Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met with Chairman of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar
The Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, began his first visit to the Republic of Estonia by meeting with his counterpart, the Chairman of the Riigikogu, Lauri Hussar.
First and foremost, Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed his gratitude to Chairman Hussar and the members of the Riigikogu for the Estonian Parliament's unwavering support of Ukraine and for the resolutions passed by Estonia’s Parliament in support of Ukraine.
The Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament also extended his thanks for the recent decision by the Riigikogu to recognize the 1944 deportation of Crimean Tatars as genocide. "This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Crimean Tatars' deportation, and the Riigikogu's decision is both significant and timely for us," Stefanchuk noted.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine presented the Ukrainian Victory Plan.
Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized that the first point of the Plan is Ukraine's invitation to NATO. "I firmly believe that now is the time for our allies to demonstrate determination, and despite the ongoing full-scale war, invite Ukraine to join the Alliance," he stated.
The Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament underscored that it is critically important for Ukraine that its partners lift restrictions on the use of long-range weaponry against military targets within the russian federation.
"We must have the ability to destroy military objects that pose a threat to Ukraine. Additionally, strengthening our air defense is essential for us. This is part of the second point of the Victory Plan, which focuses on enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities," Stefanchuk explained.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada provided a detailed overview of the five-point initiative proposed by the President of Ukraine, stressing the importance of its practical implementation. He also highlighted the significance of parliamentary support from colleagues for the Victory Plan.
In the context of discussions on strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed his gratitude for Estonia’s decision to allocate annual defense assistance amounting to 0.25% of its GDP over the next four years, and the new government’s commitment to upholding this promise. "The formalization of this decision in a bilateral security agreement has set an example for other Baltic countries," the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada stated with confidence.
At the same time, Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked Lauri Hussar for Estonia’s firm stance on Ukraine’s future in the European Union and its assistance in facilitating the adoption of a negotiation framework for Ukraine.
In conclusion, the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament expressed his gratitude for Estonia’s support of the 14th package of EU sanctions. "It is extremely important for us that Estonia takes a proactive position within the EU on the sanctions track and the use of frozen russian assets," Stefanchuk emphasized.
Following the meeting, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk and Chairman of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar participated in the opening of the "Colours of Ukraine" exhibition of Ukrainian national clothing. They also visited an exhibition dedicated to the 1944 deportation of the Crimean Tatar people, both held at the Riigikogu building.