Within the framework of the second day of the Conference of the Presidents of the EU Parliaments, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met with the Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Boris Kollar.
The speakers of the two parliaments met in person for the first time, and the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament expressed confidence that after today’s meeting, the inter-parliamentary cooperation between the two countries will reach an even higher level.
Ruslan Stefanchuk also expressed his sincere gratitude to Slovakia for the comprehensive military, humanitarian and political support provided to our country since the first days of russia’s full-scale invasion.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also thanked Slovakia for supporting Ukraine’s application for EU membership, stressing that he expects the same strong support for Ukraine’s further European integration, in particular, the start of negotiations on full membership this year.
During the conversation, Ruslan Stefanchuk also noted that another strategic goal of Ukraine is NATO membership, and Slovakia’s authority and support are important to us.
The parties discussed in detail the issue of establishing a special tribunal for russia for crimes committed in Ukraine. The Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament thanked the Slovak Parliament for adopting a resolution supporting its creation.
He also called on the Slovak Republic to support the implementation of the Ukrainian peace initiative – the peace formula of President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, which for Ukraine is the embodiment of a just and lasting peace for the future of Europe and the world.
The participants also touched upon the issue of historical justice, in particular, the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament called on the Slovak Parliament to recognise the Holodomor of 1932-33 as genocide of the Ukrainian people, as the failure to punish this crime led to the emergence of a new one in the modern world, which is being committed by russia in Ukraine.
“russia is an aggressor country that must be punished and must compensate for all the damage caused to Ukraine,” the Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic assured his Ukrainian counterpart that the Slovak Parliament had taken a clear position by adopting resolutions condemning russia’s aggression and recognising the Russian regime as a terrorist one, and russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
He also stressed that the Slovak Republic is a reliable partner of Ukraine, supporting us in a just war and defence of our country.
“We did our best to help you and it was not always easy for us. But we have stood by you from the first days of the aggression,” said Boris Kollar.
At the same time, he noted that Slovakia is fully aware that Ukraine is also fighting for Europe and this is not only our war – “you are defending us as well”.
“We understand that if Ukraine loses this war, we, Estonia, Latvia, and Moldova will be the next to lose. And if we do not stop putin, he will go on,” the Speaker said.
He also stressed that russia must pay for its aggression, in particular, financially and legally.
“They must be punished for their crimes, violence, genocide, and violation of all the clauses of the Geneva Conventions. We agree with the initiative to establish a special tribunal where all perpetrators will be brought to justice,” Boris Kollar said.
On behalf of the Slovak Parliament, he also expressed unequivocal support for Ukraine’s membership in the EU and NATO.
“We will support you. We know that a lot of reforms have already been implemented and a lot of efforts have been made. This is a complex process, but I am convinced that after all seven recommendations are implemented, negotiations on Ukraine’s full membership in the EU can be launched,” the Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic assured his Ukrainian counterpart.