The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met with the President of Moldova Maia Sandu
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk welcomed President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu to the Ukrainian Parliament, stressing that her visit at the beginning of the year was of great importance both for the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and for the entire Ukrainian society.
During the meeting, the parties discussed further strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation, joint measures to counter hybrid threats from russia, strengthening of sanctions pressure and the possibility of using frozen russian assets to rebuild Ukraine.
Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed gratitude to Moldova for its comprehensive support of Ukraine, including military, financial, humanitarian and political assistance, stressing that this support is vital in times of war. He stressed that Ukraine and Moldova are well aware of what russia is capable of. “Our countries will continue to support each other – I received such assurances from the President Sandu,” the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine said.
He also noted the significant contribution of the Moldovan side to the creation of a joint medical centre for the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers and doctors who were injured in the war. He stressed that this project underlines the strong humanitarian ties between the two nations and opens up prospects for further cooperation.
Ruslan Stefanchuk also thanked Moldova for joining the EU’s sanctions policy against russia. He stressed that sanctions are an important instrument of pressure, as ‘it is impossible to win a war while someone is financing it’. In this context, he stressed the need to stop supplying russia with technologies that could be used to produce weapons.
The parties paid special attention to the upcoming parliamentary elections in Moldova. Ruslan Stefanchuk wished success to the democratic forces and stressed that Ukraine is ready to share its experience in the fight against russian propaganda and hybrid influences.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also welcomed the results of the recent referendum in Moldova on the country’s accession to the European Union. He stressed that this choice is a firm signal to the European community and assured of further coordination of efforts of Ukraine and Moldova on the path to European integration.
“Both our peoples are united in a common desire for independence, security and a European future. We are stronger together,” Ruslan Stefanchuk concluded.