Key messages on Russia’s war against Ukraine. As of 17.00, 22 March

1. WAR SITUATION
2. HUMANITARIAN SITUATION
3. RUSSIA’S RESPONSIBILITY
4. DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS
5. ACTIONS BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
6. ECONOMIC RECOVERY

1. WAR SITUATION

The Russian troops continue simultaneously (albeit with different intensity) attacking Ukraine from
the territory of Russia, Belarus and the temporarily occupied parts of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk
regions and Crimea. This is a full-scale war against Ukraine (international armed conflict), launched
by Russia, not a «conflict in Ukraine». Proper wording is critical. While highlighting the situation in
Ukraine, a clear reference must always be done to Russia as an aggressor. We protect the entire
Europe, not only ourselves, as Putin will not stop in Ukraine:

  • The main directions of Russia’s invasion remain Kyiv, southern regions of Ukraine,
    Donetsk and Luhansk regions;
    • Russia fired nearly 1000 missiles at residential areas and military positions, attacks with
    aviation (1403 airstrikes as of 19 March), tanks and artillery, and sends subversion and
    reconnaissance groups. Ukraine became a testing ground for Russian missiles;
    • Russian warships shell the coast line. Ukraine’s coast of the Azov Sea now is temporarily
    blocked by Russia. Amphibious landing to the Odesa region remains possible;
    • Russia has air advantage, which it actively uses by attacking military positions and civilian
    objects and infrastructure, killing dozens of civilians daily, bombing Ukrainian airports;
    • Several towns were temporarily occupied (including Kherson and Melitopol). Some are
    attacked and besieged on the ground, with severe damage to residential areas and
    numerous casualties among civilians (Kharkiv, Mariupol, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Chernihiv);
    • Intensive fighting left vast areas of Ukraine mined (~82,525 km2 as of 21 March);
    • Russia organizes cyber attacks and fake news campaigns aimed to sow panic in Ukrainian
    towns and cut off Ukrainian citizens from the official information sources;
    • There are no places left in Ukraine without an overt military threat, be it shellings or
    infiltration of sabotage groups, members of which continue to be detained in all regions.

The territory of Belarus is actively used by Russia for its military purposes:

  • Missiles are launched from the territory of Belarus, airfield and rail networks are used for
    transportation of Russian personnel, cargo and ammunition, fuel is supplied to the Russian
    troops on Ukrainian soil;
    • Direct engagement of Belarus armed forces remains highly probable in the next few days.
    On 11 March, the Russian aircrafts entered Ukraine’s air space and shelled three villages
    in Belarus located on the border with Ukraine. This was a false flag operation, aimed at
    providing pretext for Belarus direct engagement into Russia’s war;
    • Lukashenka’s regime shares responsibility with Kremlin for its war against Ukraine.

Despite significant military advantage, Russia failed to reach its key goals:

  • Ukraine did not surrender in three days, as Kremlin was expecting. Kyiv as a political and
    military command centre remains intact;
    • No big cities with the only exception of Kherson were taken. Ukraine managed to establish
    defense and counter-attack. Russian troops regroup and attempt to control the already captured
    positions;
    • No one greets Russia in Ukraine. In the towns temporarily under control of Russian troops,
    the Ukrainian population is actively protesting against them. In the city of Kherson, Russian
    occupiers attempted to establish another fake “people’s republic”: both local residents and
    local authorities rejected this stage show. The Russian troops intimidate local residents, and hunt
    for activists, journalists and local authorities able to organize protests against temporary
    occupation.

Kremlin attempts to conceal truth about war and real losses of the Russian troops in Ukraine:

  • Afraid of mass anti-war protests, the Russian authorities block social networks, intimidate
    media, introduce censorship, high fines and imprisonment up to 15 years for delivering true
    information about the war started against Ukraine;
    • Russian troops use mobile crematoriums and mass graves for those killed in actions;
    • There are reports on failed parachutes of Russian pilots shot down by Ukrainian defenders.
    This may indicate the deliberate actions by the Russian command to prevent their capture and
    evidence about war crimes;
    • The Russian side is not trying to take its captured soldiers out of Ukraine. Instead, their
    families are already receiving reports of their deaths or disappearances, although they are still
    alive and in captivity. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the mothers of Russian soldiers
    to turn to Ukraine to learn about the fate of their children;
    • Still, the truth cannot be hidden. On 9 March, Russia recognized the use of conscripts. On 21
    March, one of Kremlin’s propaganda media published the information that the Russian
    authorities have admitted the loss of 9,861 in manpower and 16,153 wounded (this information
    was subsequently deleted from the web-page).

Having failed to make Ukraine surrender after a “Blitzkrieg”, Russia started searching for fake pretexts
to “justify” its war of aggression:

  • Despite Russia’s false allegations, Ukraine has neither intention, nor steps taken aimed at
    creation of nuclear weapon. This was confirmed by IAEA Director General on 4 March;
    • Various Russian officials falsely accuse Ukraine of non-existent biological or chemical
    weapons. This was dismantled by the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs as well
    as UN Member States at the UN SC briefings on 11 and 18 March;
    • Russia’s claims that Ukraine needs to be “demilitarized” sound even more absurd, looking
    at the numbers of troops, heavy weapons and aircrafts sent by it to invade Ukraine.

Ukraine has activated its right for self-defense according to the UN Charter Article 51. We continue
to fight and we will win:

  • Ukraine’s Armed Forces fight Russia’s Armed Forces, inflicting devastating blows to them.
    More than 100.000 Ukrainian citizens joined the territorial defence units. Nearly 40.000
    volunteers from dozens of countries are joining Ukraine’s International Legion;
    • All Russian troops prepared for invasion have already been sent to Ukraine. They were
    stopped everywhere and face severe logistical challenges. Up to 40% tactical groups lost
    their combat capability. Russia pursues “hidden” mobilization and searches for
    mercenaries and private military companies to replenish losses by forming additional units;
    • The Russian troops are suffering heavy losses. As of 22 March, they constitute about 15,300
    personnel, 99 aircrafts, 123 helicopters, 35 UAV, 509 tanks, 1556 armored vehicles, 252 artillery
    systems, 80 MLRS, 45 anti-aircraft systems, 3 vessels/boats;
    • Up to 1000 Russian military were taken captive. Six Russian high-level commanders were
    killed. The moral and psychological state of the Russian troops remains low. More and more
    Russian soldiers refuse to go to war;
  • Attacking Ukraine, Russia has almost exhausted its stocks of missiles. Its military-industrial
    complex has to work 24/7 to replenish them. Due to sanctions that stopped the supply of foreign
    components, the only Russian tank company «Uralvagonzavod» has suspended
    operations;
    • 93% of Ukrainian citizens (as of 18 March) are convinced that we will win this defensive war
    against Russia. Mayors of Ukrainian towns reject Russia’s proposals to surrender;
    • On 19 March, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine took the decision to
    suspend during the martial law any activity of several political parties, linked to Russia.

Russia’s irresponsible actions pose the gravest nuclear and chemical contamination threats:

• On 4 March, the entire Europe was put on the brink of nuclear disaster, when the Russian
troops began shelling the largest in Europe Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. It remains
seized by Russian military (400 military personnel and 50 military vehicles are stationed now)
and controlled by “Rosatom”;
• The Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant was seized by the Russian troops. They have already
twice damaged its power line, which could lead to the leak of radiation. Both times, the
Ukrainian repair teams restored the power line. On 22 March, 7 areas of fire were spotted by
satellites around the Plant, the scale of danger and damage is being assessed;
• The IAEA has lost connection with the monitoring systems of guarantees both in
Chornobyl and Zaporizhzhya;
• On 10 March, Russian troops fired rockets on facilities of Kharkiv Institute of Physics and
Technology, which contain nuclear material and an experimental reactor;
• On 20 March, the site of PJSC «SumyHimProm» was shelled, which caused ammonia leakage
from a 50-ton tank;
• Russia’s nuclear-deterrence forces remain on alert. Threats by nuclear war continue.

2. HUMANITARIAN SITUATION

Faced with military defeats, losses of personnel and vigorous resistance, the Russian troops began
indiscriminate attacks on Ukrainian cities with missile strikes and heavy artillery. Being aware that it
will not be able to win this war, Russia deliberately destroys Ukraine’s economy:

  • Since the start of war, Russia has sent hundreds missiles to the residential areas;
    • Documents and maps seized by Ukrainian troops from Russian prisoners of war confirm that
    bombardments of residential areas had been planned in advance;
    • Extensive environmental damage is also present, as water supply and sewage systems and
    communications are targeted, port infrastructure along the coasts of the Black Sea and the Sea
    of Azov is attacked, and nature and biosphere reserves and national nature parks have suffered
    significant losses;
    • The number of civilians killed by Russian troops exceeds military losses;
    • While retreating, Russian troops plant mines in the previously seized Ukrainian territories,
    leaving them even in the children toys;
    • On 19 March, the Russian troops illegally deported to the territory of Russia 2,389 children from
    the occupied parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. This was a forced displacement of
    civilians into the territory of the aggressor state;
    • There is evidence of civilians being forcibly transferred to Russia’s territory from Mariupol;
    • These are violations of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity.

Humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating:

  • The residential areas of such cities as Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Mariupol, Melitopol,
    outskirts of Kyiv and many others, are intensively shelled, leaving daily dozens of innocent
    civilians killed and wounded;
    ● The worst situation remains in the besieged city of Mariupol, which is now almost destroyed.
    Daily, 50-100 aviation bombs are dropped by Russians. Thousands of civilians lost their lives
    due to Russian attacks and blockade. Russia’s crimes include bombardment of a drama
    theatre where up to 1300 civilians were being sheltered, of an art school, which served as a shelter for around 400 civilians, and seizure of a hospital with 400 civilians in it used as a human shield;
  • The UN OHCHR recorded 2,421 confirmed civilian casualties in Ukraine: 925 killed and 1,496
    injured (as of midnight 20 March). The OHCHR believes that the real figures are considerably
    higher. Numbers according to official sources of Ukraine to be confirmed;
    ● According to the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine, 117 children were killed by Russian
    invaders, and more than 155 injured (as of morning 22 March);
    ● Kindergartens and schools, universities and hospitals, airports and fuel stations, bridges
    and water reservoirs are targeted. 548 educational institutions, more than 100 hospitals, more
    than 3780 residential buildings and 28 religious buildings were damaged or destroyed only on
    the territory controlled by Ukraine. In the city of Kharkiv alone, ~1000 houses were entirely
    destroyed;
    ● According to the UNHCR, ~10 mln people have fled their homes in Ukraine: ~6.5 mln people
    have been displaced inside Ukraine, and ~3.55 mln left the country. The Office of the President
    of Ukraine estimates about 11–12 mln IDPs;
    ● Such towns as Schastya and Stanytsia Luhanska near Luhansk, or Volnovakha in the Donetsk
    region, are now nearly destroyed;
    ● Faced with logistical challenges, Russian troops began pillaging local residents and robbing
  • humanitarian convoys. The Russian army in Ukraine has been ordered to «switch to self-
    sufficiency». Kremlin-sanctioned looting.
  • ● The main efforts are now focused on establishment of humanitarian corridors, which are
    regularly violated by the Russian troops. On 21 March, 7 out of 8 planned corridors have
    worked: over 8.000 persons have left the sieged cities, including Mariupol. Evacuation buses
    from Mariupol with children have been shelled by Russian forces, 4 children were transported to
    a hospital. 3 corridors are planned for 22 March;

We urgently need humanitarian assistance:

  • • A number of steps have been taken to simplify the procedure of delivery of humanitarian
    assistance through the state border of Ukraine for the period of duration of martial law;
    • According to the Office of President of Ukraine, as of 16 March, Ukraine received in 10 days of
    March 70.000 tons of humanitarian aid. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Ukrzaliznytsia
    (Ukrainian Railways) are currently operating as logistics headquarters. We are grateful to our
    partners and expect a more active involvement of international organizations in
    humanitarian aid, including establishment of humanitarian corridors blocked by the Russian
    troops, ensuring delivery of humanitarian relief to the medical facilities, and provision of critical
    food supply to the civilian population;
    • The UN Flash Appeal for Ukraine requested 1.14 bln USD to support the initial 3 months of
    the response to help six million of the most vulnerable in Ukraine. As of 21 March, donors raised
    427 million USD or 38 per cent of the funds requested. In addition, UNHCR appealed for 550
    mln USD to support Ukrainian refugees fleeing neighboring countries.

Russian military aggression threatens thousands of foreigners in Ukraine:

  • • We regret that while they had been warmly welcomed in our country, nowadays Russian
    invasion put their lives at high risk;
    • Despite Russia’s propaganda, there is no discrimination based on the race or nationality,
    including when it comes to the crossing of the state border by foreign citizens;
    • Foreign journalists Brent Renaud and Pierre Zakrzewski were killed by Russian troops.
    Several more were wounded;
    • We call on all foreign governments to demand from President Putin that he immediately
    stops his war in Ukraine.

3. RUSSIA’S RESPONSIBILITY

Russia flagrantly violates international law, in particular:

  • • Russian military vessels are blocking access and deliberately attacking civil ships (five as
    of 16 March) along Ukraine’s shore in the Black Sea in violation of the international law of
    the sea. 94 ships remain blocked in the Ukrainian ports due to Russia’s illegal actions;
    • In violation of the International Convention of the Safety of Life at Sea, the humanitarian
    aid mission (the rescue ship ‘Sapphire’) was captured by Russian warships in the Serpent
    (Zmiinyi) Island area and moved to the occupied port of Sevastopol. Two other Ukrainian civil
    ships were de facto pirated by Russian warships;
    • In violation of the Hague conventions on the Laws and Customs of War on Land, Russia
    continues to mobilize thousands of residents of the temporarily occupied parts of Donetsk
    and Luhansk regions. The mobilization age on those territories was increased to 65 years.
    They are sent to the forward positions of the Russian troops as cannon fodder;
    • On 11 March, the UN OHCHR confirmed the use of cluster munitions by Russian troops in
    populated areas, incompatible with the international humanitarian law principles;
    • Russia uses civilians as hostages and human shield. By exposing cities to indiscriminate
    shelling, creating a dire humanitarian situation, and firing at civilians during evacuation from the
    besieged Ukrainian cities to other places in Ukraine, Russia is forcing civilians to flee their homes
    and providing only a corridor to its territory or to Belarus, which could be considered as forcible
    deportation of protected persons according to IHL;
    • Russia’s attacks target residential areas, air bomb shelters for civilians, medical
    infrastructure, and transport means used for medical, humanitarian support and evacuation
    purposes;
    • The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine launched a portal with information on
    the destruction of cultural and historical monuments of Ukraine by Russian aggressors.
  • These materials will prove in the International Criminal Court Russia’s real goal, which is
    extermination of Ukrainian nation, culture, history and identity.

According to the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine:

  • • 2275 aggression and war crimes have been registered (of which 2216 for violating the laws
    and customs of war);
    • 97 suspects among Russia’s military and political leadership were determined;
    • 1446 crimes against national security are being investigated, of which 1007 on encroachment
    on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine, 295 — state treason, 52 — sabotage.

Responsibility for Russia’s war against Ukraine lies with the entire Russian society, not only
president Putin and his proxies. All of them must bear the consequences:

  •  The decision to start a war of aggression was taken by Putin. At the same time, 71% of Russians
    support this war and mass killings of Ukrainians. This is shared responsibility;
    • Russian soldiers murder Ukrainian citizens, Russian journalists make propaganda, Russian
    officials and enterprises work to support Putin’s decisions. This is not a one man show;
    • European politicians and corporations drawing separating lines between Putin and “ordinary
    Russians” simply try to justify doing business as usual and making bloody money by trading
    with Russia even in the time of war, financed by such a business;
    • According to a case study conducted in March by Active Group and published on 16 March,
    86.6% of Russians support the idea of Russian aggression against EU countries. The main
    next target after Ukraine, 75.5% of Russian respondents chose Poland, 41% of respondents
    voted for an attack on the Baltic countries, 39.6% — one of the Warsaw Pact countries (Bulgaria,
    Hungary, former Czechoslovakia), 32.4% — Georgia, 28.8% — Moldova.

We welcome all steps made by the international institutions to bring Russia to justice:

  • • On 26 February, Ukraine submitted its application against Russia to the International Court
    of Justice, requesting the Court to issue an order that Russia must cease its unlawful attack on
    Ukraine. Although Russia has notified the ICJ that it does not intend to participate in the process,
    this did not prevent the hearing. On 16 March, the ICJ ordered Russia to immediately stop
    the invasion, the order being binding under international law. Russia must comply immediately,
    as ignoring the ICJ will isolate Russia even further;

• On 1 March, the ECHR decided to indicate to the Government of Russia to refrain from
military attacks against civilians and civilian objects;
• International Criminal Court Prosecutor opened an investigation into the situation in Ukraine.
The ICC investigators have already arrived to Ukraine to collect evidence;
• According to the Office of Prosecutor General of Ukraine, six countries have opened criminal
cases in relation to Russian war crimes (Estonia, Lithuania, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and
Sweden);
• All cases of violation of the provisions of international and international humanitarian law
must be registered by the respective international bodies.

4. DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS

The world supports Ukraine. Russia becomes increasingly isolated:

  • • On 25 February, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe suspended Russia`s rights
    of representation in CMCE and PACE. On 16 March, Russia was excluded from the Council
    of Europe, after 26 years of membership;
    • On 27 February, by a recorded vote of 11 in favour to 1 against (Russia), with 3 abstentions
    (China, India, UAE), the UN SC adopted a resolution calling on the UN GA Emergency
    Special session on Ukraine, effectively taking over the functions of the UN SC. On 2 March,
    the UN GA with overwhelming majority of votes (141 YES and only 5 NO, with 35 abstained)
    adopted the Resolution on Russian invasion to Ukraine;
    • On 3 March, Russia was suspended from the Council of the Baltic Sea States;
    • On 3 March, 45 OSCE participating States have invoked the Moscow mechanism for Russia’s
    war against Ukraine;
    • On 4 March, the UN HR Council adopted the Resolution «Situation of human rights in
    Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression» (32 YES, 2 NO and 13 Abstained);
    • On 8 March, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) has condemned
    Russia’s military invasion into Ukraine and suspended Russia’s Observer status;
    • On 8 March, the OECD decided to suspend the participation of Russia and Belarus;
    • Russia was banned from many sport organizations. In particular, all Russian teams were
    suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice. On 16
    March, the FIDE Council suspended the national teams of Russia and Belarus from participation
    in official FIDE chess tournaments;
    • On 10–11 March, the IMO Extraordinary Council Session deplored Russia’s attacks on
    commercial vessels and their seizures, demanding that Russia cease its unlawful activities;
    • We appreciate the visit held to Kyiv on 15 March by the Heads of Governments of Czechia,
    Poland and Slovenia. Personal presence in the capital of defending country in war is a strong
    message of support;
    • On 17 March, the Danube Commission at its extraordinary meeting adopted the decision to
    suspend Russia’s representation;
    • On 17 March, the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunication Administrations
    has indefinitely suspended Russia and Belarus from membership.

Russia’s diplomatic and political isolation must continue:

  • • We call our partners to follow our example (Ukraine has terminated diplomatic relations with
    Russia) and to expel Russia’s ambassadors immediately;
    • The international organizations must consider banning Russia’s membership for blatant
    violations of international law (as, for instance, the Council of Europe did);
    • Countries, which support Russia’s actions in one way or another, should bear the
    consequences (Ukraine has recalled Ambassadors in Kyrgyzstan and Georgia for consultations
    following the unfriendly steps done by these countries);
    • The global web movement Avaaz posted an online petition calling on world leaders to bring
    Putin to international responsibility for crimes in Ukraine. As of 10:00 22 March, it was
    signed by around 1.320.000 people from all over the world, out of the target number of 2 mln
    signatories.

Ending the war, launched by Russia, remains Ukraine’s key priority. We urgently need ceasefire
and humanitarian corridors for civilians to prevent further casualties:

  • • Four rounds of Ukrainian-Russian negotiations were held on 28 February, 3 March, 7 March,
    14–16 March, and 21 March. The working groups were established, talks are held daily by
    video link;
    • On 10 March, Minister Kuleba and Minister Lavrov met in Turkey: no constructive responses
    by the Russian side on ceasefire and humanitarian corridors;
    • Russia is facing military defeats on the ground, which influence its unrealistic stance in the
    talks;
    • As reiterated by President Zelenskyy on 20 March, no ultimatums will be accepted by
    Ukraine, including on the territorial integrity and sovereignty. The personal meeting
    between Presidents of Ukraine and Russia will be critical for restoration of peace;
    • We need international legally binding long-term guarantees of security. Such guarantees
    can be provided in particular by the UN SC Member States and Ukraine’s neighbors, similar
    to the mechanism envisaged by the North Atlantic Treaty. They need to be strong enough to
    prevent any further attempts by Russia to attack Ukraine.

5. ACTIONS BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

Ukrainian people are dying for the freedom of Ukraine and Europe. We strive for a full-fledged EU
membership:

  • • According to the polls, held on 1 March, 86% of Ukrainian citizens support joining the EU,
    and 76% support accession to NATO;
    • Majority (nearly 71% according to the recent polls) of the EU citizens also support Ukraine’s
    membership;
    • On 28 February, President of Ukraine signed an official application for the EU membership for
    Ukraine within new urgent procedure. Ten EU countries have already supported it. Our
    application should be considered separately from Georgia and Moldova;
    • On 1 March, the European Parliament (637 votes pro, 13 votes contra, 26 abstained) adopted
    Resolution, calling on European institutions to work towards granting Ukraine the status of EU
    candidate country and imposing tougher sanctions against Russia;
    • On 10–11 March, the Informal meeting of EU heads of state or government adopted the
    statement on Russian aggression against Ukraine, in which “acknowledged the European
    aspirations and the European choice of Ukraine, as stated in the Association Agreement”;
    • We expect further steps on EU membership for Ukraine to be taken as fast as possible.
    We are grateful for the decisions already taken by our friends and partners, including:
    • for arms, military equipment and ammunitions sent over to us by our partners;
    • for the decision of Turkey to block the access of Russian warships to the Black Sea;
    • for introducing the ban on Russian aircrafts in the airspace (EU, USA, UK, Canada, North
    Macedonia, Moldova, Norway, USA, Iceland, Switzerland, Montenegro, Albania), as well as the
    supply, leasing, insurance and maintenance of aircrafts;
    • for the humanitarian support provided for the citizens of Ukraine;
    • for fuel supplies (Azerbaijan’s SOCAR);
    • as part of its fourth package of sanctions against Russia released on 18 March, the European
    Commission confirmed that it had banned imports of iron and steel products from Russia,
    and revoked the most-favored-nation trade regime.

The unprecedented sanctions are of particular importance, isolating Russia’s economy and
severely undermining its economic and financial capacities to continue aggression. Atrocities, which
continue to be committed by Russia in Ukraine, confirm that sanctions must be further strengthened
and expanded. The world has to stop buying Russian commodities, which continue to finance
Kremlin’s war against Ukraine:

  • • Russia lost access to half of its gold and currency reserve. The US has banned the export
    of US dollars, and the EU has banned the supply of euro banknotes to Russia;
  •  Russian currency has drastically depreciated, almost twice as of now;
    • Russian companies go bankrupt;
    • Doing business with Russia becomes increasingly toxic, causing severe reputational and
    business losses. As of 14 March, 209 Western companies have already left Russia, and
    378 made this partially. This process should continue, as Russia’s economy has entered a stage
    of rapid degradation, and in several weeks the withdrawal of investments will be much more
    complicated;
    • Experts estimate that about 3 mln Russian citizens will become unemployed;
    • Russia’s sovereign ratings are downgraded, leading to default on public debt;
    • Russia’s economy will face deep recession (decline 7 – 14% in 2022 is expected according to
    the different forecasts).
    Further actions need to be done immediately:
    • no-flight zone over Ukraine to cease the shelling of civilians by Russia and ensure the safety
    of critical infrastructure such as Nuclear Power Plants;
    • strengthening Ukraine’s air defense system, including by providing military aircrafts;
    • disconnect all Russian banks from SWIFT, first and foremost «Sberbank»;
    • expanding sanctions to Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus;
    • complete trade embargo on Russia, most notably on oil, gas, gold and minerals;
    • preventing Russia from the use of crypto-currencies to circumvent sanctions;
    • monitor any attempts by Russian citizens to avoid sanctions (as was the case with the
    Swiss “Dukascopy Bank” which was issuing Visa/Mastercard cards to Russian residents until it
    was disclosed by Ukrainian journalists);
    • closure of ports for Russian vessels (following the UK, Canada and Cyprus) and ban for the
    ships under the EU member-states and US flags to come to the Russian sea ports;
    • ban of all Russian channels of propaganda broadcasting fakes on Russia’s war on Ukraine;
    • supporting Ukraine with weapons, protective equipment, ammunition, fuel, and whatever else
    necessary to counter the biggest army in the continent;
    • deputinizing the world: ending Putin’s influence in politics, diplomacy, business, sports,
    culture, research & other spheres;
    • encouraging private business to divest from Russian assets and currency;
    • imposing a visa-regime for holders of Russian diplomatic passports, blocking new visas
    and residency permits and revoking existing ones for Russian officials and their families;
    • Prime Minister of Ukraine has officially appealed to the G7 countries regarding the status of
    Russia’s and Belarus’ membership in the IMF and all World Bank organizations;
    • excluding Russia from the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering and
    designating it on FATF’s black list without delay.
    The war launched by President of Russia, must be stopped. It is not in the interest of Russian and
    Belarusian citizens:
    • We are grateful to the wide Ukrainian community abroad, which joined the Government of
    Ukraine in delivering the truth on Russia’s war in Europe;
    • Anti-war demonstrations held by citizens of many nations throughout the world
    demonstrate strong support to Ukraine in defending against Russia;
    • It is critical to keep informing Russian and Belarusian citizens on the aggressive war
    conducted without their consent against Ukraine by their leaders;
    • Russian and Belarusian people are protesting against attacking Ukraine. Thousands are
    detained.

6. ECONOMIC RECOVERY

One of Russia’s key goals in the war it has launched is to destroy Ukraine’s economy, to make us
a “failed state”, which would not be able to resist Russia’s pressure and influence:

  • • Since the start of war, a major part of economic activity has stalled: nearly 30% of Ukraine’s
    economy does not function. Many industrial plants located primarily in eastern Ukraine suspended their work. Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea and the Sea of
    Azov disrupts Ukraine’s export;
    • Russian troops damage and destroy bridges and roads, attack agricultural equipment to
    prevent the start of the sowing campaign;
    • The Ukrainian Government estimates that overall direct economic losses in Ukraine caused
    by Russia’s military aggression has already reached 565 bln USD (as of 15 March);
    • According to the IMF report of 14 March, Ukraine’s GDP will contract 10% in 2022 if there’s a
    prompt resolution to the war, and much more if it continues further.
    The Russian war against Ukraine is a threat to global food security. Defending Ukraine also
    protects the world from hunger and famine.
    • Ukraine’s exports comprise about 10% of all wheat, 16% of all corn and 55% of all sunflower oil
    in the world;
    • Due to the military actions of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, a large-scale humanitarian crisis
    will commence in the world in the near future;
    • Russian invaders are blocking Ukrainian ports and deliberately destroying agricultural
    machinery. Food exports from Ukraine are partially suspended;
    • In addition to Ukraine, the crisis is beginning to affect numerous other countries that import grain
    crops. 400 million lives in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia are at risk of unstable access
    to food, malnutrition and famine;
    • Even being under Russia’s attack, Ukraine is determined to start the sowing campaign according
    to the plan.
    We must do our utmost to thwart Russia’s plans and to keep Ukraine afloat:
    • Ukraine’s business and industry outside the war zone continue working to support
    Ukraine’s economy. With support of the Ukrainian authorities, several dozen enterprises were
    relocated from the war zone, and 300 more will follow;
    • On 15 March, the Ukrainian Parliament adopted the law aimed at supporting Ukrainian
    business in war time, including by cutting red tape and simplifying tax system;
    • The Ukrainian authorities started preparing support to the spring sowing campaign where
    the current situation allows, including by ensuring state reimbursement for interest on loans
    to cover any expenses related to the agricultural activities;
    • The Ukrainian government established four funds: support to Ukrainian army and
    humanitarian assistance; restoration of destroyed infrastructure; re-launch of small and medium
    business; servicing external debt.
    We are grateful for all financial and technical assistance urgently provided to Ukraine. This
    strengthens our resilience to Russia’s war:
    • On 7 March, the World Bank has mobilized an Emergency Financing Package of over
    700 million USD for Ukraine;
    • On 9 March, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has announced an
    initial 2 bln Euro resilience package of measures to help citizens, companies and countries
    affected by the war against Ukraine. The Bank has also pledged to do all it can to help with the
    country’s reconstruction, once conditions allow;
    • According to the decision adopted on 9 March, the IMF has provided 1.4 billion USD in
    Emergency Financing Support to Ukraine;
    • On 15 March, President Biden signed the bill with 13.6 billion USD to aid Ukraine and support
    NATO in Eastern Europe;
    • On 16 March, Ukraine has finally joined ENTSO-E. This will significantly enhance our energy
    independence and prevent any blackmailing in this sphere from Russia and Belarus;
    • On 18 March, President of the EU Commission announced second disbursement of 300 mln
    Euro to Ukraine under the new emergency Macro-Financial Assistance programme;
    • The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said
    the EU would provide an additional € 500 million to Ukraine.

We need to restore Ukraine’s economy when we win. We will need further significant support by the
world in rebuilding our country from Russia-brought destruction:

  • • Establishment of the international fund with the capital of at least 500 billion USD;
    • Financial and technical support to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capacities and prevent
    any further attempts by Russia to launch a war in Europe;
    • Soonest possible access to the EU structural funds for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine
    (taken into account submission of the application for the EU membership);
    • Massive investments, grants and contributions to relaunch Ukraine’s economy;
    • Russia’s property, confiscated abroad as a part of the imposed sanctions, has to become a
    part of reparations by Russia to Ukraine.