The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk delivered a speech at the Ukrainian-American Defence Industries Conference in Washington, D.C.
The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Yermak, Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umerov and Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Oleksandr Kamyshin also took part in the Ukrainian-American Defence Industries Conference in Washington.
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi addressed the event via video. In his address, he noted that thanks to the brave Ukrainian defenders, weapons from partners and the consolidation of the free world, Ukraine was able to defend its independence and liberate approximately 50% of the territories occupied by russia, and this year won the battle with the russian navy in the Black Sea and ensured the operation of the grain corridor.
"russia's unprovoked and unjustified aggressive war against Ukraine has changed Europe. The russian invasion of Ukraine has exposed many global, European and regional problems and pointed to the fragility of the security architecture," the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine stressed.
Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that the only thing that can stop the aggressor now is weapons, ammunition and sanctions: "The necessary nomenclature is known, the volumes are known. We need decisions and actions".
"Thanks to the resolute and consistent position of the US Administration, strong bipartisan support in the Congress and the solidarity of the American people, Ukraine continues to repel the aggressor, day after day in heavy battles regaining its lands," said the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, adding that the slightest concession to the putin regime would push it to commit even more terrible crimes against the Ukrainian people.
At the same time, Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed that this is why the Ukrainian Parliament is taking decisive steps to support the national defence industry. In particular, last month, the Ukrainian parliament amended the Budget Code to provide that the personal income tax paid from the State Budget of Ukraine will be redirected in wartime to meet urgent needs, such as the development of the national defence industry and the purchase of drones.
At the same time, in September, the Parliament of Ukraine decided that the state would guarantee the executors of state defence procurement contracts compensation for all economically justified expenses incurred in the course of the execution of these contracts, as well as the amount of profit as part of the cost of defence goods, works and services, in accordance with the terms of state contracts.
"russia is changing its strategy, seeking a war of attrition. It is important that everyone understands that Ukraine will not be able to resist this way of warfare for a long time," said Ruslan Stefanchuk, adding that it is crucial that partners and allies provide the latest technological means to turn the tide of this war.
In addition, he stressed that russia is trying to bleed out not only Ukraine, but by blocking Ukrainian food exports, it is testing the resolve of the civilised world to continue to support the Ukrainian people: "Just like 90 years ago, russia continues to use hunger as a weapon, destroying Ukraine's infrastructure, as well as the system and logistics infrastructure for transporting grain from Ukraine."
"The key to overcoming russia's terror, which is spreading to more and more countries, is to provide Ukraine with all the necessary military tools to neutralise the military potential of the aggressor country," said Ruslan Stefanchuk. He also added that it is necessary to deprive the terrorist state of both political and economic opportunities to wreak havoc and destruction in Europe and beyond.
"The Ukrainian people have proved that they have the will, strength and determination to fight for their future in the family of free and democratic European states," the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine said, noting that all branches of the Ukrainian government are working together for a single goal: to strengthen the defence capabilities of their country in order to bring it closer to NATO and the European Union.
Ruslan Stefanchuk called on the leadership of the United States of America and the representatives of the American defence business present to continue to support Ukraine on this path by providing defence, economic and humanitarian assistance.