions are a great help from all European countries, which, after all, followed the path when they do not balance between Ukraine and Russia, but fully recognized the aggression of the Russian Federation and started the path of sanctions pressure. And it really helps a lot. Even if Russia says everywhere in the media that they do not have problems due to sanctions, it is not true,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted, answering the journalist’s question.

According to him, sanctions against the Russian Federation are effective, but not as fast as Ukraine would like.

“There are some moments when this or that business of individual countries of the world, due to the economic interests, does not want to lose ties with the Russian Federation and finds ways to circumvent sanctions,” the President of Ukraine noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also emphasized the importance for all EU member states to adhere to a single position when introducing sanctions packages.

“Yes, we see weakening in the latest sanctions package. We want strengthening. But not all at once. The main thing is that the countries found a consensus, that most of the states managed to find an understanding with the minority of countries in Europe that did not want to apply the sanctions package or did not want to have such a tough package,” he said.

The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine expects tougher sanctions against Russia. This applies to the disconnection of the entire banking system of the Russian Federation from SWIFT and more decisive steps regarding energy, which Russia uses as a tool for blackmail. Proposals for sanctions against persons from the entourage of the President of the Russian Federation are also being developed.

“This is done by the Yermak-McFaul International Group. We pass it on through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to our partners, to all countries. We are constantly working on it. Many different sanctions are proposed, as well as an analysis of those sanctions that do or do not work. There are also details of how, through whom specifically Russia wants to circumvent or circumvents certain sanctions,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

For his part, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda noted that a powerful sanctions policy is the tool that can make Russia’s war against Ukraine shorter, and its consequences for our country less destructive.

“There are many opportunities to increase sanctions. Sometimes there is a lack of the courage to disconnect all Russian banks from the SWIFT system. We need solutions that can reduce Europe’s energy dependence,” he said.

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

On the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, which Ukraine celebrates today for the first time, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy handed out the first passports to citizens of Ukraine who turned 14 years old.

The ceremony took place in the Mariyinsky Palace. Among its participants are children of servicemen who defend the state, children of heroes who gave their lives in battles for Ukraine, and young citizens who were forced to leave their homes due to Russian aggression.

As the Head of State noted, he is particularly pleased to hand over Ukrainian passports to teenagers in the presence of one of our country’s greatest European friends – President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, who visited Ukraine on the occasion of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood.

“This passport – the passport of a citizen of Ukraine, which you are receiving today – symbolizes strength. It is known and respected in all countries of the world, even where they do not have the freedom to talk about it openly,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized during the presentation of the documents.

The President reminded that Ukraine experienced different periods in its more than thousand-year history – ups and downs, victories and losses, heroism and peace.

“But there was no period when we lost our national strength – our Ukrainian love for freedom, our special sense of independence and our firmness – all that is fully manifested right now, when we are fighting for the future for Ukraine, for the future for all of you,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that young Ukrainians will be able to feel respect for themselves and their passports many times more, and called on them to do everything to increase that respect.

“I am sure you will be able to feel this respect. And please do everything to ensure that Ukraine’s strength and respect for Ukraine only increase,” the Head of State summed up and wished all the children success.

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

On the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, who is on a visit to our country.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Gitanas Nausėda made a lot of efforts to protect European values and showed historical leadership in the defense of freedom on the eastern borders of Europe.

“A worthy representative of the great Lithuanian people, whom our children and grandchildren both in Ukraine and in Lithuania, I am sure, will recall in history lessons,” said the Ukrainian Head of State during a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with the President of Lithuania in Kyiv.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy reminded that Lithuania was one of the first to provide Ukraine with significant defense support during the full-scale invasion of Russia.

“I have already told this more than once and I am proud to repeat that Ukraine received the first Stingers from our Lithuanian friends,” he said.

The leaders discussed issues of security, defense and further protection of common interests of the two countries.

The Head of State noted that today the Russian occupiers increased the intensity of missile attacks on Ukraine.

“Against such a background, it was especially important for me to hear assurances from President Nausėda that defense assistance for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be further provided,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President stressed that Ukraine and Lithuania will continue cooperation to speed up the European integration of our country.

“All key elements of our negotiations, individual agreements that were reached, were recorded in a joint statement. This document will be made public soon,” said the Head of State.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Gitanas Nausėda and First Lady of the Republic of Lithuania Diana Nausėdienė for their help to forcibly displaced Ukrainians.

“At the initiative of the first ladies of our countries, the first Ukrainian center on the territory of the European Union was recently opened in Vilnius for the citizens who were forced to leave our country due to the Russian war,” the President noted.

The Ukrainian President emphasized that such humanitarian initiatives, along with another assistance that Ukraine received from Lithuania, testify to the closeness of our nations and prove the readiness to give a joint response to existing challenges for both countries.

President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, for his part, said that on the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, he wishes Ukraine victory, which will surely happen, because Ukrainians deserve it.

The President of the Republic of Lithuania thanked the President of Ukraine and all Ukrainians who are heroically resisting Russian aggression and are an example for everyone in Europe in protecting freedom.

“Lithuania has always been and will always be with you, because the freedom and independence of your state, its territorial integrity and the safety of your people are extremely important to us,” Gitanas Nausėda said.

According to him, Lithuania is one of the main allies of Ukraine, which provides financial, political and military assistance.

“I didn’t come empty-handed today either. The new aid package is ammunition and ten armored vehicles. Soon we will present anti-drone systems, which are manufactured in Lithuania and which I know you need,” said the President of the Republic of Lithuania.

He emphasized that Lithuania has united in helping Ukraine and will not allow anyone in the West to either forget about this cruel war or get tired of it.

Gitanas Nausėda noted that all those who committed war crimes on the territory of Ukraine must be punished.

The leader of Lithuania also highly evaluated the effectiveness of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s team, which is shown in the difficult conditions of war. This is evidenced by Ukraine’s obtaining a candidate status for EU membership and implementation of reforms.

“The key thing now is not to stop and move forward,” noted Gitanas Nausėda and added that Lithuania will help Ukraine on its way to the EU.

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

Creative director of the Balenciaga fashion house Demna became the ambassador of the United24 fundraising platform initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the “Ukraine Recovery” direction to help temporarily displaced persons.

The Head of State personally thanked Demna for the determination to support Ukraine, which the fashion house and he expressed during the Balenciaga Winter 22 show in March of this year, when the creative director shared with the guests his own experience as a refugee.

“Thank you for your support, it is very much appreciated. It is extremely important to keep the world’s attention on Ukraine in order to help rebuild our country,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

For Demna, the decision to become a United24 ambassador is related to a personal story, as he has experienced the trauma of being a refugee.

“I am honored to become a United24 ambassador. I know very well and feel the pain that Ukrainians are going through. I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can help Ukraine and all the refugees who want to return home. That is why I decided to focus on the humanitarian direction “Ukraine Recovery”. And the special sweatshirt that we created at Balenciaga will be a kind of message of support for Ukraine,” he said.

A special sweatshirt was created in support of the United24 platform. 100% of the profit from its sale will be transferred to the “Ukraine Recovery” direction. The charity sweatshirts will be available to order from July 28 exclusively at united24-demna.balenciaga.com.

The “Ukraine Recovery” direction is focused on raising funds for the restoration of critical infrastructure: roads, bridges, schools and hospitals, which will make it possible for Ukrainians to return to their homes, which they were forced to leave.

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.