Meetings and events with the participation of the President on the occasion of the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine
In Lviv, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mette Frederiksen honored the memory of the fallen defenders of Ukraine
In Lviv, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mette Frederiksen honored the memory of the fallen defenders of Ukraine
In Lviv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, who is on a visit to our country, honored the memory of the defenders fallen during the Ukrainian-Russian war.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mette Frederiksen laid flowers at the graves of Ukrainian warriors at the Field of Mars at the Lychakiv Cemetery.
The Head of State and the Prime Minister of Denmark also honored the memory of an unknown warrior of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who perished in 2022 and was buried in Lviv.
The Lychakiv Military Cemetery is a military burial ground in Lviv. Since April 2022, servicemen who were killed during the Ukrainian-Russian war have been buried at the cemetery's Field of Mars.
In Lviv, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mette Frederiksen signed an Agreement on security cooperation and long-term support
In Lviv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen signed an Agreement on security cooperation and long-term support between Denmark and Ukraine.
The document builds on the provisions of the Joint Declaration adopted by Ukraine and the members of the Group of Seven in Vilnius on July 12, 2023, which was immediately joined by all Nordic countries.
According to the agreement, Denmark reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders as of 1991.
Denmark’s security commitments reflect a strategic choice and involve comprehensive support to Ukraine’s inherent right of self-defense against Russia’s full-scale war of aggression and deterrence of future Russian aggression.
The document sets out the main components of Denmark's security commitments to Ukraine, including long-term military and financial assistance, and outlines the priority areas of bilateral security cooperation in the military and non-military spheres, including political, financial, humanitarian sphere, and reform efforts.
According to the agreement, in 2024, Danish military support will amount to at least EUR 1.8 billion. In addition, Denmark’s Ukraine Fund, totaling EUR 8.5 billion, covers support in 2023-2028 and serves as a comprehensive framework for the long-term military and civilian support.
Denmark will support Ukraine for ten years of the Agreement.
The document provides for ongoing military assistance in various areas in coordination and cooperation with relevant international partners and institutions, focusing on air force and air defense, maritime security, demining, technology and drones, as well as other key capabilities and urgent needs of Ukraine.
Denmark will support efforts in securing a holistic F-16 capacity through the Air Force Capability Coalition, including with the donation of fighter jets, ammunition, simulators and training as well as contributing to the long-term maintenance of the fighter jets and the establishment of the proper facilities in Ukraine.
The partners will cooperate to enable Ukraine to counter Russian cyber aggression, cyber espionage and hybrid warfare.
Denmark will also continue to actively engage with the city of Mykolaiv and Mykolaiv region to support their reconstruction, resilience and reforms.
In addition, the agreement reaffirms Denmark's support for Ukraine's future membership in the EU and NATO, in particular by supporting Ukraine's reform plans and the interoperability of its Defense and Security Forces with the Alliance. The parties reaffirm that Ukraine is an integral part of Euro-Atlantic and global security. Ukraine, for its part, commits to implementing the reforms set out by the EU, IMF and NATO.
In the event of a future armed attack on Ukraine by Russia, the agreement provides for consultations within 24 hours to determine the appropriate next steps.
The document is valid for 10 years from the date of signing and provides for the possibility of extending the term of validity by joint decision of the parties.
The President met with a delegation from the U.S. Senate in Lviv
During his working trip to Lviv region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the leader of the U.S. Senate Democratic Majority, Chuck Schumer, as well as Senators Richard Blumenthal, Jack Reed, Michael Bennet, and Maggie Hassan.
The Head of State emphasized that the visit of the senators to Ukraine is particularly important on the eve of the second anniversary of the start of Russia's large-scale military aggression against Ukraine.
"This is a serious message from the United States, from the American people. It shows that you support us. Americans are on the side of truth, and we share common values. I thank you for helping us preserve democracy not only in Ukraine, as the struggle for democracy and freedom must be fought around the world," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The President thanked the Congress, the Democratic and Republican parties, the President of the United States, and the American people for providing defense, financial, and economic assistance to Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the leadership role of the United States in providing support for our country from the first days of the large-scale invasion and continuing it during the two years of the war.
"Throughout these two years, we have always felt that the United States stands with us," the President said.
At the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy provided the senators with detailed information about the situation on the front lines and the urgent needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
The Head of State called for further boosting defense assistance to achieve strategic goals on the front lines. The President emphasized that obtaining additional air defense systems and various types of UAVs, as well as strengthening the long-range capabilities of our military to effectively protect civilians and critical infrastructure, remains the priority.
Ukrainians did not betray their independence, the world did not fail in supporting Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the award ceremony for servicemen in Hostomel
On the second anniversary of the start of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with servicemen who took part in the defense of the Antonov Airport and presented state awards.
The event took place on the territory of the Antonov Airport near the town of Hostomel in Kyiv region. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium Alexander De Croo, and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau attended the ceremony.
"Today, we are in a symbolic place, in Hostomel. It was here that Putin wanted to win the battle for our capital, the battle for Kyiv – the key battle of that blitzkrieg he planned. And it was here that he suffered the first – and fundamental – defeat. When our soldiers destroyed the Russian killers' landing and didn't allow Russia to create its foothold here, the world saw the most important thing. It saw that any evil can be defeated, and Russian aggression is no exception," said the Head of State. According to him, when the world did not yet believe in Ukraine, Ukrainians proved that they could fight, resist, and will continue to do so.
"The unity of people can do more than any dictator. And courage, ordinary people's courage, can turn even those pages of history that seemed like they would never end. Ukrainians did not betray their independence. The world did not fail, did not make a mistake and supported Ukraine," said the President.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked all friends and partners of Ukraine for their support of our state and people, as well as Ukrainian soldiers and millions of ordinary people who joined in defending the country.
"And that's why despite all the difficulties and doubts, the world's attention is still focused on Ukraine. Our destiny depends only on us! And we can achieve our goals, the goals of peace, the goals of Ukrainians. And we are doing it. Russian madness will not prevail on our land, in our sea, in our sky," said the Head of State.
The President expressed confidence that all Russian killers, starting with President Putin, will be held accountable for what they have done in Ukraine.
"We will ensure justice for Ukraine. And thanks to our battle, the world will surely be convinced again that there is no one stronger than people who believe in themselves. This is one of the most important rules of life in the world – peoples must believe in themselves to not let anyone break their lives. I am proud of our people, proud of our Ukrainian nation! And may we all be worthy of those bravest people of ours who at different times fought for Ukraine, fought for freedom, and gave their lives so that Ukraine could live," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The attendees honored the memory of the fallen soldiers with a moment of silence.
The Head of State awarded the Order of the Golden Star to Hero of Ukraine, Master Sergeant Ihor Hryschenko, who has been participating in combat operations on the Kyiv front since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion and continues to defend the country on the South-Eastern front. On the front lines, Ihor Hryschenko professionally performs the functions of a navigator for the strike UAV complex, destroying enemy soldiers and equipment.
Captain Maksym Danylchuk, who performed combat missions in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions in 2022-2023, also received the highest state award. Thanks to his skillful leadership, Ukrainian defenders destroyed many Russian occupiers and enemy equipment. In particular, last February, the captain ensured the repulsion of numerous attacks by the Wagner PMC assault groups in Donetsk region.
Colonel Oleksandr Doleiko, an anti-aircraft missile operator, received the Order of the Golden Star from the President. Thanks to his skilled leadership, his unit destroyed a large number of enemy targets during air battles at the beginning of the Russian aggression, protecting Ukrainian servicemen and equipment from destruction. He was wounded in an enemy missile strike but continued to command and ensured the withdrawal of the division avoiding the enemy attack. After treatment, Oleksandr Doleiko returned to service.
The President also awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine and presented the Order to the grenade launcher of the National Guard, Senior Sergeant Illia Zheved, who showed courage and bravery in June 2022 by stopping the overwhelming forces of Russian occupiers in Donetsk region, contributing to the repulsion of the enemy's advance. In March, he fell into an ambush with his comrades, but in a difficult situation, Illia Zheved quickly organized defense and destroyed enemy armored vehicles and about ten occupiers. During enemy shelling, he managed to cover his wounded comrade with his body and himself sustained a gunshot wound to the hand. However, he continued to skillfully fire and enabled the evacuation of the wounded comrade.
The Head of State awarded the Golden Star to Hero of Ukraine, Captain of the Maritime Security Service of the State Border Guard Service Petro Melnyk. Under his leadership, the border unit performed tasks in Mariupol in the spring of 2022 amidst the absence of stable communication, constant enemy missile and artillery strikes, amid a humanitarian catastrophe, and in conditions of virtual encirclement. At the Mariupol Sea Commercial Port, a group of border guards under Petro Melnyk's command repelled several enemy advances. In mid-April 2022, the border guards relocated to the Azovstal plant. The captain personally participated in operations to evacuate the injured personnel by aviation.
The highest state award was also received by Hero of Ukraine, Senior Sergeant Denys Chubarev, commander of the mortar battery of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who repeatedly demonstrated in battles his ability to meticulously plan and build dense defense, which repels any aggression, allows resistance using 82-mm mortars for an extended period, prevents the penetration of sabotage and reconnaissance groups into the rear of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and systematically forces the enemy to retreat, often with losses.
Additionally, Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the President's insignia "Cross of Military Merit" to Lieutenant Colonel Oleh Dmytryshyn, Junior Sergeant Serhiy Dobko, Sergeant Olena Dubyna, and Soldier Dmytro Kovalskyi.
The President also awarded the defenders of Ukraine with the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky II and III classes, "For Courage" II and III classes, and the " Personalized firearm" award.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, Chief of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Anatoliy Barhylevych, Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Pavliuk, and Chief of Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov were present at the event.
The Head of State together with the President of the European Commission, the Prime Ministers of Italy, Canada, Belgium honored the memory of the fallen defenders of Ukraine at Mykhailivska Square
On the second anniversary of the start of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, and Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo, honored the memory of the fallen defenders of Ukraine in the Russian-Ukrainian war.
The Head of the Ukrainian state and foreign leaders walked along the line of the honor guard soldiers and laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance on Mykhailivska Square in Kyiv.
Soldiers of the honor guard of the Armed Forces of Ukraine laid a wreath from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and wreaths from the heads of the governments of Italy, Canada, Belgium, and the President of the European Commission.
To the sounds of the trumpet, those present paid tribute to the memory of the fallen defenders of Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Justin Trudeau in Kyiv signed the Security Cooperation Agreement between Ukraine and Canada
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is visiting our country.
"Thank you for being with us in Ukraine on this day. We are grateful for all your support over these two years – it is very important and very powerful," said the Head of the Ukrainian state.
At the meeting, the leaders signed the Security Cooperation Agreement between Ukraine and Canada.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy highly appreciated the signing of the document, noting that it lays a reliable foundation for long-term and deepened partnership between the states.
"It's a robust and timely decision, being an important contribution to strengthening our resilience," he said.
The agreement establishes a Canadian-Ukrainian strategic security partnership, indentifying areas for enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields, including defense, stability, and resilience.
The document provides for Canada's allocation of over CAD 3 billion in macro-financial and defense assistance to Ukraine in 2024.
Additionally, the document confirms Canada's support for Ukraine's future membership in NATO, including by promoting Ukrainian reforms and aligning Ukraine's security and defense forces with the Alliance.
The agreement establishes a mechanism for 24-hour emergency response in the event of renewed military aggression against Ukraine, and includes assistance to our country in strengthening its own capabilities to properly respond to possible escalation of aggression from Russia.
The document is valid for ten years from the date of its signing and provides for the possibility of review by the partners if Ukraine joins NATO before the end of its term.
At the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Justin Trudeau also discussed the provision of new missile defense systems, production, and transfer of armored vehicles within a multi-year assistance program to Ukraine for protecting Ukrainian soldiers and their medical evacuation.
The President thanked Canada for its contribution to providing Ukrainian defense forces with drones, armored vehicles, ammunition, and assistance in infrastructure development for F-16 fighter jets.
The interlocutors also discussed preparations for the July NATO summit in Washington, bilateral energy projects, including nuclear energy, and Canada's and Canadian businesses' participation in post-war reconstruction in Ukraine.
The special role of Canada in creating and coordinating the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children illegally taken by the aggressor was noted.
The President emphasized the importance of Canada's decision today to provide funding for the completion of the Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide in Ukraine and thanked the Canadian government and the Ukrainian community for their support.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Giorgia Meloni in Kyiv signed the Security Cooperation Agreement between Ukraine and Italy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giorgia Meloni.
The Head of State and the head of the Italian government discussed the cooperation between the countries and agreed on further steps during Italy's presidency of the Group of Seven (G7). The President thanked Italy for its support of defense capabilities and the reconstruction of Ukraine, which are identified as priority issues during Italy's presidency, as well as for its decision to continue providing military-technical assistance to our state until the end of 2024.
"Italy holds the presidency of the G7 this year. Therefore, we highly value its presence here today with us," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Separately, the President thanked the Prime Minister of Italy for organizing a G7+Ukraine meeting on the occasion of the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted Italy's role in bringing Ukraine closer to full membership in the EU.
The Head of State also expressed gratitude for Italy's patronage over Odesa and the Italian government's plans for the reconstruction of Ukrainian historical monuments damaged in hostilities.
Following the meeting, the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic signed a Security Cooperation Agreement between the two countries.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy summarized that this document lays a solid foundation for a long-term security partnership between Ukraine and Italy.
The agreement was signed to extend the provisions of the Joint Declaration adopted by Ukraine and G7 members in Vilnius on July 12, 2023.
The agreement outlines the main components of Italy's security commitments, including long-term military and financial assistance throughout its duration. The agreement identifies priority areas for bilateral security cooperation between Ukraine and Italy in military and non-military spheres, including political, financial, humanitarian, and reform sectors.
The document specifies that Italy will continue to address Ukraine's most urgent needs to strengthen its security capabilities. The Italian Republic has already extended the relevant legislation for 2024, allowing for further military support, and will provide assistance to Ukraine for ten years under this agreement.
Additionally, Italy will continue to contribute to the EU Mission providing military assistance to Ukraine by conducting training for servicemen.
Furthermore, the Italian Republic will continue its partnership with Odesa and the region to provide support, reconstruction, enhance resilience, and implement reforms.
Specific sections of the document outline cooperation on issues such as sanction pressure on the aggressor and holding Russia accountable.
The agreement specifies the concrete amounts of financial support and military packages provided to Ukraine by Italy since the beginning of the full-scale Russian aggression, with the commitment of the Italian Republic to continue providing such assistance throughout the ten years of the agreement's validity.
Moreover, the document confirms Italy's support for Ukraine's future NATO membership, particularly by supporting Ukrainian reforms and compatibility of Ukraine's Security and Defense Forces with the Alliance.
The agreement establishes a mechanism for 24-hour emergency response in case of renewed military aggression against Ukraine.
The document is valid for ten years from the date of signing and allows for review by the partners if Ukraine joins NATO before its expiration.
Despite all the difficulties, Ukraine will only grow stronger together with its partners in the free world – the President following meetings with Ursula von der Leyen, Giorgia Meloni, Justin Trudeau, Alexander De Croo
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held meetings with Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo, who arrived in our country on the occasion of the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Head of State said that bilateral security cooperation agreements were signed today with the heads of the governments of Canada and Italy.
"On the day of the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we once again prove that despite all the difficulties and challenges, Ukraine will only grow stronger and will always be, together with its partners, in the free world," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting with representatives of the media following negotiations with foreign leaders at the Mariyinsky Palace in Kyiv.
The Head of State thanked everyone who helps Ukraine, all leaders, public and political figures, entrepreneurs, and all the people of the world who are with Ukraine in heart and deed, with our soldiers and our people.
"Thank you to each of you, dear friends! And I am proud that today so many people in the world support our country," said the President.
Separately, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Prime Minister of Canada for signing a bilateral security agreement, which opens up new opportunities for cooperation between Ukraine and Canada in the security sphere.
"Defense support is formalized for a year, and the agreement, like all others, will work until our accession to NATO. The principled position of Canada's support for Ukraine's membership in the Alliance is recorded. Concrete opportunities for cooperation in defense production, intelligence, cyber security, demining, and protection of our critical infrastructure are also recorded. And this is far from the entire content of the agreement," said the Head of State.
Additionally, as the President said, the security agreement concluded today between Ukraine and Italy contains key aspects of interaction, particularly at the European and Euro-Atlantic levels.
"We appreciate Italy's decision to continue supporting Ukraine, our people, and our soldiers until the end of 2024 and throughout the duration of our agreement. And I am grateful that security issues will continue to be a priority in the activities of the largest democracies – in the G7," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"We must do everything possible and within our power to make 2024 a decisive year for restoring real and long-term security for Ukraine, Europe, and the world," the Head of State said.
President of Ukraine also held a trilateral meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Alexander De Croo, the Prime Minister of Belgium, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
"We have reached a political decision to open negotiations on membership. And we are ready to receive a negotiation framework and then start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. We can do all this during Belgium's presidency – together with you, Mr. Prime Minister. This will not only be a clear indication that a united Europe does not succumb to any Putin's blackmail, but also evidence that Europe recognizes and respects the full commitment of the Ukrainian people to European values and solidarity. Together, we must address each of the existing disagreements in Europe, and we must together defend our Europe against all forms of Russian aggression against Europe. Our Europe is and will remain among the global leaders," noted Volodymyr Zelensky and expressed gratitude to Ursula von der Leyen and Alexander De Croo.
Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni said that her country provides military and humanitarian support to Ukraine. Additionally, she highlighted the cooperation between the two countries in the economic sector, various industrial sectors, and the energy sector.
"Today's signing of the agreement confirms that Italy will continue to provide necessary support for the freedom and independence of Ukraine – a country against which aggression has been committed – helping it to build its future," said Giorgia Meloni.
The Prime Minister of Italy emphasized support for negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union.
"I want to say to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the entire Ukrainian people: you are not alone. We are deeply grateful to you for continuing the fight to defend Europe and our security. Because the security of Ukraine and the security of Europe truly coincide," she affirmed.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the continuation of support for Ukraine, particularly through providing military, financial assistance, and further sanction pressure on the military-political leadership of Russia.
"We have already provided half a million units of ammunition, and by the end of the year, we will reach the level of one million. Also, 60,000 soldiers are trained with our assistance," she said.
The President of the European Commission said that Ukraine must be capable of successfully defending itself in the future, so the EU wants to strengthen the defense capabilities of our state as part of the European system.
"We are developing a strategy for the defense industry, which we will present in three weeks. This will be the first step in integrating Ukraine into our defense industrial programs. At the same time, we are learning from you, from your experience on the battlefield. We want to intensify this cooperation and open an innovative defense office in Kyiv," Ursula von der Leyen said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized that the security agreement between Ukraine and Canada involves providing our state with financial assistance of CAD 3 billion.
"This support will continue what we have been doing since 2022; we will continue to provide it. It includes serious support for the armored coalition – this is our strong point – and will allow us to demonstrate leadership among partners. As well as support for the fighter jet coalition, continuing our commitments we made in July. We are focused on the long-term perspective so that Ukraine can achieve a complete victory over Putin," said the head of the Canadian government.
Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo assured of the continuation of support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
"This year, Belgium's military contribution will be over one billion. We are part of the F-16 coalition and are training your pilots so that they can deploy fighters to protect your skies as quickly as possible," he said.
Alexander De Croo announced that Belgium has decided to open offices of the Belgian Development Agency in Kyiv and Kharkiv. According to him, the issue of rebuilding Ukraine is extremely important, and Russia must pay for it. The Prime Minister of Belgium also said that the issue of using frozen Russian assets is currently being worked out.
https://www.president.gov.ua/news/