The Chair of the Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the EU, Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze, the First Deputy Chair of the Committee, Vadym Halaychuk, and Committee member Olena Vintonak met with the Chair of the Bundestag's Committee on European Affairs, Anton Hofreiter.
The Committee members emphasised that the situation in Ukraine is very difficult. russia is now using new tactics in its war against Ukraine. In addition to destroying the civilian population, Ukrainian ideas and identity, and attacking energy and military facilities, the enemy has also targeted non-military enterprises that are successfully operating during the war and contributing to the Ukrainian budget. In this context, the Committee members called on their German colleague to work with his parliament, government and society to strengthen support for Ukraine. They noted that russia's tactic of pretending to be ready for negotiations is merely a delaying tactic. Therefore, clear and urgent action is needed from partners, not discussion. ‘The time for loud slogans and endless discussions about security guarantees is over. It is high time to demonstrate these guarantees in practice,’ emphasised Committee Chair Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze.
Ukrainian parliamentarians insisted on continuing pressure on russia, in particular through sanctions and the transfer of frozen russian assets to help Ukraine.
During the meeting, the domestic political situation in Ukraine was also discussed. Anton Hofreiter emphasised the importance of continuing anti-corruption reforms. According to him, russia exploits the issue of corruption in its propaganda. Therefore, it is important for Ukraine to show European societies that reforms in the fight against corruption are continuing.
Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze stressed that preserving the independence of anti-corruption bodies is not only a priority on Ukraine's path to the EU, but also a matter of responsibility to the Ukrainian people and Western partners. Therefore, the partners' close attention to the processes in Ukraine is extremely necessary. ‘It is about maintaining the trust of the Ukrainian people, the trust of society. It is also very important for us to maintain the trust of European societies. Therefore, we count on your support on this path,’ said Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze.
Regarding the fight against russian propaganda, the Committee Chair is convinced that Ukraine has extensive experience in this area, not only at the state level, but also at the level of civil society organisations. "Germany could support projects here in Ukraine that are successfully combating the spread of russian propaganda. And I believe that this support would be mutually beneficial, because russia is spreading similar messages in Germany. Therefore, a joint struggle to overcome these false narratives would be much more effective," emphasised Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze.