PRESS RELEASE : President of Ukraine had a phone conversation with the President of the United States

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 13 February 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with President of the United States Joseph Biden.

The leaders discussed the security situation around our country – exchanged available information, its assessments and discussed ways of de-escalation.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the Ukrainian party understands all current risks and is ready for any developments.

“We will stop any escalation towards Ukraine. The capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, and other cities of our state – Kharkiv and Lviv, Dnipro and Odesa – are safe and under reliable protection,” the Head of State emphasized.

The President of Ukraine noted the steps taken by the United States and other partners who continue to provide us with effective support.

“We feel it. And we hope that, among other things, it will help prevent the spread of panic,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President of Ukraine thanked Joseph Biden for the unwavering support of the United States for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and stressed the importance of providing effective security guarantees for our country.

“We are ready to discuss them in different formats,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing that there can be no security in Europe without the security of Ukraine.

The interlocutors reaffirmed the unity of positions on the importance of continuing political and diplomatic efforts to unblock the peace process and restore stability. The President of Ukraine stressed that our state stands exclusively for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Attention was paid to the steps taken to de-escalate and achieve peace within all existing negotiation formats.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the importance of the United States’ efforts in the consolidation of international support of Ukraine. The President of Ukraine commended the active cooperation with the United States in the field of security and defense, which contributes to strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“We are not a member of NATO yet. Therefore, only a powerful Ukrainian army is the key to the security of our state,” the President stressed.

The leaders discussed sanctions in the event of escalation of aggression by Russia.

The issue of increasing Ukraine’s financial and energy stability against the background of current challenges was also discussed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Joseph Biden for his support and invited him to visit Ukraine: “I am convinced that your arrival in Kyiv in the coming days, which are crucial for stabilizing the situation, will be a powerful signal and contribute to de-escalation.”