PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed further support for Ukraine with the US Secretary of State [ September 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 8 September 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The Head of State emphasized that Antony Blinken’s visit is an important demonstration of US leadership positions and a sign of solidarity with Ukraine during the full-scale invasion of Russia. The President noted the tangible support of the United States for the sovereignty of our state. He emphasized that the aid that Ukraine receives will accelerate the achievement of the main goal – the restoration of the territorial integrity of the Ukrainian state.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy highly appreciated the decision announced by the President of the United States on August 24 to provide Ukraine with $6 billion in grant support: a $3 billion package of security assistance and $3 billion in financial support through the World Bank. The Head of State also thanked for the new package of defense aid to our country in the amount of $675 million approved today at the meeting at the Ramstein.

“We are grateful for this signal, grateful for your great support that we feel every day. Allow me in your presence to thank President Biden’s administration, him personally, and the Congress of the United States of America for this,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President noted that American weapons have a positive effect on the situation at the front. The Armed Forces of Ukraine especially respect the HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems. On behalf of the Ukrainian military, the Head of State thanked the United States for these weapons.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Antony Blinken discussed in detail the prospects of increasing defense support for Ukraine from the United States. The importance of the official launch of the Lend-Lease program was noted.

Speaking about the post-war world order, the President emphasized the importance of developing effective security guarantees for Ukraine. According to him, stability in Europe is impossible without such guarantees.

He also noted the high level of trust between the leaders of Ukraine and the US, and the effective functioning of existing bilateral negotiation formats.

“It is very important that the United States of America is with us. For us, this is a guarantee that we will be able to return our lands,” the Head of State emphasized.

The parties discussed the situation at the Zaporizhzhia NPP in detail. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the constructive position of the US and Antony Blinken personally regarding the demilitarization of the ZNPP. He noted the importance of using all available mechanisms to ensure the implementation of this goal.

The President highly appreciated the economic and financial assistance that the United States provides to Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that the United States will play a leading role in the implementation of the Fast Recovery Plan. This is necessary to prepare Ukraine for winter, to restore residential buildings, schools, hospitals and critical infrastructure facilities destroyed by the Russian army.

Hope was also expressed for the continuation of effective cooperation in the framework of the IMF and the World Bank.

During the meeting, the importance of increasing international pressure on the aggressor state, which must be punished for crimes committed in Ukraine, was emphasized. It was noted that Russia already feels the economic consequences of its aggression, and its price will only increase. It is necessary to ensure that every citizen of the aggressor state is affected by the actions of his country. For this purpose, it is necessary to limit as much as possible the issuance of visas for Russians to the countries of the democratic world, in particular to the US.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his belief that Russia should be given the “honorary” status of a state – sponsor of terrorism.

“We have all seen the information about the body of British volunteer Paul Urey handed over to us by the aggressor. And terrible footage showing torture. This is yet another proof that we are dealing with a terrorist state,” the President said.

The parties positively noted the recovery of Ukrainian grain exports, which makes it possible to prevent the global food crisis deliberately provoked by Russia.

“The world must prevent the disruption of grain exports from Ukraine,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The interlocutors exchanged views on further contacts at high and highest levels.

The progress of reforms in our country and the importance of their continuation were discussed separately.

During the meeting, the President presented the Order of Yaroslav the Wise of the II degree to Antony Blinken. The Order was awarded to him for significant personal merits in strengthening interstate cooperation, support of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.