“NATO’s bolstering within the cyber-security compass is utterly important in the build-up for Ukraine’s hustings,” – Andriy Parubiy after the meeting with the NATO Secretary General
Fielding mass media questions, the chairman stressed the highest importance of getting NATO’s support in the run-up to coming elections. According to the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, there was discussed a wide range of issues with the Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, including cyber-security. It was agreed, among other things, to boost the NATO trust fund used for refinement of Ukraine’s cyber-security.
The head of parliament also noted that he had provided detailed information about the martial law introduced by Ukraine during the meeting. “The two-fortnight term is needed for enabling us to call a levy in mass and build up an all-around defence in case of a flare-up of hostilities,” explained A.Parubiy. “Ukraine’s position has been knowingly taken and supported by our partners,” stressed the politician later on.
The Verkhovna Rada Chairman also spoke about the progress in Ukraine’s reforms that are laying a legal groundwork for the whole security and defence sector, including the implementation of national security law, in particular.
“Ukraine is waiting for NATO’s firm and blunt message
about Ukraine’s prospects for the accession,” stated the parliament’s head.
“The Sea of Azov is not and cannot be a property of the Russian Federation – as it is the high seas, international waters,” – Andriy Parubiy
Asked about joint actions in view of a would-be conflict escalation, the chairman elucidated there were “debates upon a leap in NATO’s naval and air presence over the Black Sea basin”.
According to the chairman, European parliamentarians ventilated sending EU vessels through the Kerch Strait to “show Putin the Azov Sea is not and cannot be a property of the Russian Federation as it is international waters”.
“These provocations must be stopped, and the community of nations ought to give a demonstration of inadmissibility of querying the status of these waters,” underlined the parliament’s head.
He also clued up the North Atlantic Council’s public
reaction to the recent Russia’s belligerent act would be delivered “before too
long”.
“Within some weeks there will be reviewed harder and longer sanctions against Russia in the European Parliament,” – VRU Chairman A.Parubiy
While in Brussels on visit, the dignitary stated at the briefing there would soon be considered new - heavier - sanctions upon the Russian Federation.
“I have handed in the VRU’s recent appeal on the Kerch Strait developments to push ahead a year-long cluster of sanctions instead of semiannual. We are sure a six-month period is too short,” highlighted the chairman.
He then expressed his high hopes for getting support on the above issues.
Worthy of note
North Atlantic Council statement on developments near the Sea of Azov
"In view of Russia’s use of military force against Ukraine near the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait, ?NATO Allies call on Russia to ensure unhindered access to Ukrainian ports and allow freedom of navigation.
There is no justification for Russia’s use of military force against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel. We call on Russia to release the Ukrainian sailors and ships it seized, without delay. We call for calm and restraint.
We reiterate our full support to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and territorial waters. We strongly condemn Russia’s illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea, which we do not and will not recognize. Russia's construction and partial opening of the Kerch Strait bridge represents another violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity".