During his official visit to the French Republic, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine held a working meeting with the Prime Minister of the French Republic Elisabeth Borne.
First of all, Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed his gratitude to France for the military, humanitarian and financial assistance provided: “It is important not to lose the support of the world in this difficult period for Ukraine. After all, we are fighting for the values that are the basis of Europe and the democratic world in general.”
At the same time, he noted that the issues of reconstruction, adherence to the peace formula of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi, and Ukraine’s membership in the European Union and NATO are important for Ukraine.
“There should be an equal sign between the words “russia” and “terrorist”. It is important for as many countries as possible to recognize this,” the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine said. “We want to restore the borders of Ukraine, in accordance with 1991, so I see no reason to provide modern weapons – we need them to regain our territories,” he added.
At the same time, Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized the need to create a special tribunal for the russian federation. “The issue of restoring justice is a matter of principle and our common victory. It is crucial for Ukraine to find an honest international mechanism through which to bring russia to justice for its crimes,” he emphasized.
“France supports the prospect and candidacy of Ukraine for membership in the European Union. Starting in February, we will discuss this issue and try to find the shortest way for Ukraine to join the EU,” the French Prime Minister said.
Elizabeth Borne emphasized that the French Republic sees the dynamics of reforms in Ukraine: “Even when there is a war, you continue to implement reforms.”