“We call on our British colleagues to exert far heavier political and economic pressure on Russia with regard to its intention to hold these illicit ‘elections’ in the occupied Donbas,” – Iryna Herashchenko

In harness with Artur Herasymov, MP, from the Committee on National Security and Defence, the First Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Iryna Herashchenko met on November 7 with Stewart McDonald, the Scottish National Party’s Spokesperson for Defence.

The First Vice-Speaker Iryna Herashchenko thanked him for his personal involvement into Ukraine’s foreign-policy problems and noted the importance of the Donbas visit, which had been carried out by British parliamentarians in May.

During the meeting a wide range of issues was discussed, in particular regarding the humanitarian and security situation in the Donbas. Iryna Herashchenko underlined the inadmissibility of the Russia-induced so called “elections” to be held in the occupied Donbas. She then stressed that these "fake elections" would not have any legal implications, except for the deterioration of the Donbas’s security situation.

Informing of the Russia’s intent to recognize the so-called "snap elections" in the occupied Donbas, the First Vice-Speaker said that Ukrainian authorities would appeal to their British colleagues and other international partners asking to redouble political and economic pressure against the Russian Federation.

The parties also discussed external meddling into electoral processes in Ukraine.  They both emphasized the importance of timely counteraction to such weighty challenges.

In addition, Iryna Herashchenko drew attention of those present that the release of hostages and political prisoners had been blocked fast.  According to her, there is no move towards this direction due to destructive position of Russian authorities.

Talking about lawmaking initiatives, Iryna Herashchenko informed that on November 6 the parliament passed a draft law No.9080-1 "On mine action in Ukraine", where British experts’ position had been factored into, in particular.

In his turn, Stewart McDonald expressed interest in peaceful settlement of the conflict in the Donbas and assured Britain's continued support of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

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