First of all, the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine stressed that today the cities of Ukraine, including Kyiv, were under another massive enemy attack, emphasising the importance of military support for Ukraine.
Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed his gratitude to the European Union and its member states for the defence assistance already provided to Ukraine. “Continuing the practical implementation of the EU's joint plan and accelerating the supply of artillery ammunition to Ukraine is a priority,” he said, outlining in detail Ukraine's main needs, including air defence systems, long-range missiles, modern combat aircraft, artillery and ammunition.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also welcomed the EU's decision on a financial instrument for Ukraine: “This is an important act of support for Ukraine, which enables it to plan its future financially. It is also an important signal to moscow for putin that the joint support for Ukraine is strong.”
The parties also discussed further practical steps in light of the European Council's historic decision to open negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. “Ukraine welcomes the start of the screening of Ukrainian legislation for its compliance with the EU acquis and expects the immediate approval of the negotiation framework after the European Commission's assessment of Ukraine's implementation of legislative changes,” said the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine.
In addition, Ruslan Stefanchuk and Josep Borrell discussed the implementation of the Peace Formula of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi, EU security guarantees, sanctions against russia and the confiscation of russian assets.
“We appreciate the position of the Group of Seven, joined by many countries, on providing Ukraine with security guarantees. The first steps have already been taken,” stressed the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine, adding that Ukraine expects the EU to play a decisive role in providing security guarantees for Ukraine.
“It is not the quantity of sanctions that matters, but the quality. russia will feel economic pain when it cannot circumvent these sanctions through other countries,” Ruslan Stefanchuk said, expressing hope that the next sanctions package will eliminate all possibilities of circumventing these sanctions.
In conclusion, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine said that Ukraine plans to hold a Peace Summit in the near future and would be grateful for the active participation of the European Union and personal assistance in engaging other countries, in particular, the Global South, in the event.
