PRESS RELEASE : Tactics of Russian troops resembles terrorist methods when shelling of residential neighborhoods and kindergartens is carried out – Mykhailo Podolyak

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 February 2022.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Police and the Territorial Defense work well to maintain control over much of Ukraine’s territory, which has been attacked by the Russian Federation. This was stated by Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podoliak at a briefing in the Office of the Head of State.

“If we compare the military potentials of Ukraine and Russia, we are holding the line very effectively. Our enemies want to solve the key task – to capture Kyiv and the main cities of the east and south of the country. We know their plans, and the leadership of the Armed Forces especially understands them,” he said.

According to Mykhailo Podoliak, the tactics used by the Russian armed forces partly resembles terrorist methods when shelling of residential neighborhoods is carried out, and today even shelling of kindergartens took place.

“War crimes, which unfortunately took place as of today, must receive a strict legal assessment,” he said.

The Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office reiterated that the enemy will not be able to implement its plans to eliminate the leadership of the Ukrainian state and create chaos in the country. He confirmed that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Kyiv and is effectively managing the country and defense.

“Yesterday, the day before yesterday, today he works around the clock. He has regular meetings with other leaders of the country – the Cabinet of Ministers, deputies, as well as regular consultations with world leaders. The President is aware of everything that is happening in the country and makes operational decisions on governing the country,” Mykhailo Podoliak said.

He also said that the most difficult situation now is in the Kharkiv direction, in the Sumy region and in the south of the country, where quite heavy fighting continues between the Armed Forces and Russian troops.

The Adviser to the Head of the President’s Office noted that, according to preliminary data, more than a thousand servicemen of the aggressor country were killed today, which is quite a large number.

“Today he (President of Ukraine – ed.) is negotiating with world leaders in order to form the maximum fund of support for our Armed Forces by our partners,” Mykhailo Podoliak stressed.

During the briefing, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal informed about an extraordinary government meeting, which adopted a number of necessary decisions to equip and supply the army, ensure stable operation of hospitals and critical infrastructure during martial law.

In particular, the State Treasury of Ukraine together with the Ministry of Finance will redistribute funds to strengthen national security and defense, carry out the necessary priority measures and payments.

“The government has decided to carry out state domestic borrowing in the amount of up to 400 billion hryvnias through the gradual issuance of military bonds,” he said.

Additional funding was provided for the military, privates and commanders, and it was decided that the eSupport program, which accrues for the full vaccination course, could be used to help the army by transferring it to the International Charitable Foundation Return Alive or to a special account of the National Bank.

“Ports of Ukraine are under increased protection. The government has established the third level of protection in sea and river ports of Ukraine, in port facilities and on vessels that have the right to sail under the flag of Ukraine, for the period of martial law,” he added.

Also, according to the government’s decision, for the period of martial law, the leaders of the territorial defense zone have the right to decide for themselves what and how much humanitarian aid is needed. The State Customs Service and border guards must ensure the immediate passage of such assistance to hospitals, the Armed Forces and the Territorial Defense Forces.

In addition, a temporary cessation of exports of blood products has been introduced, and the Ministry of Health will approve the scope of mandatory provision of health care needs with donated blood and blood products.

Denys Shmyhal called on international partners to unite and stop the aggressor and its war against Ukraine.

“We call on all civilized countries to impose an embargo on Russian oil products, ban Russian citizens from entering your territory and disconnect Russia from SWIFT. We call on NATO, Europe, the United States to close the sky over Ukraine – this will not mean your military confrontation with Russia, this will mean that you have stopped the war, and your descendants will remember you as heroes. For our part, we will continue to defend our own land, we will not give up and we will destroy our enemies,” the head of government stressed.