Strengthening the support of the North Atlantic Alliance for Ukraine in countering russian aggression and promoting Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration
On 20-21 January, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Co-Chairman of the NATO-Ukraine Interparliamentary Council (UNIC) Oleksandr Korniienko took part in a regular meeting of the UNIC as part of the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation. The event was held with the participation of parliamentarians from NATO member states at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
The main topics of discussion were strengthening the Alliance’s support for Ukraine in countering russian aggression and Ukraine's progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration. The Ukrainian delegation presented the progress made in implementing the reforms necessary for NATO membership.
The Ukrainian side stressed the critical importance of the Allies' assistance in providing sufficient weapons, including air defence systems and long-range weapons, developing the country’s defence industry and strengthening sanctions against russia. Ukraine’s representatives also stressed that NATO membership is the only guarantee of a lasting and just peace for Ukraine, as well as the prevention of war in the future.
“First of all, I drew the participants’ attention to the intensity of missile attacks and the multiple increase in russian weapons production. It is already clear to everyone, especially to Ukrainians, that the aggressor does not seek peace. This is evidenced, in particular, by the constant blackmail with the possibility of using nuclear weapons, the recent involvement of North Korean troops in military operations against our country,” said the First Vice Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko, emphasising russia’s desire to change the world order and international legal order to one where only one rule applies – the “rule of the force”. According to Oleksandr Korniienko, these attempts of the russian federation can be counteracted with the help of the concept of ‘Peace through Strength’.
During the UNIC meeting, the First Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament noted that in order to win, Ukraine needs specific assistance: air defence systems and missiles, artillery systems and ammunition, long-range missiles, drones, and electronic warfare systems. It is also important to strengthen the Ukrainian defence industry. “We also need sanctions pressure. Every Shahed drone and every russian missile has components that are supplied bypassing the sanctions. At the same time, the imposition of additional sanctions against Iran and North Korea for their support of russian aggression is quite fair,” the First Vice Speaker added. He stressed that Ukraine’s invitation to NATO would be a signal to the kremlin and all russians that the war has lost all meaning. “Ukraine has demonstrated its ability to fight and defend itself and its neighbours. Together, we can ensure our common victory and restore peace in Europe,” Oleksandr Korniienko concluded.
Following the meeting, Oleksandr Korniienko and Audronius Ažubalis, as co-chairs of the UNIC, adopted a statement, which, in particular, reads as follows:
- ‘Allies’ unwavering support for Ukraine, through both military and non-military assistance, is crucial to counter russia's advance;
- we welcome the important decisions taken at the Washington Summit, as well as the statement by Allied leaders that Ukraine’s path to NATO membership is irreversible;
- further support remains essential to ensure Ukraine’s victory, which will restore peace and stability in Europe and beyond;
- reaffirm our support for the ‘Peace Formula’ and underline our readiness to actively participate in the implementation of this initiative;
- call on Allied leaders to adopt the ‘Peace through Strength’ approach;
- call on Allies to redouble their efforts to enable Ukraine to effectively defend itself in 2025 and to bring its defence capabilities fully in line with NATO standards by 2028;
- call on Allies to do their utmost to reach consensus and invite Ukraine to join the Alliance. The Ukrainian people have an inalienable right to choose their strategic allies, and russia cannot have a veto in this matter;
- call on the international community to take initiatives to hold russian forces and officials accountable for human rights violations, war crimes, the crime of aggression and other violations of international law;
- recognise the efforts of the Ukrainian Government and Parliament to implement the reform agenda despite the challenges of the ongoing armed conflict;
- NATO and the international community must stand united and resolute, because Ukraine's victory is not only a victory for Ukraine, but also a victory for the values we all share.
The full text of the Statement is available here: http://surl.li/crxife
While in Brussels, Oleksandr Korniienko and members of the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation met with representatives of the Defence and International Committees of the Belgian Federal Parliament. The parties discussed the steps to be taken in the context of international cooperation to stop russia's aggression against Ukraine. The First Vice-Speaker drew the attention of his international colleagues to the security situation in Ukraine and Ukrainian needs on the battlefield, stressing the need to increase military assistance. According to him, it is important to support the ‘Peace through Strength’ position; strengthen sanctions pressure and ‘bleeding out’ the russian economy so that ‘the enemy could not produce weapons, scale up missile attacks and wage war against a sovereign state’.
Oleksandr Korniienko also stressed that this year Ukraine intends to open the first clusters on its way to European integration. “The Ukrainian people are grateful to the country for all the support over the years, for the decisions made and for the readiness to continue moving towards a just peace,” he said.
The Ukrainian parliamentary delegation also visited the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). They met with the Chief of Staff, as well as the Strategic and International Affairs Adviser and other representatives of the structure. The parties discussed NATO’s adaptation to the changing security situation since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, military cooperation and a review of NATO’s security assistance and training. “It is important for us, in particular, to raise issues related to Ukraine’s membership and the necessary actions to bring this decision closer,” said the First Vice Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko.