PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine to consider severance of diplomatic relations with Russia and other effective steps to respond to recent events – Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 February 2022.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he had received a request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regarding the severance of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The Head of State said this during a conversation with the media following the talks with President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis in Kyiv.

“Immediately after our press conference, I will work on this issue. And not only this issue, but also our effective steps as regards escalation on the part of the Russian Federation,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that it was not the first time that Ukraine called on Russia to resolve the issue of de-escalation through dialogue at the negotiating table.

“We are ready to do it on any platform, and Russia knows it. And not only Russia. In recent months, we have consulted with almost all the leaders of the EU, the United States and the United Kingdom, and proposed various formats of dialogue in which the Russian Federation would be present,” the President reminded.

The President stated that on February 21, by recognizing illegal formations in the occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the Russian Federation gave the answer that everyone saw.

“Ukraine must respond to this by defending its sovereignty and state,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

At the same time, according to the President, the Ukrainian side believes that a broad escalation on the part of Russia will not happen.

“But if it happens, (large-scale offensive – ed.), martial law will be imposed,” added Volodymyr Zelenskyy.