The meeting participants discussed bilateral cooperation at the level of the Parliaments of Ukraine and Japan; the situation in Ukraine; provision of Japan's humanitarian aid to Ukrainian children; and organization of days of Japan and Ukraine in both countries.

The Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada thanked the Ambassador for the humanitarian aid Ukraine had already been provided with, in particular, the one touching the environmental projects, and noted that "real monitoring" of the use of those funds must be ensured. Parubii said Ukraine is currently "facing numerous challenges, the aggression of Russia, its attempts to destabilize the situation both in the lines and inside of our country." "Thus, the assistance of Japan, which is currently presiding in the G7, in prolongation of sanctions against the Russian aggressor is extremely important for us," he said.

Having reminded about the return of Ukrainian officer Nadiya Savchenko, Parubii noted that a great number of Ukrainian servicemen and patriots still held hostage in Russia. "One more problem we have is the occupied Crimea, where Crimean Tatars are facing repressions," he said. Parubii noted that "we are a united country with a part of the territory occupied by Russia." "You can understand us better then anyone else. Therefore, we count on your support and better understanding between our countries," the Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada told Mr. Shigeki Sumi.

In turn, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine Shigeki Sumi appreciated fruitful work of the Ukrainian friendship group headed by people's deputy Leonid Yemets and called for further deepening of cooperation at the level of the country's parliaments. In particular, he reminded that next year Ukraine will host the year of Japan to help people of the two countries better understand each other, to help the Ukrainians learn about culture and achievements of the Japanese. Mr. Shigeki Sumi also noted the intention of his country to continue humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. He said that Ukrainian children-victims of the Russian aggression in the east of Ukraine will receive USD 1.8 million.

In speaking of the position of Japan on prolongation of the sanctions against the Russian aggressor, the Ambassador said that "Japan's position is very tough." "Our position lies in declaring any forced ways to change borders unacceptable. The sanctions must be prolonged," he said. He also informed that the G7 summit is considering the issue of Ukraine and respective declaration is expected on May 27.

Mr. Shigeki Sumi expressed himself in favor of holding further judicial reforms in Ukraine despite all the conditions. He also called the adoption of the new law on elections important for Ukraine. The Ambassador said Japanese companies are interested in formation of just courts in Ukraine.

Parubii said Ukraine is facing significant tasks almost in all fields of social life in conditions of combat activities. He said Ukraine had managed to make many important steps in different fields: defense reform, police reform, and the anticorruption reform. At the same time, he said "all the reforms fail when it comes to courts." "Thus, the top-priority is the judicial reform," he concluded.

Andrii Parubii predicted consideration of the draft laws on constitutional amendments next plenary week. "Next Thursday, the draft law that will allow second reading of the constitutional amendments will be put to vote. We count on adoption of the constitutional amendments, however, we do understand how difficult to receive 300 votes in the Parliament. However, I do believe we will manage to do that," he said. It will be a very important step for further implementation of reforms.

In speaking of the election reform, the Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada said he already headed a workgroup aiming to find the most optimal format for parliamentary elections. "I am confident, the discussion will certainly take some time, but I am sure that the next parliamentary election will take place under new election system," Parubii said, having called current election system the worst possible one.

Touching the issue of implementation of the Minsk agreement, the Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada said that everyday the Russian Federation violates the ceasefire regime. He said that in such conditions it is hard to speak about any elections on the occupied territories. "Firstly, we have to cease fire," he said and added that "every night our boys are killed there, the items of the agreement are violated by Russia." "Technical setting of the elections will become profanation. We have to make Russia fulfill the first obligation — cease fire for at least 30-60 days to receive grounds for holding following discussion," Parubii said.

According to the Chairperson of the Ukrainian Parliament, this position is important as it has considerable public reaction as the destabilization of Ukraine from inside is not less important for Putin than the combat activities.

Addressing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine Shigeki Sumi, Parubii assured of doing his best to successfully hold the days of Japan in Ukraine.