Ruslan Stefanchuk discusses further support for Ukraine with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Keir Starmer, in London.
Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that the dialogue was frank and substantive - the parties focused on further support for Ukraine in the face of russia's constant attacks on peaceful cities and energy infrastructure. During the meeting, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada handed over to the Prime Minister an updated list of Ukraine's urgent defence needs. "russia is deliberately waging terror against the civilian population, trying to break people's lives and deprive Ukrainians of warmth and light on the eve of winter. The only answer to this evil is the strength and solidarity of the democratic world," Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed.
That is why Ukraine needs additional air defence systems, missiles, drone countermeasures and critical infrastructure protection.
The parties agreed that a just peace is possible only if maximum pressure is put on the aggressor. It was emphasised that the sanctions policy should become even tougher, and all schemes for circumventing restrictions should be eliminated. They also discussed the use of frozen russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed that the aggressor should compensate for the damage caused and bear financial responsibility for the war.
An important topic of the meeting was the return of illegally deported Ukrainian children. The United Kingdom is an active participant in the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, and Ukraine highly appreciates its principled position and leadership in this area.
Ruslan Stefanchuk also noted that Ukraine and the United Kingdom are already bound by the Centenary Partnership Agreement, which came into force today. "This Agreement strengthens political trust between our countries and lays the foundation for cooperation for decades to come - in the areas of defence, economy, security, energy and reconstruction," the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed.