The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk held a working meeting with U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal
First of all, the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed that this is an important conversation in the context of the development of parliamentary dialogue between Ukraine and the United States. He also noted that he highly appreciates the bipartisan and bicameral support of the US Congress.
"It is especially important that our parliamentary friends come to Ukraine at a time when Ukraine is confronting russian aggression," the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed, adding that about a month ago he had had extremely productive meetings with his American colleagues in Washington, DC, on the sidelines of the NATO Parliamentary Summit.
At the same time, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expressed gratitude to the United States for the unprecedented assistance provided to Ukraine during the full-scale armed aggression of the russian federation. He also thanked the entire U.S. Congress for approving a powerful aid package for Ukraine in April: "The assistance received has strengthened our positions on the battlefield and allowed us to stabilise the situation on the frontline."
The parties focused on the security situation and defence needs of Ukraine. Ruslan Stefanchuk informed about the consequences of russian terror and the daily shelling of Ukrainian cities. They also discussed the needs of the Security and Defence Forces of Ukraine, including additional air defence equipment.
In addition, the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine called for the complete removal of all restrictions on the use of US weapons: "Ukraine must be able to defend itself effectively."
They also discussed the importance of providing Ukraine with F-16 aircraft and further training for Ukrainian pilots.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada stressed that NATO membership is a goal for Ukraine that has no alternative. "The Ukrainian army is a NATO army — it fights with NATO weapons, according to NATO standards and performs the main NATO mission — defending the eastern flank," Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed. In this context, the parties also raised the issue of training of Ukrainian soldiers and their exercises.
Finally, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine called for continued political, financial, defence and humanitarian support.