Ukraine, Europe and the whole world want a just and lasting peace, not a time bomb of frozen conflict in Europe
The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Co-Chairman of the NATO-Ukraine Interparliamentary Council (UNIC) Oleksandr Korniyenko took part in a meeting of the organization held in Lviv.
Support of parliaments is crucial on the way to Ukraine's strategic goal of joining the Alliance
First of all, the First Deputy Chairman expressed gratitude for the assistance provided to Ukraine in the brutal war started by russia. "Ukrainians will never forget your help, military, financial and political support that we have received at the bilateral level from your countries and the Alliance as a whole," Oleksandr Korniyenko emphasized, thanking the parliaments of those countries that have clearly expressed their support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. He noted that this support is crucial on the way to Ukraine's strategic goal of joining the Alliance.
"We all know the example of the last NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Luxembourg, when, in my opinion, the last resolution was the strongest, the toughest, with a certain call to action to the Alliance than the next decision of the Vilnius Summit," said the First Deputy Chairman, adding that this means that NATO parliaments and society can do more.
Ukraine is actively "dismantling" the russian military machine
In his speech, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine informed his colleagues about the current situation in Ukraine.
"For more than a year and a half, Ukrainian cities have been subjected to daily air attacks, artillery shelling, UAV attacks and missile strikes that continue to destroy our infrastructure, causing the destruction of residential buildings, educational institutions, hospitals and churches," Oleksandr Korniyenko emphasized.
He noted that russia's constant missile attacks continue to damage Ukraine's critical infrastructure, preventing many citizens from returning to their homes.
"Despite this, Ukraine is actively dismantling the russian military machine. Our advance is hampered by intensive mining and russia's multi-layered defense," emphasized Oleksandr Korniyenko, while expressing gratitude to our partners for the military assistance that has already saved thousands of lives.
russia's constant threats to sabotage the ZNPP pose a danger not only to Ukraine but to the entire continent
The First Deputy Chairman noted that Ukraine's infrastructure, including the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, has been destroyed. "russia's constant threats to sabotage the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which could cause a Chernobyl-like disaster, pose a significant danger not only to Ukraine but to the entire continent," he said, emphasizing that Ukraine continues to fight a continuous battle, facing the largest and most technologically advanced war since World War II: "Our Armed Forces defend the country every day and work tirelessly to return the occupied territories."
"Thanks to the active efforts of your countries in support of Ukraine, I believe that the ongoing offensive will eventually lead us to victory, and the threat of russian terrorism will no longer haunt the civilian population of Ukraine," emphasized Oleksandr Korniyenko.
War hinders Ukraine's ability to meet global demand for grain, oil and other agricultural raw materials
In his speech, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also touched upon the issue of demining the territory of Ukraine. He said that Ukraine's territory is currently the largest area contaminated with mines and explosives, exceeding 170,000 square kilometers: "This endangers the lives of our citizens and destroys the agricultural sector, creating not only a local but also a global problem. The war is hindering our ability to meet the global demand for grain, oil and other agricultural raw materials."
Delaying the delivery of weapons to Ukraine will only give russia more time to prepare for new offensives
"Ukraine expects further expansion of military assistance from our partners, including the provision of long-range missiles, which are critical to undermine russia's logistics and reduce its military potential," said Oleksandr Korniyenko, emphasizing that a delay in the supply of such weapons to Ukraine will only give russia additional time to prepare for new offensive actions and delay the restoration of peace in Europe.
At the same time, the First Deputy Chairman emphasized that the only effective plan to restore Ukraine's territorial integrity and ensure a just and lasting peace is President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula: radiation, nuclear, food and energy security, release of all prisoners of war and deportees, implementation of the UN Charter, restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, withdrawal of russian troops, cessation of hostilities, restoration of justice, countering ecocide, prevention of escalation and confirmation of the Minsk agreements.
Ukraine, Europe and the whole world want a just and lasting peace, not a ticking time bomb of a frozen conflict in Europe
"Sustained cooperation between Ukraine and NATO remains important for securing our future. We see many promising areas of cooperation, including joint defense and security projects, exchange of experience and training," said Oleksandr Korniyenko, emphasizing that Ukraine, Europe and the whole world want a just and lasting peace, not a time bomb of a frozen conflict in Europe.
"Our parliamentary alliance is of great importance for security and stability not only in Ukraine, but also in the whole world. Only by working together can we stop the aggressor, restore justice and ensure a peaceful future for all," said Oleksandr Kornienko, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.