“Collective security and joint counteraction to hybrid threats are both among crucial points of concern for the whole Carpathian region,” -- Olena Kondratiuk
The vice speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stated this during her speech at the international conference "Europe of the Carpathians", which took place in Krasiczyn (Poland) on February 22-23.
She drew attention of the conferees that the undeclared war against Ukraine is still on and runs rampant. In particular, on February 18, a large-scale shelling by prohibited large-calibre artillery systems killed one Ukrainian soldier, and five more defenders were seriously injured. The same day, the aggressor violated the ceasefire regime twenty two times.
"I do want everyone here, on a peaceful land, to understand that the war against us is going on, that it’s nigh at hand. Ukraine has paid and continues to pay an exorbitantly high price to become part of a large European family. It is a bloody price for our freedom and our European choice,” Olena Kondratiuk stated.
The vice speaker underscored that among Ukraine’s vital priorities enshrined in its constitution, there is integration into the European political, economic, legal, security and humanitarian space.
“The course of Ukraine towards the EU and NATO remains an unchanged foreign policy priority of our country. I am grateful to our partners, and especially to Poland, for advocating an open door policy of these institutions towards new members," Olena Kondratiuk emphasized.
The Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also noted that Ukraine is interested in the development of inter-regional cooperation within the Carpathian region and in a full-blown participation in the implementation of regional initiatives and projects. In her opinion, there is a wide range of possibilities for all countries of the region in pursuing fruitful cooperation within the framework of the Three Seas Initiative. “Ukraine is interested in becoming a member of the association and participating in projects implemented by this interstate project. I appeal to representatives of the countries participating in the initiative to support this Ukraine’s aspiration,” O. Kondratiuk highlighted.
The politician also broached the subject of providing legal and social protection to Ukrainian labour migrants working throughout the Carpathian region.