Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 7 July 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson.

Given Boris Johnson’s announcement of resignation as leader of the Conservative Party, the President of Ukraine expressed sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister for his decisive and uncompromising support for our state from the very first days of full-scale Russian aggression, as well as for his leadership in defending Ukraine’s interests in the international arena.

“We all heard this news with sadness. Not only me, but also the entire Ukrainian society, which is very sympathetic to you. My entire Office and all Ukrainians are grateful to you for your help. We have no doubt that Great Britain’s support will be preserved, but your personal leadership and charisma made it special,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The Head of State also informed the interlocutor about the developments on the front.

The current state and prospects of Ukrainian-British cooperation were discussed. The parties paid special attention to the issues of defense cooperation and political support of Ukraine. Another key topic of the negotiations was the unblocking of grain exports from Ukrainian ports.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 7 July 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with United States Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal who represent the Republican and Democratic parties of the United States.

The Head of State thanked the senators for the visit to our country and for the strong tangible support from the USA in times of tremendous challenges related to Russian aggression.

“Bicameral and bipartisan support is really important for Ukraine. We feel it, we feel this unity,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President informed the representatives of the United States Senate about the situation on the front, which is certainly difficult, yet controlled, and about the existing plans the implementation of which directly depends on the further intensity of security support for Ukraine from international partners.

During the meeting, the President separately emphasized the importance of creating the necessary security conditions that would make the educational process possible in educational institutions.

“The number one task for us today is for women with children to be able to return to Ukraine by September 1, so that children can go to school, so that students do not leave and can go to universities. It is very important for us to do two things – to repair schools, universities, and also to have a powerful air defense,” he said.

In this regard, Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on senators to back the decision on providing Ukraine with modern air defense systems.

“First of all, we appeal to you so that the Congress supports Ukraine in the matter of supplying modern air defense systems. We must ensure such a level of sky security that our people are not afraid to live in Ukraine,” said the Head of State.

During the meeting, the parties separately touched upon the issue of increasing sanctions pressure on the aggressor state. Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal informed Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the work they are carrying out in the Senate with the aim of recognizing the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

The President thanked the senators for this important activity and emphasized Ukraine’s readiness for further close coordination of activities with partners on the sanctions track.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 6 July 2022.

The terms of the end of the war depend on the international sanctions pressure on the aggressor state and the supply of necessary weapons to Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized this during a conversation with media representatives following the negotiations with Prime Minister of Ireland Micheál Martin in Kyiv.

The Head of State noted that “an open terrorist action by the Russian Federation, which is difficult to even call a war” continues in Ukraine. The President recalled the atrocities committed by the Russian military against the civilian population on the territory of our country.

Answering a question about how long the war will last, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that it depends on when Russia realizes what it has done and begins to leave the territory of Ukraine.

“It’s a humane moment, and I don’t really believe they can realize it on their own. Therefore, the second factor is how the whole world puts pressure on Russia and drives them out of our land. We must do that on the battlefield with weapons, and the whole world must do that with sanctions, politically, with aid and quick supply of weapons, strengthening us and doing it together,” he said.

The President emphasized that the Russian Federation must start thinking about peace. For this, it is necessary to continue strong sanctions pressure.

“Unfortunately, there are still some allies who help the Russian Federation or its business,” the Head of State noted.

In addition, as Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized, the security situation in Ukraine is important. In particular, our state needs reliable protection against Russian missile strikes.

“No matter how the war unfolds on the battlefield, the priority is still the safety of the sky. We all expect and have confirmation, so far theoretical, yet we count on the delivery of powerful air defense systems in Ukraine. This is important because it will allow women and children to return home,” the President is convinced.

According to him, the list of necessary weapons and air defense systems has been prepared and handed over to Ukraine’s partners.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy added that the terms of the end of the war also depend on the citizens of Ukraine – their support for the Armed Forces and the domestic economy.

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 6 July 2022.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of Ireland Micheál Martin, who is on the first visit to Ukraine in the history of Ukrainian-Irish relations.

The Head of State emphasized that this visit is taking place at a difficult time of the war for Ukrainian independence.

According to him, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia into our country, a new page has appeared in the relations between Ukraine and Ireland, and the atmosphere of these relations is warm and substantive.

“Ukraine is grateful to Ireland for its sincere support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state, for supporting our European aspirations, as well as our people who were forced to seek shelter from hostilities on Ukrainian soil abroad,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with media representatives following the negotiations with Micheál Martin in Kyiv.

The President reminded that since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine, Ireland has canceled visas for Ukrainian citizens, and our country will always remember such a principled gesture of solidarity on the part of the Irish people.

“Our Irish friends fully understand the threats posed by this Russian war against Ukraine and against the entire democratic world,” he said.

During the negotiations, the Head of State and the Prime Minister of Ireland discussed joint responses to these threats, in particular the issues of food security, energy and the preparation of a new, seventh sanctions package against the Russian Federation.

“Ukraine appreciates everything that Ireland has already done to make Russia feel the price of its terrorist actions,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed Micheál Martin about the situation on the front, especially in the south and east of Ukraine, and about the financial and humanitarian needs of our state.

The Head of State recalled the recent adoption by the Irish Senate of a resolution recognizing the crimes of the Russian occupiers in Ukraine as genocide of the Ukrainian people.

“We greatly appreciate such a decision and must work together with all the countries of the world that protect the international legal order to bring Russian war criminals to justice,” he said.

The parties agreed to work together for Ukraine to quickly overcome the path from a candidate for EU membership to full membership.

In addition, the interlocutors discussed the need to carry out active reconstruction already now in those territories of Ukraine that were liberated from the occupiers. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Irish side for their sincere interest in the project of our country’s recovery after the Russian invasion.

“We discussed in detail that before talking about such a powerful economic project as the reconstruction of the state after the war, we should focus today on the Fast recovery plan, on those details that can help our people return home, so that children can go to schools, universities, so that people have a place to live in Ukraine and have somewhere to return to. Therefore, such quick solutions, quick assistance, quick mobilization of our partners is what we really need,” the President said.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Ireland expressed the support and solidarity of his people with the people of Ukraine.

“Russia’s brutal war against this wonderful democratic country is a major violation of international law. This is a violation of everything Ireland stands for, and we will not put up with it,” Micheál Martin said.

Russia must end its aggression, he emphasized.

The Prime Minister of Ireland said that today he had visited Borodyanka, Irpin and Bucha, where he had seen with his own eyes the terrible consequences of the war. He also spoke with local residents, who told him about the brutality of Russians during the temporary occupation of these settlements, as well as the need for reconstruction.

“The use of terror against the civilian population is a war crime. And those who are responsible for these actions, who gave these instructions, will definitely be held accountable. That is why we have allocated additional funding for the international court to ensure further work on these crimes,” said the Prime Minister.

Micheál Martin praised the work of the President and the Government of Ukraine in preparations for obtaining the status of a candidate for EU membership and expressed readiness to help with his experience on the path of our country to full membership in the European Union.

Also, according to him, Ireland will help in the reconstruction of Ukraine, so that Ukrainians, who are currently forced to seek refuge in European countries, will be able to return home. In the meantime, the country will continue to support those Ukrainians who will come to flee the war.

The Prime Minister of Ireland, among other things, condemned Russia’s actions aimed at creating a food crisis.

“We do not accept at all the situation when food can be used as a tool of war. We will do everything possible to ensure that people are not affected by attempts to turn food into weapons,” he said.

Micheál Martin also expressed confidence in the further development of relations between Ireland and Ukraine and noted that the world is impressed by the power and resilience of our country in the struggle for independence.

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.