President's participation in the 60th Munich Security Conference
We will do everything to bring Ukraine closer to NATO membership – Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference
Ukraine's primary objective is to become a NATO member, and our country will do everything to move closer to membership in the Alliance and strengthen relations with its allies, especially in security and armaments. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his participation in the Ukraine in the World panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference.
"What do we expect from the Alliance? The Vilnius Summit was important. We have started working. We have the Council, which is a real practical platform for discussion and assistance," the Head of State said, answering the questions of the panelists.
Also, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Vilnius, the G7 discussed and adopted a Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, which was joined by about 30 countries. And bilateral agreements on security commitments for Ukraine have already been signed with three states. So, as the President noted, the NATO Summit in Vilnius has yielded a positive result for our country.
"Specific weapons, specific money, specific deadlines. I think this is important," he added.
As for the invitation to join the Alliance, the Head of State emphasized that this is Ukraine's primary objective.
"Our goal is to be a member of NATO. I believe that we deserve it. We will do everything to bring Ukraine closer to the Alliance," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
He noted that inviting Ukraine to join NATO is an allied decision, and not all leaders support it yet. Therefore, work will continue in this direction.
"In any case, we expect to strengthen our relations, especially in terms of weapons. To be honest, arms packages, air defense packages are probably the most important thing for us today. Especially from those states that are hesitant to invite us to NATO," the President of Ukraine said.
In Munich, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the CEO of Alphabet and Google
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Alphabet Inc. and Google CEO Sundar Pichai.
The Head of State thanked him and the entire Google team for helping our country since the first days of full-scale Russian aggression. In particular, he noted the decision to allocate additional $10 million to support Ukrainian startups.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also emphasized the importance of Google's cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine on the Diia app and the Mriia educational digital project.
Special attention was paid to Ukraine's cooperation with Google in the field of cybersecurity. The President emphasized the important role of Google and YouTube in the fight against Russian propaganda and disinformation.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the appointment of the head of Google's Ukrainian office.
"This will be a powerful signal for global businesses to develop cooperation with our country," he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Prime Minister of Denmark in Munich
As part of his participation in the Munich Security Conference, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen.
The Head of State thanked Denmark for its constant leadership in assisting Ukraine and highly appreciated the 14 packages of defense support provided by Denmark.
The parties coordinated the final steps in the preparation of a bilateral security agreement based on the G7 Vilnius Declaration and discussed possible dates for signing.
The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Denmark paid special attention to further defense support for our country, bilateral cooperation and cooperation with other countries to provide Ukraine with the necessary weapons.
They also discussed the involvement of Denmark and Danish companies in the joint production of drones.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Mette Frederiksen for her assistance in promoting the Ukrainian Peace Formula. The leaders discussed preparations for the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland, emphasizing the importance of broad representation of countries.
President of Ukraine had a meeting with the President of Azerbaijan in Munich
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
The Head of State congratulated his interlocutor on winning the recent early presidential elections in Azerbaijan and expressed confidence in further strengthening of Ukraine-Azerbaijan relations.
"We really appreciate the warm relations between our states and our societies," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Presidents emphasized the unwavering mutual support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in trade, economic, energy, humanitarian and other areas.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted Azerbaijan's assistance in ensuring the reliable functioning of Ukraine's energy system.
He also thanked Ilham Aliyev for the implementation of projects to rebuild the city of Irpin and expressed hope for Azerbaijan's further contribution to Ukraine's economic recovery.
The leaders discussed possible joint economic projects, particularly in the energy sector. Specifically, they discussed the possible use of Ukrainian gas storage facilities.
The interlocutors coordinated future joint efforts. Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Ilham Aliyev about preparations for the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.
President met with the President of the Czech Republic in Munich
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel.
The Head of State thanked the Czech leader, the government and the people of the Czech Republic for their comprehensive support of Ukraine in countering the Russian invasion.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Petr Pavel reviewed the current needs of Ukrainian troops on the battlefield, in particular, for artillery systems and ammunition.
The heads of state also paid considerable attention to the issues of defense support for Ukraine, enhancing cooperation between the two countries' defense industries and joint arms production.
The Czech Republic's active role in cooperation with other allies to supply defense products for Ukraine's needs was noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy highly appreciated the support of the Ukrainian Peace Formula by the Czech Republic.
The interlocutors discussed Ukraine's progress toward EU membership and expectations from the Washington NATO Summit.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh
In Munich, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wazed.
The Head of State thanked the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, particularly within the UN, and emphasized the importance of Bangladesh's support for Ukrainian initiatives.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the Prime Minister about Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression, the situation on the battlefield and the Ukrainian vision of a just peace based on the Ukrainian Peace Formula. The President invited the People's Republic of Bangladesh to join the implementation of the Formula and take part in the inaugural Global Peace Summit.
Separately, the Head of State informed his interlocutor about Ukraine's efforts to create an alternative "grain corridor" in the Black Sea and prevent Russia's attempts to undermine peaceful navigation in the Black Sea region.
The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh also discussed the prospects of establishing cooperation in trade and economic sphere, in particular, the supply of Ukrainian agricultural products to this country.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with Mark Rutte in Munich
In the framework of the Munich Security Conference, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte.
The Head of State thanked the Kingdom of the Netherlands and personally Mark Rutte for the firm and significant support for Ukraine during the full-scale invasion of Russia.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed his interlocutor in detail about the situation at the front. He noted the defense assistance of the Netherlands in the amount of more than €2 billion envisaged for Ukraine this year, as well as contributions to the European Peace Fund, humanitarian aid and support for projects to rebuild our country.
The two sides discussed further defense support for Ukraine, the need for air defense and artillery. They also discussed the activities of the international aviation coalition, the important role of the Netherlands in training Ukrainian pilots in Romania and transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
The President of Ukraine noted the successful work of the teams of the two countries on the draft bilateral security agreement based on the G7 Vilnius Declaration.
The leaders also discussed the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and preparations for the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte paid special attention to Ukraine's integration into NATO.
President after meeting with the U.S. Vice President in Munich: The key issue now is preservation of principled American support for Ukraine
In the framework of the Munich Security Conference, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris.
The Head of State expressed gratitude to the interlocutor for respecting the Ukrainian people and warriors, and for the vital support and leadership of the United States that helped our country rally the world and withstand Russian attacks.
“We must continue to stand together – Ukraine and America, all our partners. We must further contribute to the much-needed security, achieve joint results, increase the resilience of our resistance to Russian aggression, and prove to Putin every day that his hatred of people and freedom will never defeat our unity – the unity of the free world,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during the meeting with journalists following the negotiations with Kamala Harris in Munich.
According to the President, the main topics of today's conversation were security and resilience.
"Of course, the key issue for us now is to preserve the principled American support. Ukraine and all our warriors need and look forward to a positive vote on the support package. I am grateful to everyone who realizes how much depends on this one vote," the Head of State said.
The interlocutors also discussed continued cooperation with the United States and other partners to bolster Ukraine's air defense.
"Each Patriot system not only saves hundreds and thousands of lives, but also allows our cities and thus our economy to work normally," the President said and added that air defense is a key component of strengthening the economic independence of our country.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also informed Kamala Harris about the situation at the front and the capabilities and prospects of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, provided they receive sufficient support.
He told the U.S. Vice President about Ukraine's ongoing transformation and the preparation of the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.
The interlocutors also discussed the restoration of justice and further pressure on Vladimir Putin and his regime in all areas.
"In particular, this year we have to ensure the confiscation and use of Russian assets to protect against Russian terror. Putin does not value human lives, and does not understand or observe any rules. The only things that matter to Putin are money and power. We need a strong decision that will confiscate Russia's frozen assets. And we need further full-scale sanctions pressure on Russia to limit Putin's ability to finance this war," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The Head of State noted the proximity of views between Ukraine and the United States on fundamental issues and thanked the American people, President Joseph Biden, both parties and chambers of Congress for their vital support.
For her part, Kamala Harris assured of further support for Ukraine.
"We must demonstrate to aggressors like Putin that one cannot seize foreign land with impunity," she said.
According to the Vice President of the United States, there is bipartisan support for Ukraine in both houses of the U.S. Congress, and President Joseph Biden's team will continue its work to provide the resources Ukraine needs to succeed.
"We will further support your efforts to achieve peace on fair terms. We adhere to the principle that Russia will pay for what it has done, for what it has committed. And we will see Ukraine emerge from this war as a free, democratic and independent country," Kamala Harris emphasized.
President of Ukraine met with the President-elect of Finland in Munich
In the framework of the Munich Security Conference, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President-elect of Finland Alexander Stubb.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated the interlocutor on winning the election and thanked for his clear stance on condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine.
"We are extremely grateful to your country and your people for the unwavering support and warm attitude towards Ukraine and Ukrainians. You have been with us since the first days of the full-scale war," the Head of State noted.
The President of Ukraine informed Alexander Stubb about the current situation at the front and the urgent defense needs of the Ukrainian army.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of maintaining Finland's support for Ukraine on its path to NATO and the European Union.
President had a meeting with the U.S. Senate delegation in Munich
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the U.S. Senate delegation, comprising senators from the Democratic and Republican parties.
The Head of State expressed gratitude for the bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine in the U.S. Congress. He noted that Ukraine counts on continued U.S. leadership in the defense of freedom and upholding democracy in Europe and around the world.
"We are grateful to the President of the United States and both parties for your decisions, support and assistance. You make the necessary decisions at critical moments. We count on the United States, on all Americans. We are glad that you are with us – on the right side," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized the importance of the recent decision of the Senate in support of the bill providing for the allocation of $60 billion in aid to Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed the senators about Ukraine's priority defense needs, including additional artillery systems and ammunition, long-range weapons, electronic warfare, and strengthening air defense.
The Head of State also spoke about the steps taken by Ukraine to counter Russia's attempts to undermine free navigation and unimpeded food exports through the Black Sea.
The President thanked for the initiatives that limit the resources of the Russian aggressor state to wage war against Ukraine and for the steps taken by the United States to create a legislative mechanism for the confiscation of frozen Russian sovereign assets to rebuild our country.
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the new President of Guatemala
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Guatemala Bernardo Arévalo, who recently took office after winning the election.
The Head of State expressed gratitude for Guatemala's unwavering support for Ukraine since the first days of Russia's full-scale aggression.
"We are grateful to your country and society for supporting Ukraine, our sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is important for us to have strong bilateral relations with Guatemala," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President of Ukraine noted the participation of Guatemala in the meeting of national security and foreign policy advisors on the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and invited Bernardo Arévalo to participate in the inaugural Global Peace Summit at the level of heads of state.
"We are interested in the broadest possible representation of the countries of the world at this important summit," the Head of State emphasized.
The President of Ukraine informed his counterpart of ensuring the operation of the "grain corridor" despite all Russia's attempts to obstruct free navigation in the Black Sea. The heads of state also discussed the possibility of building a network of grain hubs to ensure the export of Ukrainian agricultural products and global food security.