PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak – Weapons, sanctions and consolidated position of democratic world will help stop Russian aggression

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 June 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak is convinced that if all the necessary weapons are obtained and effective sanctions are imposed, Ukraine will win this war, and only such steps can force Russia to sit down at the negotiating table and enter into dialogue. He said this while participating in a video conference format in a meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Irish Parliament.

“I am convinced that if we get all the necessary weapons and the effective sanctions regime is strengthened, we will win. It will be a victory not only for Ukraine, it will be a victory for all our partners and friends,” Andriy Yermak stressed.

Asked whether he considers changes in Russia’s imperial policy possible, the Head of the President’s Office said that, unfortunately, there is only a language of force and blackmail in Russia’s political culture.

“So I think that historically, if we all, the democratic free world, win, then in the long run it might happen. But now Russia can sit down at the negotiating table only if what I said above happens: weapons, sanctions and a consolidated position of the whole democratic world. And, of course, Ukraine’s victory on the frontline,” he said.

Andriy Yermak also noted that many Ukrainian children were forcibly deported to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. At the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a special group has already begun to search for these children and prevent illegal procedures against them.

According to Andriy Yermak, possible mediation in these issues would be very important and would be welcomed by Ukraine.

The Head of the President’s Office stressed the urgency of food security issue in the world given Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Work is currently underway with the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom and Turkey on how to unblock ports and create humanitarian corridors so that Ukrainian agricultural products can be exported.

Answering questions about the situation with internally displaced persons in our country and opportunities to help them, Andriy Yermak said that there are state support programs, and Ukraine also welcomes any initiatives by partners to help these people, including participation in rapid construction of temporary housing for them. To implement such projects, he suggested establishing cooperation between the relevant government officials of Ukraine and Ireland.