“Construction of the Nord Stream 2 project may unbalance the energy security of Ukraine and the whole Euro-Atlantic space,” – Andriy Parubiy
This statement was made by Andriy Parubiy, the Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, during his recent meeting with Angela Merkel, the Federal Chancellor of Germany.
On the principle that "this is a common position of the Ukrainian parliament", he appealed to Mrs. Merkel to "study the arguments of the Ukrainian side in more detail" and called for understanding of Ukraine's gas pipeline position.
"At various times, we have had firsthand knowledge of Russia’s blackmailing power. Therefore, we know well how Russia tries to use energy to exert influence over political processes in our state, and we are thus calling for understanding of our position," said the chairman of parliament.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada thanked "for the great support Ukraine has received in the most difficult times of Ukrainian statehood", when needed from European partners. "Thanks to you and your personal position, Mrs. Merkel, Ukraine was able to receive support from the entire Euro-Atlantic area". A.Parubiy expressed his conviction that "sanctions against Russia, as a united action of all European powers, have become a very powerful signal of solidarity of the free world with Ukraine".
"Putin has challenged not only Ukraine. Putin did challenge the entire free world by breaking all the rules and standards of security that the post-war Europe was following," said the speaker of parliament.
A.Parubiy thanked A. Merkel for “the humanitarian support, for her participation in the liberation of Ukrainian political prisoners who are now hostages of the Putin regime and for bolstering Ukrainian reforms".
"At the time of overcoming the Russian aggression, we have to concurrently carry out reforms in virtually all spheres of public life," said the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada. Сonducted also is a sweeping reform of the security and defence sector, as for Ukraine defence and security are key and pressing issues. It is important for the country in military terms, as well as for security energy, information and cyber security reasons.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada reminded that next year both presidential and parliamentary elections would take place in Ukraine. In this context, he stressed the need to ensure fair and transparent elections. "We are well aware of Russia's efforts to influence the elections in Ukraine. With this in mind, the problem of cyber- and information security remains important to us. Therefore, we also count on solidarity and support of Ukraine in these issues," said A. Parubiy.
According to him, this year will be decisive one. "And we are sure that we shall continue the path of reforms that Ukraine has been in recent years. We shall ensure our further integration with the European Union. For Ukraine, receiving a visa-free travel and signing the Association Agreement have become a deciding event. We are convinced that we will be in the same path, together, and our countries will succeed," stressed the Verkhovna Rada Chairman Andriy Parubiy.
In her turn, A. Merkel noted the positive developments in Ukraine on the path to reforms, the fight against corruption and efforts aimed at achieving peace in the east of Ukraine. She stressed that Germany "extremely well and gladly helps" Ukraine through implementation of a number of projects in the humanitarian, decentralization, science and other spheres.
Touching the energy security, Angela Merkel said that she is in favour of partnership and providing Ukraine with guarantees that the country retain its transit role. According to her, it is a question of making a transit agreement. The German Chancellor stressed: "We want to see Ukraine as a transit partner".