Ukraine's membership in NATO is the only way to deter future russian aggression and strengthen the Alliance's collective defense
In the framework of his working visit to Brussels, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko took part in a regular meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Interparliamentary Council (UNIC), in particular, he delivered an opening speech on the current situation in Ukraine.
“Today's meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Interparliamentary Council is an opportunity to discuss the achievements and ways of further development, in particular, bringing our country closer to joining the Alliance,” the First Vice Speaker said.
In his speech, he drew attention to the current situation in Ukraine and the enemy's attacks on civilians and facilities. In this regard, Oleksandr Korniienko emphasized the priority needs for Ukraine to continue its struggle, including access to modern tanks, armored vehicles, artillery and air defense systems, as well as the development of electronic warfare.
A separate topic of discussion was the next NATO Summit in Washington. The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine noted that Ukraine expects significant progress in the issue of membership in the Alliance. “It is important that the parliaments of NATO member states help their governments to reach a consensus on Ukraine's invitation,” he said.
“Achieving interoperability is a priority of our cooperation,” Oleksandr Korniienko emphasized, adding that in this context, the NATO-Ukraine Interoperability Roadmap is an effective tool for bringing our country closer to the Alliance.
In conclusion, the First Vice Speaker expressed his expectations that practical work on the development of NATO interoperability requirements and capability packages will begin in order to have them ready for Washington. “Cooperation with NATO is crucial for security and stability not only in Ukraine but also around the world. Together we will be able to stop the aggressor and defend justice,” he emphasized.
In the framework of the meeting, the Co-Chairs of the NATO-Ukraine Interparliamentary Council (UNIC) – the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko and Audronius Ažubalis made a joint statement.
The Ukrainian delegation also includes members of the Ukrainian Parliament: Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, the Chairperson of the Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the European Union; Oleksandr Merezhko, the Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation; Andrii Kozhemiakin, the Chairperson of the Committee on Youth and Sports; Yehor Chernev, the Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the NATO PA; Halyna Mykhailiuk, the Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Law Enforcement; and Solomiia Bobrovska, the member of the Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, Petro Poroshenko, the member of the Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the European Union, Oleksii Zhmerenetskyi, the member of the Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy, and Roman Hryshchuk, the member of the Committee on Education, Science and Innovation.
For reference. Ukraine is one of the earliest and closest partners of the NATO PA. Regardless of Ukraine's active participation in NATO PA activities, the NATO-Ukraine Interparliamentary Council provides a specialized format for dialogue between legislators from NATO PA member states (UNIC) and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
The UNIC was established in 1998 to ensure greater transparency in the implementation of the NATO-Ukraine Charter and to demonstrate the interests of the Parliament and engage in NATO-Ukraine cooperation.
Today, it is a broader format within which members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and Ukrainian MPs, heads of specialized committees led by the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine can discuss issues of mutual interest to Ukraine and NATO with their colleagues from NATO delegations and NATO Headquarters.