"Ukrainian heroes are needed by the country alive - this is our principle!" Address by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky

17.05.2022 13:01

Photo by president.gov.ua

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the people, telling about the situation in Mariupol and the diplomatic activity of our country on the world stage.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainians!

Our defenders!

The 82nd day of our defense is coming to an end. A difficult day. But this day, like all others, is aimed precisely at protecting our country and our people.

Regarding the situation in Mariupol.

Thanks to the actions of the Ukrainian military, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, intelligence, the negotiating team, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations, we hope that we will be able to save the lives of our guys. Among them are the seriously injured, they are being treated.

I want to emphasize that Ukraine needs Ukrainian heroes alive. This is our principle. I think that every adequate person will understand these words.

The operation to rescue the defenders of Mariupol was launched by our military and spies. To get the boys home, the work goes on, and it takes delicacy and time.

We maintain maximum diplomatic activity in other areas in the interests of Ukraine.

I spoke today with the IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. How to speed up the provision of financial assistance to Ukraine, given the state budget deficit during the war, which is about $ 5 billion a month. They also talked about the main directions of further cooperation.

On the eve of the meeting of the GXNUMX finance ministers, these talks with the IMF director are a direct preparation for very important decisions for Ukraine.

A high-ranking Polish delegation worked in Kyiv. They were consulted on cooperation at the European Union level. In particular, it concerns the acceleration of our integration into the European Union and the expected decision on the candidate status for Ukraine.

We are also working to ensure that the European Union agrees on a sixth package of sanctions against Russia. The oil embargo must be a part of it, and it is in the interests not only of our state, but of the whole of Europe. I am grateful to those leaders of the continent who are aware of this and help to promote a solution.

He addressed the student community of the United States of America - representatives of leading universities. He also talked to the rectors and presidents of these educational institutions. The key issue is to involve American universities in rebuilding our education system after the war. In addition, they discussed political issues, including the defense of democracy, countering Russian propaganda and fakes.

Ukraine's armed forces are holding back constant attacks in areas where Russia is still trying to advance. Severodonetsk and other Donbass cities still remain the main targets for the occupiers. We do everything to protect our land and our people.

He signed decrees on awarding our heroes. 201 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were awarded state awards. The title of Hero of Ukraine was awarded to Senior Lieutenant Kirill Yasharuogli Agasiev - platoon commander of the 92nd separate mechanized brigade. And to Lieutenant Colonel Yerka Vyacheslav Volodymyrovych - Commander of the Aviation Squadron of the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade (posthumously).

Eternal glory to everyone and everyone who stood up for our state!

Eternal memory to all who gave their lives for Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!"