Working visit of the President of Ukraine to Switzerland
President of Ukraine met with the Presidents of both houses and heads of factions of the Swiss Parliament
As part of his visit to the Swiss Confederation, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the National Council of the Swiss Federal Assembly Eric Nussbaumer and President of the Council of States Eva Herzog, as well as with the heads of parties and factions of the Swiss Federal Assembly.
The Head of State thanked for the significant support of the Swiss Confederation for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for the humanitarian assistance to our country in the wake of Russia's full-scale aggression. It was emphasized that Switzerland became the first venue for the international conference on Ukraine's recovery, which took place in Lugano in 2022.
The interlocutors discussed in detail the support of Switzerland for the Ukrainian Peace Formula and further steps towards its implementation. The President expressed gratitude for the successful holding of the meeting of national security and foreign policy advisors held in Davos on January 14 and attended by representatives of more than 80 countries and international organizations.
The President informed the Swiss parliamentarians on the situation on the battlefield and emphasized the importance of efforts of the partner states to help defend our country.
The Head of State emphasized the importance of Switzerland's participation in the Special International Tribunal for the Crime of Russian Aggression.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked for the adoption of a powerful statement by the Swiss Parliament at the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion.
The interlocutors noted the importance of the address of the President of Ukraine to the Federal Assembly and the people of Switzerland, which the Head of State delivered in the summer of 2023 to rally support for our country.
The Head of State also raised the issue of the Swiss Federal Assembly's recognition of the Holodomor of 1932-1933 as genocide of Ukrainians.
Ukraine and Switzerland start preparations for the Global Peace Summit at the level of leaders – Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the meeting with the President of Switzerland
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd agreed to start preparations for the Global Peace Summit at the level of heads of state in Switzerland.
"At today's meeting, we noted the successful work in the format of advisors on the Peace Formula yesterday. Switzerland effectively organized the meeting the day before. There was a significant expansion of representation – over 80 states and international institutions are involved already, as Mrs. President said. We appreciate that. And I am grateful to Mrs. President and her team for the agreement that our teams will start preparations for the Global Peace Summit at the level of leaders in Switzerland starting tomorrow," the Head of State said during a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with Viola Amherd in Bern.
The President of Ukraine emphasized that this summit should provide the momentum for everything that has already been accomplished and make it certain that the end of the war can only be just and that the restoration of the force of international law must be truly comprehensive.
"Switzerland is our partner in this. Thank you," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
For her part, Viola Amherd emphasized that Switzerland supports the peace process.
"Switzerland is ready to organize the Summit. We have agreed that we will be deeply involved in this issue to make the peace process successful, and our teams will start working on it immediately. On our side, we have already appointed a person to be in charge of this issue," she said.
"Switzerland will continue to advocate for a lasting and sustainable peace in Ukraine. Switzerland is pleased to be able to contribute to this," added Viola Amherd.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the negotiations with Viola Amherd in Bern: Ukraine has friends who are helping, and Switzerland is among them
During a working visit to Switzerland, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd.
The Head of State thanked Switzerland for its concern for the Ukrainian people and assistance in safeguarding lives.
"For you, being neutral does not mean ignoring reality. And you are morally truthful. You honestly assess what is happening in Europe and help us to safeguard lives. I am grateful for your principled political support of Ukraine from the first day of Russia's full-scale invasion. I thank you for joining the European sanctions packages. And, of course, for our joint work on the implementation of the Peace Formula," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, addressing Viola Amherd during a meeting with media representatives following the talks in Bern.
He emphasized that Switzerland's position is always of global importance and expressed gratitude for helping to promote justice and restore a fair peace.
The President of Ukraine also praised the humanitarian and financial assistance provided by Switzerland, assistance in reconstruction, political and sanctions support. According to him, a new program of long-term support was also discussed today.
"The urgent issue is the future of Russian assets that have been frozen in various jurisdictions around the world. The world majority agrees that Russian aggression is an unprovoked and criminal war that violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and literally every fundamental rule of international law... Using the assets of Russia and its affiliated persons to protect against Russian aggression is not only effective as a punishment for the aggressor, but also quite fair. The one who unleashed this war must pay the highest price for it," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
During the talks in Bern, considerable attention was paid to the issue of justice and, in particular, Switzerland's involvement in the creation of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Russian Aggression against Ukraine, which will ensure full accountability of Russian war criminals, as well as the political and military leadership of Russia.
The President of Ukraine thanked Switzerland for its work on demining. According to him, during the meeting, they discussed holding two conferences on demining in the spring and fall of this year.
"Today, 174,000 square kilometers of our territory are contaminated with Russian mines and unexploded ordnance. And it would be very difficult for any country in the world to cope with this task alone. Fortunately, Ukraine has friends who are helping. Switzerland is among them," the Head of State said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also emphasized the importance of continuing joint work on sanctions pressure on Russia, which must be effective. According to him, Ukraine counts on Switzerland's support in global efforts to block all schemes to circumvent sanctions.
"I invite Switzerland to work as actively as possible with all partners and the international sanctions group to put pressure on Russia to block its terrorist potential. Together we save lives," the President of Ukraine noted.
Viola Amherd, for her part, drew attention to the fact that today's meeting in Bern was the third bilateral meeting between the Presidents of Ukraine and Switzerland in the last three years, which demonstrates the strengthening and deepening of bilateral relations.
She noted that Switzerland pays great attention to the issue of rebuilding Ukraine, which is of strategic importance for the stability of the whole of Europe.
"The political compass for reconstruction is the Lugano Principles, laid down at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in July 2022," she said.
According to the President of the Swiss Confederation, Switzerland has planned to allocate CHF 1.5 billion in support of Ukraine for the period 2025-2028.
Viola Amherd noted that one of the key elements in the recovery of Ukraine is demining. Humanitarian demining is a prerequisite for displaced persons to return to their homes and for agricultural land to be cultivated again.
"If such a large exporting country as Ukraine harvests less, it will have global negative consequences," the Swiss President emphasized.
That is why, according to her, a conference on humanitarian demining will be held in Geneva in October 2024.
Viola Amherd also reminded that her country has joined the Register of Damage for Ukraine, initiated by the Council of Europe, and is part of a group of states working on the establishment of a Special International Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
"The ties between our countries are longstanding. I thank you for your visit to Switzerland and look forward to further cooperation between our countries," the President of the Swiss Confederation summarized.
President met with NATO Secretary General in Davos
In Davos, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
The Head of State thanked the NATO Secretary General for the steadfast support of the Alliance in the defense against Russian invasion.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Jens Stoltenberg discussed the situation on the battlefield. The President informed of the massive Russian shelling of Ukrainian cities and communities that had taken place recently. The Head of State emphasized the importance of further bolstering the Ukrainian air defense system.
The parties also discussed other defense needs of Ukraine.
The importance of signing a bilateral agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom within the framework of the G7 Joint Declaration adopted at the previous NATO summit in Vilnius was emphasized.
The President spoke about the ongoing work on similar documents with other partners and emphasized the importance of signing such agreements without delay, as they will be in force until Ukraine joins NATO.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Jens Stoltenberg discussed preparations for the next NATO Summit in Washington. The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine expects decisions to be made that will bring its membership in NATO closer.
President met with representatives of large global companies in Davos
On the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the 'CEOs for Ukraine' meeting.
The Head of State informed the interlocutors of the economic growth of our country, which exceeded 5% in 2023, and optimistic forecasts for GDP growth for the current year.
The President emphasized that Ukraine restored its export capabilities thanks to the functioning of a grain corridor independent of Russia.
"We have created a parallel corridor and demonstrated that we can drive the Russian fleet out of the Black Sea. We have started transporting not only grain, but also other goods," the Head of State noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the Ukrainian authorities are making significant efforts to ensure protection against Russia's aerial terror.
The President invited business representatives to invest in Ukraine and participate in its recovery.
"It is important that you stand with us, I thank you for your support. It is very important to be here, to boost investment in Ukraine and support our economy," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Head of State emphasized the special potential and prospects of military production. In particular, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of cooperation with leading Western defense companies.
The meeting was joined by: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the World Economic Forum Børge Brende, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Renaud-Basso, Vice Chancellor, Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection of the Federal Republic of Germany Robert Habeck.
U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker called on global businesses to actively explore investment opportunities in Ukraine. She emphasized the advantages of the economy, including the global digitalization of public administration in Ukraine.
President met with the largest financial funds in Davos
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the world's largest financial funds in Davos.
The meeting was also attended by: JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, JP Morgan Asset & Wealth Management CEO Mary Erdoes, JP Morgan Head of Debt Capital Markets Stefan Weiler, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker, BlackRock Vice Chairman Philipp Hildebrand, Founder of Bridgewater Associates Ray Dalio, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group David Rubenstein, Founder and Owner of Dell, Michael Dell, CEO of Blackstone Group Stephen Schwarzman, Australian entrepreneur Andrew Forrest, Founder of ArcelorMittal Lakshmi Mittal.
The Head of State emphasized the importance of attracting private capital to projects aimed at rebuilding Ukraine.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, it is important to develop and implement mechanisms of blended finance that combine private and public capital during the war.
"This is where we see your direct role right now. I know that you are actively cooperating with our team. I am looking forward to a tangible result," the President said.
The Head of State expressed hope that global financial funds would help attract a large number of global investors and corporations to the Ukrainian economy.
President of Ukraine met with U.S. Secretary of State in Davos
On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The event was also attended by National Security Advisor to the President of the United States Jake Sullivan and U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker.
The Head of State thanked the United States for its comprehensive assistance and leadership in supporting Ukraine.
"Ukraine is grateful to the President of the United States, the Congress and the entire American people for their unflagging and powerful support for our country. We count on your continued significant support, which is essential for our state," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The parties summarized the results of the fourth meeting of national security advisors and political advisors to the heads of state on the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula held in Davos and discussed the start of preparations for the Global Peace Summit. The interlocutors emphasized the need for the widest possible range of countries to be represented at the Summit.
They also discussed preparations for the NATO anniversary summit to be held in the United States. The participants of the meeting emphasized the importance of working on a bilateral document within the framework of the G7 Joint Declaration adopted at the previous NATO summit in Vilnius.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed Antony Blinken on the situation on the battlefield, as well as on the priorities of the Ukrainian Defense Forces for the current year and the means to fulfill them.
The participants of the meeting coordinated steps in the context of further defense cooperation between Ukraine and the United States, emphasizing the importance of bolstering Ukraine's air defense and long-range capabilities.
The parties discussed the issue of attracting international investment to Ukraine, particularly in defense production. The interlocutors noted that the goal of cooperation is to increase Ukraine's self-reliance and reduce its reliance on foreign military and financial aid.
In Davos, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen agreed to start screening Ukrainian legislation in the framework of negotiations on Ukraine
On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
The interlocutors discussed the key priorities of the EU-Ukraine agenda for the near future, as our country approaches the actual opening of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
The President of Ukraine and the President of the European Commission agreed to start screening Ukrainian legislation, which is another step towards the opening of negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union.
Particular attention was paid to the importance of unblocking the decision to provide €50 billion of EU assistance to our country at an extraordinary session of the European Council to be held on February 1, 2024. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for a consensus on this issue.
President of Ukraine held a meeting with the King and the Prime Minister of Belgium
In Davos, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with His Majesty King Philippe I of Belgium and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.
The parties discussed the priorities of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU in the light of Ukraine’s progress toward the practical start of EU accession talks.
The President thanked His Majesty King Philippe I and Alexander De Croo for Belgium's significant defense assistance to Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted Belgium's decision on providing Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, training of Ukrainian pilots by Belgian specialists, as well as the recent 15th defense assistance package.
The Head of State praised the leadership of Belgium in establishing a €1.7 billion Fund to support Ukraine through taxation on profits from frozen Russian assets. The President emphasized the importance of creating an efficient mechanism of confiscation of frozen assets of the aggressor.
The parties discussed Belgium's participation in the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula.