Office of the President of Ukraine

Ukraine severed diplomatic relations with Russia
President Zelenskyy at a briefing at the Office of the Head of State: "This morning has gone down in history, but this story is completely different for our country and for Russia. We have severed diplomatic relations with Russia. Ukraine is defending itself and will not give up its freedom, no matter what Moscow thinks. For Ukrainians, independence and the right to live on their land according to their will is the highest value. Russia treacherously and self-destructively attacked our state in the morning. Just like Nazi Germany did during the Second World War," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
According to him, from today Ukraine and Russia are on different sides of world history, because the Russian Federation is on the path of evil.
At the same time, according to the President, much depends on the Russian people now.
"Today, the citizens of Russia will choose which way each of them personally is on," he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on all Russian citizens who have not yet "lost their conscience" to come out and protest against this war with Ukraine. He also asked Ukrainians who have relatives, friends, acquaintances, journalists, bloggers in Russia to address them with appropriate appeals and information so that the Russian Federation knows the truth.

Briefing of Advisor to Presidential Chief of Staff, Mr. Mykhailo Podolyak

The Office of the President of Ukraine believes the Russian federation has two tactical goals – to seize territories and attack the legitimate political leadership of Ukraine in order to spread chaos and install a marionette government that would sign a peace deal on bi-lateral relations with Russia.
The enemy attempts to destabilize situation in large cities, in particular Kharkiv and Kyiv.
The probability exists the Russian armed forces will seize the government quarters.

Statement by the President of Ukraine

What do we hear today? It's not just rocket explosions, battles, the roar of aircraft. It is the sound of a new Iron Curtain lowering and closing Russia away from the civilized world.
Our national task is to make this curtain pass not through our Ukrainian territory, but at the home of Russians.
The Ukrainian army, our border guards, police and special services stopped the enemy's attacks. In the language of conflict, this can be called an operational pause.
In Donbas, our Armed Forces are doing great, the Kharkiv direction is very difficult, the forces for the defense of the city are working, they are reliable, they are our men. The most problematic situation today is in the south. Our troops are fighting fierce battles in the suburbs of Kherson. The enemy is pushing out of the occupied Crimea, trying to advance towards Melitopol.

In the north of the country, the enemy is slowly advancing in the Chernihiv region, but there are forces to hold it. Reliable defense is built in the Zhytomyr region. Enemy paratroopers in Hostomel are blocked, troops are ordered to destroy them.
Yes, we, unfortunately, have losses, losses of our heroes. Yes, we have captured Russian soldiers. Our doctors are helping some of them - those who have surrendered. Many Russian aircraft and many armored vehicles were destroyed.
Yes, we see that many Russians are shocked by what is happening. Some Russians are already calling on social media that they are against the war. We see it. But the leadership of the Russian Federation is unlikely to see it.
So please. If you hear us, if you understand us, if you understand that you are attacking an independent country, please go out to the squares and address the President of your country.

We are Ukrainians. We are on our land. You are Russians. Now your military has started a war. The war in our state. I would very much like you to speak on Red Square or somewhere else on the streets of your capital, in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities in Russia. Not only in Instagram - it is very important.
What do we see at this hour? For the world community, Russia is becoming an analogue of the so-called DPR - this is complete isolation.
I am in constant contact with the leaders of partner countries and international organizations. Russia has already begun receiving the first sanctions from a large package of sanctions, the most powerful in world history.

No one will be able to convince or force us, Ukrainians, to give up our freedom, our independence, our sovereignty. But it seems that the Russian leadership is trying to do this by destroying the potential of their country. Everything that Russia has done since 2000 can now be burned live in front of the world.
We emphasize that Ukraine did not choose the path of war. But Ukraine offers to return to peace.

What can Ukrainians do? Help the national defense. Join the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and territorial defense units. Any citizen with combat experience will now be useful. It is up to you and all of us whether the enemy will be able to advance further into the territory of our independent state. Please help the volunteer community and the medical system, for example by donating blood.

Politicians and community leaders - help people, ensure normal life on the ground as much as possible. Everyone should take care of their loved ones and take care of those neighbors or acquaintances who need it. The duty of journalists, an important duty, is to defend democracy and freedom in Ukraine.
I spoke today with many leaders - the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, Germany, the EU, the United States, Sweden, Romania, Poland, Austria and others.
If you, dear European leaders, dear world leaders, leaders of the free world, do not help us today, then tomorrow the war will knock on your door.

Brief from Mykhailo Podoliak, advisor to the Presidential Chief of Staff

Positional battles continue almost throughout Ukraine near the borders with Russia and Belarus
"There are also operative data that several DRGs of the Russian Federation wanted to commit a terrorist act at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and cause a powerful environmental catastrophe. This significantly changes the picture of what is happening in Ukraine. It is clear that Russia does not just want to overthrow the government or replace it with puppet performers - it wants to cause maximum destruction in Ukraine. Even of an environmental nature, "said the adviser to the head of the Office of the Head of State.
Against this background, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, who is in Kyiv, continues to work actively with foreign partners.
"We are forming a kind of coalition in order to effectively counter Russian aggression. Deputies of the Verkhovna Rada are also in Kyiv - and all factions, almost without exception. There is also a government (in Kyiv - Ed.), Everyone works in a state of emergency or even martial law, everyone works very actively and clearly understands their functions and tasks, "said Mykhailo Podoliak.

He also drew attention to the fact that Russia's attack on Ukraine is actively condemned by Russian citizens. The Russians are already beginning to understand that this is not a point-based military operation, as was the case in Donbass, but a large-scale, full-scale war, which will cause a large number of casualties.
Mykhailo Podolyak also added that the Russian Armed Forces attamped to seize Chornobul nuclear power plant. (18:28 pm Kyiv time)
The unit of National Guard of Ukraine, protecting the Confinement and the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, are fighting hard to repel the attack. Should Russian artillery hit the Confinement, the consequences will be detrimental to European continent.

Ministry of Energy

Tanks and armed men on the territory of Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Under RU control.
Trypillya TPP: the projectile hit the coal depot, the equipment and facilities of the station were not damaged. The station is working
Kakhovka HPP: lost connection with the station
Power lines damaged near the Ukrainian-Russian border in Kharkiv region, near the city of Okhtyrka
The 330 kV Nizhyn-Konotop line was damaged and disconnected, which did not affect the power supply

In Sumy 20 shutdowns on 10 kV lines. Sumy seem under Ru control
A 150 kV line was damaged near Marhanets
Power supply in the Nikolaev area is restored
All miners at coal and uranium mining companies have been raised to the surface since the morning. The activity of enterprises is monitored