The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk held a working meeting with the European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson.
The parties discussed a number of important issues, including Ukraine’s European integration and the establishment of a special tribunal to punish the russian federation for all crimes committed in Ukraine.
First of all, Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized that Ukraine is very committed to implementing the seven recommendations of the European Commission: “We will make every effort to get a high assessment of our aspirations this summer.” He also added that Ukraine hopes for a positive assessment, and that the result of the difficult but necessary work will be the opening of negotiations on full membership in the European Union.
Ruslan Stefanchuk informed that in December, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the last of the necessary legislative acts on European integration: “As of the end of last year, we have fulfilled our obligations and are waiting for the assessment of their fulfilment.” The Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine also said that a fruitful dialog with the Venice Commission is ongoing.
“The task of the civilized world is to give a decent legal response to all the crimes committed by russia in Ukraine,” the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine emphasized, welcoming the great efforts of the joint investigation team to investigate the most serious international crimes. “We, the parliamentarians, appeal to the parliaments of other countries to support us,” he said.
Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that an important component of justice is fair judgments that must be delivered on all crimes committed by the russian federation on the territory of Ukraine. “We hope for an investigation by the International Criminal Court and for the agreement of Ukraine’s partners to establish a special tribunal to investigate the first and most serious crime – the crime of aggression,” the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine emphasized.
In addition, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expressed gratitude for the support provided to Ukrainian forced refugees: “Thank you for activating the mechanism of temporary protection, so that Ukrainian children can go to school, their mothers can find a job, and have a roof over their heads. For Ukraine, the life of every citizen is the highest social value.”
“We must do everything possible on our part to support you. putin must not win. The European Union must fight together with you on this path,” emphasized European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson.
She emphasized that the European Union fully supports the establishment of a special tribunal and assists Ukraine in this matter by collecting evidence of war crimes committed by russia.
Ylva Johansson said that today she visited Irpin, Kyiv region, where she spoke with specialized law enforcement agencies to deepen cooperation.
She also expressed her gratitude that the European Police Office (Europol) has the opportunity to join the work of the joint investigation team to investigate russian crimes.