The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine met with the Speaker of the Estonian Parliament
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, met with the Speaker of the Riigikogu of Estonia, Lauri Hussar, in the framework of the NATO Parliamentary Summit.
The parties discussed, among other things, Ukraine’s membership in the EU and NATO, sanctions pressure against the russian federation, bringing russia to justice, as well as the implementation of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi’s peace formula and the reconstruction of Ukraine.
First of all, Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed his gratitude to his colleague for the adoption by the Estonian Parliament of a statement of support for Ukraine’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation: “I hope this will be a signal and an example for other parliaments.”
“The focus today is on Ukraine’s membership in the Alliance. In a month, we want to hear a clear signal about Ukraine’s accession to NATO,” said Ruslan Stefanchuk.
He also stressed that Ukraine expects an assessment of its aspirations to join the European Union: “Negotiations on full membership should begin by the end of this year.” Ruslan Stefanchuk also noted the need for support in further progress on the necessary reforms and legislation that Ukraine needs to adopt on its way to full membership in the European Union.
At the same time, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed that only sanctions without the possibility of circumventing them can inflict economic pain on russia and force it to stop this war.
He noted that for Ukraine, the issue of a just peace is important, which includes bringing to justice, through international organisations, the russian leadership and all others who have committed crimes against Ukraine in this war. “It is the investigation of the crime of aggression, as the first crime committed by the russian federation, that will lead to the successful investigation of all other war crimes committed by russia,” he added.
“It is the provision of weapons to Ukraine that will allow us to gain an advantage in this war and defeat the enemy on the battlefield,” said the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine, stressing the importance of continuing and strengthening military support for Ukraine.
He also thanked the Republic of Estonia for supporting the peace formula of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi and for taking care of one of the points called “Restoration of Justice”.
“Estonia has been, is and remains a leader among the countries that comprehensively help Ukraine,” the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed, thanking for defence, humanitarian, financial and political support.
“We have always stood on the side of freedom and security on the continent, and we support Ukraine step by step,” said Lauri Hussar, the Speaker of the Riigikogu. He said that Estonia is seriously committed to participating in Ukraine’s reconstruction and will support Ukraine on its path to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.