UKR Embassy in ARM

Embassy of Ukraine in Yerevan Посольство України в Єревані Ուկրաինայի դեսպանատունը Երեւանում

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

For the second time, our sanctions in response to Russia’s prolongation of the war have reached the oil refinery in Ufa, one of Russia’s largest producers of lubricants. The distance is more than 1,300 kilometers from the frontline.

Also in the Penza region, our weapons reached a strategic facility of Russia’s military-industrial complex involved in developing and manufacturing components for missile weaponry that the occupiers use to strike our cities and communities. The distance to the target is about 600 kilometers from the frontline.

Every day, our plan for imposing Ukrainian long-range sanctions is being implemented. This is an entirely just response to everything Russia is doing against us. Peace is needed, and this is exactly what Russia’s leadership must realize. Russia must end its war. And Russia’s leadership has every opportunity to do so. I thank every Ukrainian warrior who ensures our long-range accuracy.

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

While it is graduation season in Ukraine, Russia continues its brutal campaign against civilians, killing young people and destroying futures.

In Kharkiv, a 23-year-old medical student and future doctor, Fatima Huseinova, was killed when the city was hit by two Russian guided aerial bombs on June 29. She was in the final stage of her medical education. At least 12 civilians were injured in that attack.

Every life taken is an irreversible loss. Russia must be held accountable for every such death. The aggressor must be stopped as soon as possible so that these atrocities come to an end.

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for stronger international efforts to protect cultural and religious heritage sites.

💬 "Ukraine will initiate the updating of international instruments for the protection of holy sites and unique heritage sites. Russia’s attack on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has shown just how vulnerable these sites are to attacks by modern-day barbarians.

Protecting them, preventing their destruction, and effectively punishing the perpetrators is the responsibility of all humanity. If existing international legal instruments do not provide adequate protection, then it is time to modernize them and create new ones.

Ukraine, as a country that has suffered particularly devastating blows – not only to the Lavra but to many holy sites and hundreds of religious buildings – has every moral right to take the lead in such changes.

We are already working through UNESCO, given Ukraine’s status as a member of the Executive Board, to develop a systematic response to Russian attacks".

[Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 @andrii_sybiha]

The Russians like to talk about the “spirit of Anchorage.” As with any spirit, no one truly knows what it is. But the Russians believe in it, and they think everyone else should as well.

The reality makes one thing clear: if the “Spirit of Anchorage” even existed, it is certainly dead now.

For Russia, the lesson of Anchorage is that any peace plan developed without Ukraine is doomed to become a spirit and disappear.

Moscow should stop believing in spirits and instead respond to Ukraine’s serious proposals to sit down at the negotiating table and end the war.

The longer Putin refuses to accept the reality that he will never achieve any goals on the battlefield, the worse things will get for Russia.

[Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 @andrii_sybiha]

Today, Ukraine marks the 30th anniversary of its Constitution.

When Russia invaded Crimea and parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in 2014, our Constitution also came under attack. The Kremlin attempted to force constitutional changes that would give it permanent leverage over our sovereign decisions.

The enemy chose Constitution as one of its main targets. The reason is simple: this document is the foundation of our freedom, security, and independence.

Moscow could not accept that Ukrainians choose their own future freely, through democratic institutions and under their own Constitution — not under pressure from a former empire. But the aggressor did not achieve anything. Neither in 2014, nor in 2022. And it will never achieve the goals of its aggression.

Whenever I am asked about Ukraine's key principles in negotiations, I have one answer: the Constitution of Ukraine. It answers every question about our sovereignty, our borders, and our future.

Our Constitution is a rulebook that defines how our democratic state functions, protects the rights and freedoms of our citizens, and affirms that only the Ukrainian people have the sovereign right to determine Ukraine's future.

Today, our soldiers, diplomats, and millions of Ukrainians are working toward one common goal: restoring the constitutional order of Ukraine throughout its sovereign territory.

Happy Constitution Day, Ukraine!

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

🇺🇦 Today, 160 Ukrainian defenders have been released from Russian captivity! All of them had been held since 2022.

They defended Ukraine in Mariupol, as well as on the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy directions. Among them are personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, the National Guard, and the Border Guard.

We are grateful to Ukrainian units on the frontline who are helping replenish the exchange fund for Ukraine. Every day, we remember all those who are still in Russian captivity. They must return home – to their country, their communities, and their loved ones.

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

Ukraine’s Defence Forces struck the Poltavskaya oil depot in Russia’s Krasnodar region – 300 km from the front line.

The Security Service of Ukraine also successfully hit two oil refineries in Ufa – Bashneft-Ufaneftekhim and Bashneft-Novoil – around 1,500 km from the front line.

This is Ukraine’s response to Russia’s deliberate prolongation of the war and its continued attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Russia must stop seeking to gain time on the battlefield and start engaging in real diplomacy.

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

Today, the world marks the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.

Ukraine is among the countries that consistently advance the principles of equality in diplomatic service.

🔹 In 2018, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine became the first government institution in the country to join UN Women’s global #HeForShe movement.

🔹 At senior leadership level within the MFA headquarters, 73 women are employed, including 15 who serve as department directors and heads of divisions – accounting for 52% at this level.

🔹 28 female diplomats hold leadership positions in Ukraine’s foreign diplomatic missions, including 14 ambassadors.

🔹 Overall, women and men are represented in equal numbers within the MFA headquarters. In Ukraine’s foreign diplomatic missions, women make up 31% of staff.

🔹 The MFA team is also actively developing the Women’s Diplomatic Club – a community that brings together over 150 Ukrainian female diplomats.

The voice of Ukraine in the world is growing stronger thanks to women’s leadership. The initiatives of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, have become an important dimension of Ukrainian diplomacy, bringing together millions of people around cultural, educational, and humanitarian efforts.

The work of the Association of Spouses of Ukrainian Diplomats also contributes to Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts. Through international, social, and charitable initiatives, the Association supports Ukrainian communities in Ukraine and abroad, implements educational and cultural projects, and strengthens Ukraine’s voice on the global stage.

Strong diplomacy is impossible without equal opportunities for everyone who seeks to serve their country and make the world a better place.

🌼 The pin featuring two flowers of equal size was created as a symbol of equality in Ukrainian diplomacy. It represents partnership, mutual respect, and the firm belief that diplomacy becomes stronger when women’s participation grows.

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

🇺🇦 On this Father’s Day, our thoughts are with all Ukrainian fathers. Many of them are spending this day far from home. Ukrainian defenders on the front line, protecting their loved ones. Those who are in Russian captivity, as well as civilians taken captive by Russia and separated from their families.

Yet fatherhood never stops. It lives through every Ukrainian father each day – through responsibility, protection, and a connection that remains even across distance.

Today, we want to say thank you to all Ukrainian fathers – for what they carry, and for what they continue to give, even in the hardest of times.

We honour the fathers whose lives were taken by Russia’s war of aggression, and the families who mark this day without them.

[Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 @andrii_sybiha]

The right strategy to force Putin to end the war is to deprive him of oxygen — militarily, economically, politically, technologically.

Ukraine is doing its share — including through long-range sanctions, middle strikes, and logistical lockdown for Russia’s occupation forces.

We urge our allies to strengthen pressure on Russia in all domains. Strangle Russia’s war machine, defund its war chest, and deprive Putin of any illusions that he might achieve any goals on the battlefield.

A critical mass of such steps will make a real change. Together, we can starve the Putin regime of oxygen and leave it no other way than to end the war. But the action needs to be taken now, not later.

[Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 @andrii_sybiha]

One of the most popular questions asked by Muscovites this morning is “What is going on?”

I can answer. Your country started a war of aggression against ours. For years, it has been killing our people.

Now that you know what’s going on, ask Putin when he is planning to end it.

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

The Moscow oil refinery was hit for the second time in a week. Other targets were struck in the Rostov region and in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

Facilities that sustain Russia’s war machine are no longer out of reach.

Ukraine’s long-range sanctions and mid-range strikes are proving both precise and effective.

The time to end this war has long since come. Russia must now take the necessary steps in diplomacy.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

What is happening today – the opening of the first cluster in the accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova – sends a clear message that Europe’s progress cannot be stopped.

We have worked hard to reach this moment. Over the past years, Ukraine and Moldova have taken important steps together. And it is especially symbolic that I am speaking to you from Chișinău today – on my way to France for the G7 Summit.

Our neighborhood with Moldova is strong. And we support each other, and we are moving toward the EU together – and we will get there together.

From an intervention at the EU Intergovernmental Conference. (1/3)

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

Today in Luxembourg, at the Intergovernmental Conference, Cluster 1 was formally opened for Ukraine and Moldova – marking the launch of the first stage of accession negotiations and the backbone of the entire EU integration process ⭐️

This decision reflects recognition of Ukraine’s sustained reform efforts and its commitment to aligning with the EU’s core values, including the rule of law, democratic governance, and strong institutions, even in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression and terror.

The decision follows the unanimous approval by all 27 EU Member States.

Together, we are moving closer to building of a stronger, safer, and more united European future. Ukraine stands with the EU 🇺🇦🇪🇺

[Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 @andrii_sybiha]

By striking the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, one of the greatest holy sites of Christianity, Putin has forever put his name on the list of history’s worst barbarians.

He should be damned for centuries. And he will lose this war.

From the Horde in the 13th century to the Nazis and Bolsheviks in the 20th century, Kyiv’s sacred monasteries have suffered numerous barbarically attacks.

Now we are dealing with Russian terrorists who have already outmatched ISIS in their crimes against cultural heritage. Only Russian scum who have nothing sacred can deliberately damage the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a unique UNESCO heritage site under special protection.

We will be urgently initiating all relevant procedures within UNESCO and all other international mechanisms, demanding immediate and adequate responses to this state barbarism.

We expect strong reactions by international institutions and capitals. No vague words, silence, or weak steps. We need action now to stop Russian barbarism.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Efforts to deal with the aftermath of the Russian strikes are ongoing in Kyiv, as well as in Kharkiv. Last night, the Russians launched more than 60 missiles at the capital alone. In total, 70 missiles and 611 drones were used against Ukraine. As of now, 28 people have been reported injured and four killed in the capital. My condolences to all their families and loved ones. A Russian strike on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra set the Dormition Cathedral on fire – a church whose history dates back to the 11th century. And this is one of Russia’s most serious crimes against Christian culture to date. The State Emergency Service has already extinguished the fire on the cathedral’s roof. In Kharkiv, the Russians carried out a repeat strike against our rescuers as they were putting out a fire at the site of an earlier strike on an industrial facility. So far, tragically, five people have been confirmed killed. My condolences to all their families and loved ones. Nine people have been injured. In Dnipro, Russia struck the grounds of a railway station, a college, and several enterprises.

Other cities and communities were targeted as well. The Kyiv, Dnipro, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Mykolaiv regions were also under attack. This is how Russia shows the world its intention to continue the war. It is very important that there be a response from the G7 countries, which are now gathering for their summit – and that this response be decisive and substantive: more pressure on the aggressor and more support for Ukraine’s air defense, especially anti-ballistic capabilities. I thank everyone who is helping us protect lives.

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

Russia’s attack on the night of June 15 killed at least four people and injured 28 others in Kyiv, while a double strike in Kharkiv killed five rescuers and wounded nine more as they responded to an earlier attack.

The massive Russian assault targeted residential buildings, civilian infrastructure, educational facilities, and cultural heritage sites. In Kyiv, the attack set fire to the roof of the 11th-century Dormition Cathedral at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and also damaged the Mystetskyi Arsenal cultural complex. In Dnipro, Russian strikes hit a railway station, a college, and industrial facilities.

In total, Russia launched 70 missiles and 611 drones across Ukraine, including over 60 missiles aimed at Kyiv alone. Kyiv, Dnipro, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Mykolaiv regions were also targeted.

Russia shows no intention of ending its aggression. As G7 leaders gather for their summit, a strong response is needed: greater pressure on the aggressor and more air defence support for Ukraine, particularly anti-ballistic capabilities.

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

The Kyiv Cave Monastery bell tower is playing the Ukrainian national anthem while rescuers are extinguishing a fire at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and Mystetskyi Arsenal following Russia’s overnight attack.

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is one of the most important places of Christianity, which has survived centuries of history and many tragedies. Today it is facing Russian barbarism. The Mystetskyi Arsenal, a major cultural venue for exhibitions and events, was also hit and damaged by Russia.

Moscow deliberately targeted some of the most important historic and cultural sites in Kyiv. A strong international response is needed. The aggressor state must not be allowed to freely destroy world cultural heritage.

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

The National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO strongly condemns yet another Russian strike that has damaged the territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a cultural property under Enhanced Protection pursuant to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its 1999 Second Protocol, a sacred site of Ukraine, and an invaluable part of the cultural heritage of humanity.

We also strongly condemn the attacks in Kyiv on the "Mystetskyi Arsenal" National Cultural and Art and Museum Complex, the National Palace of Arts Ukraina, and the Kyiv National I. K. Karpenko-Kary Theatre, Cinema and Television University, as well as the attacks on the Dnipro House of Organ and Chamber Music and the Kharkiv Art Museum.

We are outraged by the shelling of the National Dovzhenko Film Studios, which resulted in the destruction of Ukraine’s oldest costume collection.

Russia has once again demonstrated its complete disregard for human life, international law, and the values that unite the civilized world. By destroying Ukraine’s cultural heritage, the aggressor seeks to erase historical memory and inflicts damage upon the heritage of all humankind.

❗️ We call on the international community to stop tolerating these crimes, to increase political, economic, and legal pressure on the aggressor state, and to take decisive measures to bring Russia’s aggression to an end as soon as possible.

‼️ We demand a firm and unequivocal response from the leadership of the UNESCO Secretariat and the use of the mechanisms available to the UNESCO Executive Board, the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, and the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

We expect the prompt deployment of UNESCO experts to the targeted cultural heritage sites to document the damage and provide an objective and impartial assessment of the consequences of yet another cynical Russian crime.

Impunity breeds new crimes. The terrorist state must be held accountable.

Russia bears full responsibility for grave crimes against culture and should not have a voice  within UNESCO.

❗️ We call on all countries to work towards preventing Russia’s participation in UNESCO’s key governing bodies.

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

Russia's overnight attack on Kyiv struck one of the greatest holy sites of Christianity and a UNESCO World Heritage site – the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.

A fire covering approximately 800 square meters broke out on the roof of the Dormition Cathedral after the attack. Emergency crews continue to work at the site.

The damage occurred during a massive Russian assault on Kyiv that killed at least four people and injured dozens more. The strike also caused a fire at a building of the Mystetskyi Arsenal National Cultural, Arts and Museum Complex, where flames spread across about 1,000 square meters.

Targeting the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is an unforgivable attack on Ukraine's cultural and spiritual heritage and on a site of outstanding value to humanity. We expect a strong response from the international community.

💬 "We will be urgently initiating all relevant procedures within UNESCO and all other international mechanisms, demanding immediate and adequate responses to this state barbarism.

We expect strong reactions by international institutions and capitals. No vague words, silence, or weak steps. We need action now to stop Russian barbarism," Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs @andrii_sybiha has stressed.