We Are Fighting for Freedom and a Just Peace for Ukraine
At the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Korniyenko, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of international support for Ukraine in its fight against russian aggression and on the path to achieving a just and lasting peace.
"Ten years after the russian invasion of Ukraine and more than two years after its full-scale aggression, we continue to fight for our freedom," Oleksandr Korniyenko began his speech, highlighting the duration and intensity of this confrontation. He stressed that Ukraine is not only defending its own borders but also upholding the fundamental values of freedom and democracy, which are crucial to the international community.
Oleksandr Korniyenko drew attention to the preparations for the Second Peace Summit, which involves close cooperation with international partners. He emphasized that Ukraine’s actions are aimed at achieving peace through the Peace Formula proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This Formula outlines the steps necessary for a fair and sustainable resolution of the conflict.
In his speech, Oleksandr Korniyenko noted the role of the international community in achieving global peace. "We are confident that the international parliamentary community can make a significant contribution to realizing the goals of the Peace Formula," he stated, calling on the countries of the world to intensify pressure on russia through international mechanisms. In his view, only through the joint efforts of the global community can peace in Ukraine be achieved based on the principles of the UN Charter.
Korniyenko also highlighted the importance of the International Crimea Platform as part of the peace process. "It all started with Crimea—liberating the peninsula is an integral part of any future peaceful settlement," he said, inviting IPU members to participate in the Third Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform. This format is set to become an important tool for the de-occupation of Crimea and the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Speaking about the consequences of russian aggression for the world, Oleksandr Korniyenko stressed that they extend far beyond Ukraine. "The war has disrupted global trade, led to rising prices, and caused food shortages, affecting many countries. The economic, humanitarian, and environmental consequences of this conflict are catastrophic for the entire world," he underscored.
Concluding his speech, Oleksandr Korniyenko called on the international community to take decisive action to end the war. "Only through collective steps can we stop the aggressor and restore peace," he summarized, emphasizing the need for continued support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom, justice, and peace.
The delegation led by the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Korniyenko, also included the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, Oleksandr Merezhko and Arseniy Pushkarenko, the First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Youth and Sports Zhan Beleniuk, member of the Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management Lesia Vasylenko, member of the Committee on Finance, Taxation and Customs Policy Aliona Shkrum, member of the Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Olga Rudenko, member of the Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy Artur Herasymov, Head of the Subcommittee on Anti-Corruption Policy in the Field of Digital Innovation and Public Data of the Anti-Corruption Policy Committee Oleksiy Zhmerenetsky, and member of the Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy Oleksandr Sanchenko.
Reference: The 149th IPU Assembly is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 13 to 17, 2024.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is a global organization of national parliaments. Founded more than 133 years ago as the world's first multilateral political organization, it prootes cooperation and dialogue among all nations.
Today, the IPU includes 180 national parliaments and 15 associated members. The Union promotes the development of democracy and helps parliaments become stronger, younger, more gender-balanced, and more representative.