Without Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO, the vision of a united, free, and peaceful Europe will remain incomplete, — stated Oleksandr Korniyenko. Press Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
Oleksandr Korniienko, First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, held a meeting with the delegation of the Interparliamentary Relations Group with Ukraine of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, headed by Saulius Luschikas.
Oleksandr Korniienko, expressed deep gratitude to Lithuania for its invaluable and long-standing support of Ukraine, particularly in the context of the hybrid war waged by the Russian Federation since 2014, encompassing military, informational, economic, and cyberattacks.
He underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation, emphasizing that Lithuania has consistently been a reliable partner and a key ally of Ukraine on the international stage — notably in advocating for Ukraine at global forums, advancing sanctions policy against Russia, and supporting Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations.
The First Deputy Speaker also highlighted Lithuania’s role as a regional cooperation leader, noting its ability to bring together the Baltic and Nordic countries — a factor of great significance for Ukraine.
«We thank the country and its people for Lithuania being one of Ukraine’s most active allies within the European Union. We highly value Lithuania’s efforts aimed at facilitating the opening of the first negotiation cluster. As a member of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiation team, I can assure you that Ukraine is taking all the necessary steps,» he stated.
In the context of European Integration, Oleksandr Korniienko underscored the importance of advancing reforms in Ukraine’s democratic institutions. He emphasized the need to enhance governance systems, ensure the rule of law, and strengthen key institutions such as the judiciary, parliamentary democracy, and local self-government. He stressed that, for Ukraine to successfully integrate into the European Union, it must continue implementing reforms — particularly those concerning judicial independence, institutional transparency, and the fight against corruption.
Oleksandr Korniyenko also addressed the issue of security, emphasizing the critical importance of NATO’s support and the Alliance’s expansion in favor of Ukraine. He expressed hope for continued assistance from international partners, particularly through NATO enlargement and enhanced regional security. The First Deputy Speaker highlighted Ukraine’s substantial progress in the defense sector, noting the country’s increased production of advanced military equipment, including artillery systems and drones. He underlined Ukraine’s readiness to share its expertise and to deepen cooperation with Lithuania, especially in the development of new technologies to bolster security in Ukraine and across Europe. “We deeply value the fact that our countries share a common vision: without Ukraine’s membership in the EU and NATO, the vision of a united, free, and peaceful Europe remains incomplete,” Korniyenko emphasized.
The First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada expressed his sincere gratitude for the visit of the Members of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania to the Ukrainian Parliament, underscoring its significance for strengthening interparliamentary relations between Ukraine and Lithuania. He noted that this meeting represents an important step toward deepening bilateral cooperation and contributes to advancing Ukraine’s European integration process.