Ruslan Stefanchuk discussed Ukraine’s path to NATO membership with NATO PA President Marcos Perestrello
The Chairman of Verkhovna Rada met with NATO PA President Marcos Perestrello in the Verkhovna Rada. He expressed gratitude for the visit and solidarity at a time when Ukraine is fighting for the freedom and security of the entire Euro-Atlantic space.
During the meeting, the parties discussed a number of key issues, including the support of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly for Ukraine’s path toward full membership in the Alliance. Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized the importance of increasing military assistance, particularly the provision of air defense systems and long-term investments in the defense industry.
Special attention was given to the need to maintain pressure on the russian federation through sanctions and to ensure that the aggressor is held accountable for crimes committed against Ukraine.
Ruslan Stefanchuk also emphasized that, even in times of war, Ukraine continues on the path of reforms and strengthens its democracy. «Support from the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in this context is an important political signal for us,» stressed the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
The Chairman of Verkhovna Rada paid attention to the need for continued parliamentary support for Ukraine from the members of the Alliance and emphasized the necessity of strengthening the country's defense capabilities.
For his part, President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Marcos Perestrello emphasized the Assembly’s unwavering support for Ukraine, which has been evident since the very first days of the full-scale aggression. He recalled that the NATO Parliamentary Assembly was one of the first international organizations to expel russia from its ranks back in 2014, supported the Crimea Platform, and was the first among NATO delegations to visit Ukraine after the beginning of the full-scale war.
Marcos Perestrello outlined the priorities for supporting Ukraine: meeting urgent defense needs due to daily russian shelling, joint efforts by the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine to achieve a just peace, mobilizing European aid to ensure long-term security guarantees, strengthening NATO’s role through the new command in Wiesbaden, fulfilling financial commitments, developing Ukraine’s defense industry, and maintaining openness to its future membership in the Alliance.
After the briefing, NATO PA President Marcos Perestrello addressed the Members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in a speech delivered during the Parliament's plenary session.