The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk discussed security and economic support for Ukraine with U.S. Senators
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met in the Ukrainian Parliament with a bipartisan delegation of the U.S. Senate consisting of Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senators Thom Tillis and Michael Bennet. During the meeting, they discussed security, sanctions policy and economic cooperation between Ukraine and the United States.
Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked the U.S. senators for supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and emphasized the importance of the principle of "peace through strength". "The aggressor must feel the full force of the great America, which has always stood in defense of democracy, freedom and justice," he said.
The two sides also discussed the need to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. Congress on a bipartisan and bicameral basis, which remains an important priority.
Particular attention was paid to the use of frozen russian assets. "russia has to pay for the war," emphasized Ruslan Stefanchuk, adding that Ukraine and its partners are looking for effective mechanisms to use these funds to rebuild the country.
The participants also discussed the expansion of sanctions against the banking, financial and energy sectors of russia, in particular the nuclear industry and the shadow fleet. "The sanctions policy should be tough and uncompromising," said the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.
Regarding security guarantees, Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized that the best mechanism to protect Ukraine is NATO membership. "The Ukrainian army is the strongest in Europe, and its experience will strengthen the security of the entire Alliance," the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament emphasized.
The parties also discussed economic cooperation and post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. Ruslan Stefanchuk invited American partners to invest in Ukraine's future right now. "The U.S. can become a key player in our post-war reconstruction — from the defense industry to the energy sector," he emphasized.
"We are ready to negotiate, but only on the terms of a just peace. Ukraine is fighting for victory, and our allies know that there will be no peace in Europe without Ukraine," the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine concluded.