Oleksandr Korniienko visited the United Kingdom, where he held a number of important bilateral meetings with British MPs
On 22-24 September 2024, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Kornienko paid a visit to the United Kingdom.
During the visit, the First Vice Speaker held a number of bilateral meetings with British MPs to inform them about the situation in Ukraine due to russian aggression, and also took part in the Labour Party Conference.
On the sidelines of the Labour Party Conference, Oleksandr Korniienko met with David Lammy, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Development. He informed him about the security situation in Ukraine, in particular, about the recent attacks on Kharkiv, Odesa and Pavlohrad. "Enemy missiles continue to terrorise civilians and destroy Ukrainian lives. Our priorities remain unchanged: armed and financial assistance," said the First Vice-Speaker, expressing gratitude to the UK for its practical support of Ukraine's fight against russian aggression.
Oleksandr Korniienko also took part in the Open Labour Rally, a parallel event to the conference. He discussed global security with the community that cares deeply about geopolitical issues. "This topic cannot be discussed without Ukraine. I spoke about the daily life of Ukrainians: power cuts, sleepless nights because of shelling and our children's education amid constant air raid sirens. I expressed my gratitude on behalf of all Ukrainians for the support we feel from the British people," said Oleksandr Korniienko.
During the Labour Party Conference, he met with British colleagues, including Secretary of State for Defence John Healey and MPs Fleur Anderson and Luke Pollard. "I informed them about the current situation at the frontline and missile attacks on the territory of Ukraine. I emphasised the crucial importance of sustained support, enhanced military assistance and decisions on long-range strikes," said the First Vice Speaker.
It is worth noting that the Labour Party Conference held a Ukrainian Events Day, which was dedicated, in particular, to strengthening the strategic partnership between the UK and Ukraine. "I was delighted to open the panel discussion 'Security and Prosperity — Securing the long-term strategic partnership between the UK and Ukraine'. I emphasised that the issues of economy and military assistance are key in this war and the key to a just victory. "We have already made achievements thanks to the weapons provided by our partners and the brave spirit of Ukrainians. And this is an example of effective cooperation, which can be even greater," said Oleksandr Korniienko. During his speech, he also highlighted the results of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, a conference that brought together leaders and representatives of governments, companies and civil society organisations to mobilise international support for the economic and social stabilisation of Ukraine, as well as the process of restoring our country from the consequences of russian aggression.
During the Labour Friends of Ukraine event, Oleksandr Korniienko personally thanked the British people for their support for Ukraine. He dedicated his speech to two topics — the reality of Ukrainians during the war and the military assistance that Ukraine critically needs. "The Church of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called in Bucha, which was consecrated by Metropolitan Epifanii in the presence of British Ambassador Martin Harris, still remains a symbol of resistance and a reminder of the terrible days when the occupiers killed civilians and committed genocide. They are still doing it on the territory of our country — attacking with missiles, launching UAVs and hitting residential buildings, educational institutions, hospitals," said the First Vice Speaker, stressing the need for strong decisions "that will change the course of the war towards justice". He emphasised that Ukraine needs peace — the peace envisaged by the proposed Formula of the President of Ukraine.
At the end of his visit to the UK, Oleksandr Korniienko opened a meeting within the framework of the Ukrainian Events Day, where he expressed his gratitude for the attention to Ukraine and the organisation of the relevant events. "Ukrainians are now defending their independence with arms. We know the price of freedom and how it is gained. And we know that we will never give up our freedom and not a single centimetre of Ukrainian land," he stressed. The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed that significant results can be achieved in cooperation, such as "the liberation of the Black Sea from russia". According to him, the military assistance provided by partner countries, in particular the UK, is one of the fundamental foundations for victory. Strengthening the relevant assistance can save more lives of Ukrainian citizens, stop the russian aggressor and liberate Ukrainian territories from the enemy.
Inter-parliamentary activities carried out by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on a regular basis ensure a long-term strategic partnership between Ukraine and the countries of the world. In addition, the relevant activity of the Ukrainian Parliament contributes to the strengthening of sanctions against the kremlin, and increases the amount of state assistance to Ukraine, including military and humanitarian aid. "The UK is our friend and reliable partner! We will always remember that we are going this way with their support," said Oleksandr Korniienko.