Dear compatriots!
On Monday, June 30, at 22:00, the validity of unilateral ceasefire expired.
Within the plan on peaceful settlement of the situation in the Donbas, such step was initiated for the first time on June 20.
On June 27, Ukraine continued it for additional three days.
In the course of the last 10 days, we have demonstrated our commitment to the peaceful settlement of the externally instigated conflict to the Donbas, Ukraine and the whole world.
We have demonstrated a good will of the Ukrainian government to the residents of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Hardworking and peaceful people, the majority of Donetsk and Luhansk region residents, felt our sympathy, love and respect. They saw sincere readiness of Kyiv to reckon with their specific opinion and interests. They understood that their security is our main priority.
International support to Ukraine has become even stronger. In the course of the ceasefire, I have signed the Association and DCFTA Agreement with the EU.
Still, a unique chance to implement the peace plan has not been used because of violent actions of insurgents. They publicly declared their unwillingness to support the peace plan in general and cease fire in particular. They defiantly violated the ceasefire regime more than 100 times.
Political leadership of separatists demonstrated unwillingness and inability to control the actions of their terrorist units and bands of marauders.
The cancellation of the Federation Council's mandate to use Russian forces in Ukraine had a positive yet symbolic meaning. We haven't seen tangible measures on de-escalation of the situation and enhancement of control over the border.
Despite all this, peace was and remains my goal. But the instruments of its achievement are different now.
In the evening of June 30, the NSDC meeting was held. After discussing the situation, I, as Supreme Commander-in-Chief, have made a decision not to continue the unilateral ceasefire regime.
Protection of territorial integrity of Ukraine, lives and safety of civilians requires not only defensive, but also offensive actions against terrorists.
The Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Border Service, the Security Service received proper orders.
In the implementation of tasks on the protection of territorial integrity, they are no more bound by the limits of the ceasefire regime.
We will attack and liberate our land. Termination of ceasefire is our response to terrorists, insurgents, marauders, everyone who tortures civilians, paralyzes the economy of the region, disrupts payments of salaries, pensions, scholarships, blasts the railroad, destroys the water pipes and deprives people of normal peaceful life.
The Armed Forces, the National Guard and other units will never use force against civilians. They will never attack residential areas.
Ukrainian soldiers will risk their lives in order to save lives of women, children and aged people, everyone who lives in the Donbas and doesn't take the illegal weapons.
This is the age-old chivalrous nature of the Ukrainian army.
We bear responsibility for every peaceful life that, God forbid, can be broken off in the course of the counterterrorist operation.
It requires substantial deliberation of every step in holding of the operation.
I address every resident of Donetsk and Luhansk regions with a request to understand my decision. I ask you to become allies in the return of safety to the Donbas.
Yes, you cannot counter bandits with physical force. But your power of will and spirit, your civil disobedience to the so-called "people's republics", intolerance and contempt for those who embarked on the path of banditry, looting and terror will bring closer the day when the strong peace will return to your home.
As President, I guarantee amnesty for all who embarked on the path of armed resistance to the legal authorities but understood their mistake and want to correct it.
Our peace plan, as strategy for Ukraine and the Donbas, remains in force. Disarmament. Decentralization. Free use of Russian language. Restoration of destroyed housing at the cost of the state. Program of creating new jobs jointly with the EU. We are even ready to return to the ceasefire at any time. When we will see that all the parties comply with basic items of the peace plan. When militants will release all the hostages. When there will be a red light for saboteurs and suppliers of weapons on the other side of the eastern border. When the OSCE will monitor the compliance with the regime on the border.
Dear compatriots!
As never before should we unite to defend Ukraine. It requires commitment and discipline not only on the frontline, but also in the rear.
Still, there has never been a war after which peace has not come.
The same will happen this time.
Glory to Ukraine!