ViktoriaLialinaBoiko

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

This Ukrainian Statehood Day reminds us of more than a thousand years of Ukraine's state-building tradition and honours all those who have contributed to the existence of Ukraine as an independent and democratic state.

The history of Ukrainian statehood begins with the medieval state of Rus, centred in Kyiv. It was here that the political, legal and cultural traditions that laid the foundation of Ukrainian statehood were formed. The adoption of Christianity by Volodymyr the Great in 988 marked a civilisational choice that shaped Ukraine's development for centuries to come.

Throughout the centuries, Ukrainians have defended their right to live freely in their own country. From Rus, through the Cossack state, the Ukrainian People's Republic and other milestones of our state-building, to the restoration of independence in 1991, our history has been one of resilience and an enduring pursuit of freedom.

Today, Ukraine is once again protecting its independence. Our defenders, diplomats, volunteers, healthcare workers, educators, and millions of Ukrainians strengthen our country every day through their dedication, unity, and courage 🇺🇦

[Khaled El-Enany @UNESCO_DG]

Honored to welcome the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, @ZelenskaUA, to UNESCO today.

We discussed efforts to strengthen safe learning environments and expand mental health and psychosocial support for children and other vulnerable groups in Ukraine.

In close cooperation with its partners, @UNESCO remains fully engaged in supporting Ukraine across its fields of competence, with more than $77 million mobilized since 2022.

#ForThePeople

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

A medal for taking part in Russia's war against Ukraine and another from an international sporting event – in the hands of the same person.

Is this really acceptable?

While some international sports organisations are lifting restrictions on Russian athletes, Russia continues to wage its war of aggression – and to reward those who support and take part in its invasion of Ukraine. It is already integrating participants in the war into its Paralympic movement.

This is why the International Olympic Committee's decision to lift its recommendations regarding the participation of Russian athletes is unacceptable and should concern everyone. So does the earlier decision by the International Paralympic Committee and some federations. International sport is built on fair play and respect. It must never become a platform for those linked to Russia's aggression and terror.

The flag of a state that carries out daily attacks on civilians, commits atrocities and occupies foreign territory has no place at international sporting events. Its anthem should never be played at competitions created to celebrate the values of peace and friendship. This is hypocrisy at its worst.

Allowing this undermines the very values international sport stands for. International sport must not be a place for normalising aggression.

#NoStageForRussia

[Sergiy Kyslytsya 🇺🇦 @SergiyKyslytsya]

Allowing russian athletes to Olympic Games - Moral Disengagement is a framework coined by an American-Canadian social psychologist of Ukrainian and Polish descent Albert Bandura. It refers to the cognitive tricks people use to separate moral standards from their unethical actions. This allows them to behave without feeling guilt or shame. Bandura originally outlined these mechanisms in his foundational work on Social Cognitive Theory. It may be characterized by - Moral Justification: Harmful conduct is reframed as serving a higher, socially worthy, or moral purpose. Disregarding or Distorting Consequences: Minimizing, ignoring, or actively denying the harmful effects of one's actions, ensuring that moral self-sanctions are never triggered.
In his later book, Moral Disengagement: How People Do Harm and Live with Themselves, Bandura extended these concepts to the organizational level, showing how institutional structures in the finance, tobacco, and entertainment industries facilitate these maneuvers. Today’s actions by International Olympic Committee @iocmedia may well serve as a good example of moral disengagement 👇

[Sir Rod Stewart @rodstewart]

My heart is with the people of Ukraine. For the past few years, we've dedicated this moment during The Rhythm of My Heart to the strength, courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people. Every night, the crowd joins together in support. In light of the recent horrific attacks on Kyiv, I hope this small tribute reminds you that people all over the world continue to stand with you.

[Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 @andrii_sybiha]

Grateful to Sweden and my dear colleague and friend @MariaStenergard for the decision to use Kyjiv/Kyiv instead of Kiev, Odesa instead of Odessa, and Donbas instead of Donbass.

Promises kept!

This is not just about spelling. This is about identity, decolonisation, and the return to our true selves.

It is only logical that Ukrainian cities should have Ukrainian names instead of the Russian-derived versions imposed through centuries of imperial domination.

On this difficult day following the Russian attack, this step is especially valuable.

Sweden stands with Ukraine on every front: with weapons and aircraft — and with respect to our identity and culture.

Tack, Sverige! 🇺🇦♥️🇸🇪

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

On this International Day of Women in Diplomacy, we honour the leadership of Ukrainian women diplomats and extend our congratulations to women diplomats around the world, whose work continues to advance mutual understanding and peace.

[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.

[Ukraine.ua @ukraine_ua]

Poppies bloom amid the barbed wire coils in the Donetsk region.

Even where Russia's war has transformed the landscape, nature refuses to disappear.

[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.

[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.

[Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 @andrii_sybiha]

In Moscow, everything is going according to plan.

Not Russia’s plan, though.

[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]

Before and after Russia’s attack on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.

The UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates back to the 11th century, was damaged in Russia’s overnight strike. Fire broke out in one of the most sacred places of Christianity.

Missiles and drones do not strike cultural heritage sites on their own – this is a deliberate barbarity by Russia. This attack must be strongly condemned by the international community. Russia must be held accountable.

[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.

[Yulia Svyrydenko @Svyrydenko_Y]

The Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra will be restored.

Thanks to the professionalism and swift actions of our emergency responders, the fires have been extinguished.

Russia attempted to destroy the Lavra for a second time – just as it did in 1941. Thankfully, we will not have to rebuild this Ukrainian shrine from its foundations.

The Government will secure funding for its restoration. As President Zelenskyy noted, the Government is preparing decisions to allocate resources from the reserve fund for urgent roof stabilization and its subsequent restoration.

We expect a response from international organizations to yet another barbaric act by Russia. I have instructed Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Affairs Tetiana Berezhna @BerezhnaT to intensify this work, including through the tools of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund.

Since early morning, I have also received numerous messages from representatives of Ukrainian businesses and philanthropists willing to contribute to the restoration of this sacred site. Thank you for your shared values and readiness to help.

The Government, together with the reserve administration, will organize this process.

My deepest gratitude goes to Ukraine’s Defense Forces and the State Emergency Service teams, who are working selflessly at the attack site to save lives and protect our cultural heritage. 🇺🇦

[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]

First responders have put out the fires in Kyiv – at the Lavra and the Mystetskyi Arsenal. I am grateful to all the services working at the sites of the strikes, and to everyone who is helping. It has been confirmed that two Russian drones deliberately targeted the part of the city where the Lavra and the Mystetskyi Arsenal are located. As of now, 35 people are reported injured in Kyiv. Across the country, 53 people have been wounded, and 11 people are known to have been killed in this massive Russian attack. My condolences to all their families and loved ones.

We are in constant communication with our partners regarding the consequences of this Russian attack and the necessary response. It is important that state leaders, public leaders, and international organizations do not remain silent. I have instructed Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our entire diplomatic team to maximize all contacts with partners today so that international events this week and next deliver real results for strengthening our defense and increasing global pressure on Russia over this war. We need a just response to this Russian strike. Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

I had a conversation with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at Chișinău Airport, on my way to the G7 Summit.

I am grateful to His All-Holiness for his support and unequivocal moral stance: Russia’s drone strikes on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra – a holy site not only of Ukraine, but of the Orthodox world as a whole – are barbarism for which there can be no justification. Patriarch Bartholomew and I also discussed possible formats for in-person meetings.

I invited His All-Holiness to Ukraine. I am grateful for his prayers for Ukraine and our people.

[Ukraine / Україна @Ukraine]

The only thing missing from this statement more than the mention of a Russian strike is dignity.