Large-scale Independence Day celebration, Polish-level salaries in Ukraine, Zelensky's second term: highlights of the president's press conference

Sanctions against some oligarchs are also being prepared by the National Security and Defense Council.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held his third large-scale press conference. This time it was timed to mark two years since he took office as president.

The press conference took place in the hangar of the Antonov aircraft plant in Kyiv. 

30th Anniversary of Independence Day

Zelensky opened his conference by outlining plans for a large-scale celebration of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence Day. A new symbol was created for the 30th anniversary of Independence Day.

Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine

The symbol of this holiday will be a flower, which shows that our country consists of many images, like petals. All regions will have their own Independence Day symbols—flowers with elements of regional coats of arms. This is a symbol of our statehood. The point is not only that our country is blooming, but that we cannot be trampled.

Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine

We will definitely bring the first Constitution of Ukraine—the Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk. It will appear in Ukraine for the first time, and we have received confirmation. As part of the Independence celebrations, everyone will have free access and the opportunity to see the Constitution, which will be in Ukraine for quite a long time.

At the same time, the first Constitution of Ukraine may well be the very surprise that Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced earlier.

The first Constitution of Ukraine was written and proclaimed in 1710. It is currently kept in the National Archives of Sweden.

Zelensky also said there will be a large military parade both on land and on water, in Dnipro, in Odesa and in Kyiv on the Maidan. A big concert featuring Ukrainian stars will be held at the Olimpiysky in the evening.

On August 22, outstanding Ukrainians will be honored, and the National Legend award ceremony will take place. Bilateral important meetings with leaders of other states will be held on August 23 and 24.

Zelensky's Second Term

During the press conference, journalists asked Zelensky twice whether he plans to run for a second term as president of Ukraine.

However, during the event he repeatedly hinted, indirectly or by chance, at continuing his political career.

Answering the direct question about a second term, Zelensky said it is still too early to talk about whether to continue his presidency. According to him, on this issue one should focus on what percentage of election promises will be fulfilled by the end of the first term.

However, when answering a question from journalist Gordon about whether he is ashamed of the actions of some of his supporters, he mentioned the next parliament, which "will become cleaner in the course of an evolutionary purge," clearly hinting that the Servant of the People party will continue its activities in the tenth convocation of parliament.

De-oligarchization

Answering a question from journalist Vasily Golovanov of the TV channel 24 Kanal, which is part of the media group of oligarch Rinat Akhmetov, Zelensky stated that with the adoption of the law on the "oligarch status," pressure on small and medium-sized businesses should not be expected—its effect will extend only to large businesses and their owners.

Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine

Tax increases. You continue this topic. I know it was on your air. I believe you personally manipulate facts when you say "tax increases"; this is not for Ukrainians and not for society. I understand which channel you are from and what you are talking about. Indeed, the new law includes an increase in the tax on iron ore... I have heard your program and heard how you lead people to understand that there will be pressure on small and medium-sized businesses, that there will be pressure on people, that people will pay more taxes—this is not true.

At the same time, Zelensky's exchange with Golovanov looked like a real squabble with Akhmetov's negotiator: "You are a journalist, you have the right to say whatever you want, but you are now passing information to me, I have explained to you from whom. Don't pass anything on to me. I am an adult," the president said at the end of the speech.

Another journalist asked whether sanctions would be imposed on oligarchs Dmytro Firtash and Ihor Kolomoisky. 

"You will see a lot more. Watch us, as your colleague advertised his program, and I'll give you ours—watch us every Friday," Zelensky said, hinting that sanctions against oligarchs are already in development and could be imposed at one of the meetings of the National Security and Defense Council.

Rise in Salaries in Ukraine

The Ukrainian president also said that Ukrainians in some Ukrainian cities can already earn almost as much as in Poland.

Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine

If you look at the average salary in Poland for our Ukrainians and compare it with the average salary today in many cities of Ukraine, it is very close to the amount people earn in Poland, because they rent housing there, where it is much more expensive, and they pay much more for utilities there too.

These words came against the backdrop of the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has hit Ukraine's economy hard.

The Sheremet Case

The president also assured that he keeps the case of the murder of Ukrainska Pravda journalist Pavel Sheremet under personal control and is familiar with many of its details, however there is no evidence either of the guilt or innocence of the suspects.

Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine

I know in detail what is happening. And I do not stay indifferent. If these people were unlawfully convicted and were behind bars, I do not stay indifferent. There is still no one hundred percent evidence that they are innocent, and there is no evidence that they are guilty. 

The president also shared that he is in constant correspondence with Yana Dugar, one of the suspects in this case. He showed a person present in the hall his correspondence with her on his phone.

If the case does not move forward, Zelensky will "have a serious conversation with Interior Minister Arsen Avakov." According to him, in that case the question of Avakov's further stay in the post of minister may be decided.