We have high hopes for Switzerland's OSCE chairmanship in 2026
Oleksandr Korniienko, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met with parliamentarians of the Social Democratic Party of the Federal Assembly of the Swiss Confederation.
The meeting took place in the Ukrainian Parliament on February 13 with the participation of the Deputy Chair of the Committee on Ukraine's integration into the European Union, Head of the Permanent Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Mariia Mezentseva, the Chair of the Committee on Law Enforcement Activities, Deputy Co-Chair of the Group on Interparliamentary Relations with the Swiss Confederation Serhii Ionushas,the Deputy Chair of the Committee on Energy and Housing and Communal Services, member of the Group on Interparliamentary Relations with the Swiss Confederation Andrii Zhupanyn, and the Chair of the Subcommittee on Combating Corruption in the Energy and Housing and Communal Services Sector of the Committee on Energy and Housing and Communal Services, Co-Chair of the Group on Interparliamentary Relations with the Swiss Confederation Oleksii Krasov.
First Vice-Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko expressed gratitude to the Swiss delegation for the visit and continued dialogue at the interparliamentary level. He noted that the fact that this meeting is taking place on the eve of the third anniversary of the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine is symbolic, demonstrating the solidarity of Switzerland with the Ukrainian state and people. "It is a great honour to be here today. Soon, it will be the third anniversary of the russian large-scale invasion of Ukraine and 11 years after the invasion of Crimea. It is our battle for independence and sovereignty, democratic values, and our ability to make our own choices about the future of our country. Your support is quite meaningful to us in this struggle. We have high hopes for the next year when Switzerland will chair the OSCE," emphasized Oleksandr Korniienko.
The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine called on international partners, particularly the Swiss Parliament, to enter a joint statement confirming unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and the principles of international law. He stressed that consolidating the voices of democratic countries is crucial for countering russian aggression and achieving a just and lasting peace.
Oleksandr Korniienko highlighted the importance of military assistance in the current conditions and economic cooperation. "We appreciate Switzerland's decision to allocate funds to implement development projects and humanitarian programs in Ukraine. The support we receive is crucial for our efforts, recovery, and development. Understanding that russia, as a country, is a neighbouring state, we must be strong," the First Vice-Speaker concluded.